The now 8-6 Pittsburgh Steelers got a refreshing blowout win against the Miami Dolphins, erupting mid-game, and their largest lead was 25 points in the fourth quarter.
In this article, I will provide data from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and takeaways.
Offense:
Excellent (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Great (80-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Nine players here.
The best grade on offense was T Dylan Cook (78.4 grade, 66 snaps), in his first NFL regular-season start. It was a solid debut at a ravaged LT position, particularly as a pass blocker. Led the team with an 89.9 grade, with no pressures allowed on 32 pass block snaps. 69.6 run block was also above the line, and thankfully, it was one of several Steelers to step up in increased opportunities.
C Zach Frazier (75.9, 66) graded best in run blocking (75.3), leading Pittsburgh offensive linemen. 67.9 pass block, allowing one pressure, which was a sack, on 32 pass block snaps. Was another offensive lineman who largely played well, thankfully.
RB Kenneth Gainwell (75.2, 34) continues to make a significant impact. 126 total yards, with 80 on the ground and 46 as a receiver. Given an excellent 90.5 receiving grade, leading all Steelers. Caught all seven targets and has the most catches for Pittsburgh in 2025. 63.8 rush grade seemed low, with 13 attempts and a 6.2 average. Included a 38-yard run (longest play), breaking a tackle as the Steelers pounded the rock to start the second half.
TE Connor Heyward (74.5, 4) is carrying the tush push load extremely well. In those opportunities, Pittsburgh went 3-of-4, converting on two fourth downs and including a TD run just before halftime from a yard out. The fail was a third down, but the Steelers ran it back and converted on the ensuing fourth down. Great to see coach Mike Tomlin be more aggressive going for it. 71.1 rush grade.
QB Aaron Rodgers (73.0, 66) has heated up the last two games. Went 23/27 passing for an 85.2-percent completion rate, 224 yards, and two touchdowns (no picks). Took what the defense mainly gave, but threw some lasers in a highly efficient outing. 73.0 passing grade, with a big-time throw, but also a turnover-worthy play on a near interception. Particularly enjoyed his third quarter, where both TDs came, and his vet savvy was on display.
WR DK Metcalf (72.3, 52) caught all three targets for 55 yards. More involvement from Metcalf would obviously be ideal, but he had a quality day. Two catches went for explosive yardage. Took one to the house on a wow yards after catch play, throwing former Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick to the side like a rag doll, and a great cut to knife through the defense too. 71.9 receiving, 58.3 run block.
T Troy Fautanu (72.2, 66) begins the list of three more linemen in the good tier. 79.8 pass block grade was second on the team, allowing just one pressure (hurry) on 32 pass block snaps. 65.8 run blocking. Ryan McCollum (70.4, 4) played a bit, all at LG in this game after Isaac Seumalo exited to injury (68.8 pass block, 68.1 run block). Seumalo (70.1, 53) was given 68.5 run block and 64.5 pass block, and hopefully can return soon.
Bad (Below 50 Grades):
The lowest grade on defense was WR Adam Thielen (48.2, 38). Caught his lone target for seven yards (52.6 receiving), and had the second-worst 39.8 run block on the team. I did note a positive one on TE Jonnu Smith’s rushing TD that was enjoyable, like most of the second half, thankfully.
Defense:
Excellent (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Great (80-Plus Grades):
The best grade on defense and overall was LB Malik Harrison (83.5, 29). Had five solo tackles (three stops) for an 80.5 tackle grade that led the team. Made noise as a pass rusher, with three pressures (all hurries) on seven pass rush snaps and a team-leading 86.9 pass rush grade. 68.1 run defense, noting some poor reps, along with a 61.3 coverage grade. 2-of-2 receiving allowed for 14 yards per PFF.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Five players. DL Cameron Heyward (78.9, 37) had a nice game. Five total tackles (all stops), including two for a loss, four pressures, a QB hit, and a sack. The latter came with six minutes left in the game, a big play to help Pittsburgh hold on to its comfortable lead. 72.5 tackle, 70.6 pass rush, and 63.2 run defense.
DL Esezi Otomewo (75.1, 22) also provided a late-game sack with 1:34 left. It’s great to see him improving with his opportunities. This was his lone pressure on 14 pass rushes, though, for a 58.9 grade. The best grade was a 76.4 run defense (eight snaps), which led all Steelers. Three total tackles, including one stop for a 70.4 grade.
EDGE Alex Highsmith (73.1, 44) stepped up in the absence of star T.J. Watt. Highsmith had a team-leading six pressures (all hurries), two total tackles (no stops), a missed tackle, and a pass defensed. Was disruptive on perimeter passing on multiple reps, and had a near interception in the team’s strong third quarter. 72.8 tackle, 71.7 coverage, 67.3 pass rush, and 62.3 run defense.
LB Payton Wilson (71.9, 21) also got on the sack train, but it was a coverage sack. It was another plus play in the third quarter to add to the list. This was his lone pressure on four pass rushes. Three total tackles (one stop). 78.0 tackling, 68.7 coverage (not targeted), 65.4 pass rush, 60.0 run defense.
CB Joey Porter Jr. (70.2, 50) allowed just 1-of-3 receiving, for 16 yards, and had a pass breakup for a team-leading 72.7 coverage grade. Had two total tackles (no stops), but given his best 75.2 grade. 54.1 run defense was the weakness, which can hopefully improve down the stretch, but good overall night.
Bad (Below 50 Grades):
Four men. S Kyle Dugger (42.5, 50) returned from a one-game injury absence. Had two total tackles (no stops), but missed a tackle on the first defensive play (31.9 grade). Average 61.7 run defense grade. Also had a bad 44.5 coverage grade, allowing 4-of-5 receiving for 37 yards and a touchdown. Trending positively the last three games would be huge.
EDGE Nick Herbig (42.0, 26) had one total tackle, a big stop while on the ground early that could have popped otherwise. QB hit on his lone pressure, on just seven pass rushes (exited to injury). Was asked to drop in coverage more (nine snaps), and struggled (39.5 grade, second-worst on team), allowing a 24-yard explosive reception. 69.9 tackle, 63.6 pass rush, 49.3 run defense (worst on team). Health is the primary concern (knocks on wood).
EDGE DeMarvin Leal (39.0, 3) got a helmet, last playing in Week Four. Zero burger on the stat sheet on limited snaps. 60.0 run defense and 56.6 pass rush grades were well above his 39.0 overall grade, curiously.
The worst defensive grade was EDGE Jack Sawyer (38.0, 28). A team worst 29.6 coverage grade for starters, allowing a 29-yard catch on his lone target (nine coverage snaps). No pressures on 11 opportunities either. Had one assisted tackle on a two-yard run in the first half. 69.9 tackle, 66.2 run defense, 50.9 pass rush.
Special Teams:
NOTE – Some names don’t appear (less snaps, average grade).
Excellent (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Great (80-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
The best special teams grade was Carson Bruener (78.5, 17), becoming a regular occurrence deserving props. Added an assisted tackle to his impressive rookie resume.
Bad (Below 50 Grades):
Two players. Scotty Miller (44.2, 2) missed a punt return tackle. The worst special teams and overall grade was LS Christian Kuntz (34.5, 9), apparently having snapping issues.
Steelers Week 15/Regular Season Snaps:
Week 15 Snap Leaders/Season Total Snaps Leader:
OFF – Dylan Cook, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Aaron Rodgers
DEF – Kyle Dugger, Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Jalen Ramsey, Asante Samuel Jr
ST – Payton Wilson
SEA TOT – Jalen Ramsey