MIAMI (93.7 The Fan) – It was a game that appeared headed for a blowout loss, but as the Steelers adjusted, it was four dropped interceptions and two fourth-quarter interceptions that doomed the Steelers to a fifth loss in seven games. Miami wins at home 16-10.
Kenny Pickett completed a big fourth-down pass to Pat Freiermuth and just when it appeared they might have a chance for a late comeback, Pickett threw his third interception of the game.
Noah Igbinoghene picked off a pass at the goal line to seal the game.
Previous drive it appeared the Steelers were heading for a tying touchdown. Steelers going with a QB sneak on third-and-on from the Miami 15-yard line. An illegal shift, followed by a holding call and a 3rd and 16 Pickett throw was too late over the middle and picked off by Jevon Holland.
Other Mistakes
The first and last of the missed gained interceptions by Levi Wallace, they were the toughest of the group. The other two were easy-one by Cam Sutton would have made it a three-point game at half instead of six. The final was by Terrell Edmunds, it would have set up the Steelers in Dolphins territory in the third quarter.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa showed no rust returning after missing a couple of games with a concussion. He drove them right down the field on the opening drive, exploiting the middle of the field for a 7-0 lead. Then easily down again before a big hit by Minkah Fitzpatrick prevented a second touchdown and forced a field goal. Miami had six plays of 10-yards or more in the first two series alone.
Miami got a second field goal off a Pickett interception when it appeared Chase Claypool was interfered with and fell down. Dolphins would go 30 yards for a 13-0 lead.
Steelers offense would get some momentum with a 12-play drive for a Chris Boswell 44-yard field goal and then took 7:29 for a touchdown drive and a pretty fade to George Pickens as his second foot landed just before his hand did out of bounds. A first NFL touchdown for Pickens and a 13-10 deficit before Miami added a 45-yard field goal and a 16-10 halftime lead.
After allowing 246 yards in the first half, Larry Ogunjobi got a key fourth down stop deep in Steelers territory and the Steelers forced five consecutive punts, no points, one of seven on third down and 127 total yards.
Stats Story
· Kenny Pickett-32 of 44 for 257 yards, TD, 3 INT
· George Pickens-6 catches for 61 yards, TD
· Pat Freiermuth-8 catches for 75 yards
· Najee Harris-17 rushes for 65 yards
· Myles Jack-10 tackles (8 solo)
· Minkah Fitzpatrick-6 tackles
· Devin Bush-6 tackles (5 solo)
· Tagovailoa threw for 261 yards, TD, 0 INT, 92.7 QB rating
· Raheem Mostert rushed for 79 yards
· Tyreek Hill-7 catches for 72 yards
· Jaylen Waddle-4 catches for 88 yards
Notes
· Steelers finished with no sacks and only a couple tackles for loss
· While Pickett completed 73% of his passes, for only a 5.8 average
· Gross yards-Steelers 257, Dolphins 261, each team committed 5 penalties
Inactives
There was hope earlier in the week of getting Ahkello Witherspoon back from his hamstring injury, but he was unable to play. Here were the others
G-Kendrick Green-has not been active all season
WR-Steven Sims-suffered a hamstring injury
LB-Mark Robinson-after he dressed for the first time last week
QB-Mason Rudolph-team confident in Kenny Pickett’s health