A Measuring Stick Game: What Monday Night Will Reveal About the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have found their footing over the past few weeks, but if this team is going to keep its season alive, the offensive burden can’t rest solely on De’Von Achane’s shoulders. Achane has been electric and remains the engine of the offense, yet December football — especially on the road, in primetime — demands balance, toughness, and multiple players capable of making defenses pay.
That’s where the Dolphins’ complementary playmakers must step up, particularly in the passing game. With defenses increasingly selling out to stop Achane and bracketing Jaylen Waddle on the perimeter, opportunities are opening up elsewhere. Darren Waller and Greg Dulcich stand out as the most logical beneficiaries of a humming run game and defensive overcommitment. Both tight ends have shown they can be dependable, physical targets who thrive in traffic — exactly the type of players Miami will need against a rugged Steelers defense.
This matchup figures to be gritty and uncomfortable, the kind of game where style points don’t matter. Miami must continue to lean on its physical run game, but it also has to counterpunch with timely, punishing throws over the middle. That balance keeps defenses honest and prevents everything from collapsing onto Achane. Still, it can’t stop with the tight ends. The wide receiver depth must show up.
Malik Washington and Cedrick Wilson Jr. are viable options who have flashed chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa in key moments. Neither needs to dominate the box score, but their involvement matters. A few conversions, a contested catch, or a timely third-down grab could be the difference between sustaining drives and giving the ball right back. Most importantly, their production helps prevent defenses from zeroing in on Achane and Waddle.
Because of the hole Miami dug earlier in the season, the margin for error is gone. Every game now feels like a playoff game, and that pressure falls squarely on Mike McDaniel to keep pushing the creative, disciplined approach that has fueled the winning streak. Execution has improved, penalties have been minimized, and the offense has played with more purpose. Fans and ownership need to see that same composure on the road, in December, in a playoff-like environment.
On the other side of the ball, Anthony Weaver’s defense deserves real credit. They’re playing fast, confident, and connected — all 11 moving as one. If that continues, the Dolphins can compete with anyone. Pittsburgh will try to impose its will with a downhill run game and physical targets like DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington, and former Dolphin Jonnu Smith. Miami’s front seven must build off last week, generate pressure, and stay disciplined against a quarterback who gets the ball out quickly.
If we’re being honest, playoffs remain unlikely, but Monday night is another benchmark. Have the Dolphins turned the page and learned from past failures, or has this streak been more a product of the competition? We shall see on Monday night.
