PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers could not stop smiling as he looked at the stat sheet on Monday night. One by one, he called out the names of teammates who helped the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Miami Dolphins 28–15 on Monday Night Football.
Kenneth Gainwell. Connor Heyward. Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Asante Samuel Jr. Adam Thielen.
To Rodgers, they all shared something special — they were players many teams had given up on.
“There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster, which makes it really special,” Rodgers said with a grin. “It says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”
Rodgers Delivers One of His Most Accurate Performances
Rodgers produced one of his finest displays in years, recording his highest completion percentage since 2014.
Aaron Rodgers’ key stats:
23 completions from 27 passes
224 passing yards
85.2% completion rate
Eight different receivers targeted
The Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight drives, something they had not achieved since Week 2 of the 2018 season.
Touchdowns Spark Steelers’ Momentum Shift
Pittsburgh trailed early, but the game turned just before half-time.
Key scoring moments:
Connor Heyward powered in with a tush push on third-and-one to give the Steelers their first points
On the opening drive of the second half, Rodgers hit Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard touchdown
The score pushed Pittsburgh into a commanding 14–3 lead
It was Rodgers’ first touchdown connection with Valdes-Scantling since their Green Bay Packers days in 2021.
“Happy to have you back,” Rodgers told the receiver with a smile.
‘He’ll Throw It to Anyone’: Receivers Praise Rodgers
Valdes-Scantling, who had only joined the 53-man roster earlier that day, praised Rodgers’ approach.
“He’s not afraid to throw it to anybody,” Valdes-Scantling said. “If you can get open, he’ll find you.”
Rodgers spread the ball confidently, showing full trust in his supporting cast.
Kenneth Gainwell Impresses on a Bargain Contract
Running back Kenneth Gainwell was one of the standout performers on the night.
Gainwell’s performance:
7 receptions from 7 targets
46 receiving yards
80 rushing yards
13 carries
Gainwell signed a one-year, $1.79 million deal, but Rodgers believes his value is far higher.
“I still cannot believe what we got him for,” Rodgers said. “Every time he goes into the game, something good happens.”
Unsung Hero: Dylan Cook Earns Praise in the Trenches
Left tackle Dylan Cook, making his first career start as a fourth-string lineman, did not appear in the box score — but his impact was felt.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was full of praise.
“He was part of a winning effort tonight,” Tomlin said. “He deserves congratulations.”
Asante Samuel Jr. Makes Immediate Defensive Impact
On defence, Asante Samuel Jr. made his first start for Pittsburgh after joining the team’s practice squad in November.
Despite returning just months after spinal fusion surgery, Samuel made an instant impact.
Defensive highlight:
First-quarter interception of Tua Tagovailoa
With cornerback James Pierre sidelined due to a calf injury, Samuel stepped up when needed most.
Team Culture Praised as Newcomers Buy In Quickly
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward highlighted the professionalism shown by new arrivals.
“These guys are professionals,” Heyward said. “They study, they learn the system, and when their moment comes, they’re ready.”
Adam Thielen’s dedication also stood out, with teammates noting how quickly he immersed himself in the playbook.
Steelers Strengthen Grip on AFC North Lead
The victory further strengthened Pittsburgh’s position at the top of the AFC North, extending their lead over the Baltimore Ravens.
It also marked the Steelers’ first back-to-back wins since late September and early October.
Linebacker Patrick Queen stressed the importance of momentum as the season intensifies.
“This is when you create momentum,” Queen said. “We’ve got three extremely tough games coming, but we’ve got the guys to do it.”
Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ win over Miami was not just about Aaron Rodgers’ accuracy — it was about belief, depth, and players proving they still belong at the highest level.
For Rodgers and Pittsburgh, the so-called castoffs are quickly becoming the backbone of a team building serious momentum.
References
ESPN – NFL Monday Night Football coverage
Pittsburgh Steelers official post-game interviews
NFL.com game statistics and box score
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