Dolphins Run Past Steelers 30-15

For the first time this season, the Miami Dolphin offensive linemen were seen as heroes.

The big-guys up front didn’t give up a single sack all game and helped a solid running game as the Dolphins defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-15 Sunday in Miami.

For reference, the past two games Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked a total of 11 times and was getting pressured almost every time he stepped back in the pocket.  But this game was different as Tannehill emphasizes how well his protection held up, keeping him clean throughout the game.

Tannehill finished the game with 252 yards passing.

The real beneficiary of a good game from the offensive line was running back Jay Ajayi. The carousel of running backs in Miami might have ended after Ajayi’s performance as he ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns. The “Jay Train” averaged eight yards a carry and used his speed through the holes created at the line of scrimmage.

– 222 yards rushing.
– 3 rush TDs.
– 0 Sacks allowed.

The O-Line did work yesterday. pic.twitter.com/QLijRAYSTs

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 17, 2016

The Dolphins weren’t handed this victory, and they initially looked like they have all season. Underwhelming.

The first touchdown of the game went to Darrius Heyward-Bey on an end-around sweep where he bounced off of would-be tacklers and used his speed to zoom through the second level of the defense. The Steelers went for a two-point conversion after the touchdown and made it and the Dolphins found themselves down 8-0.  The alarms started to sound in Miami, and the Steeler Terrible Towels were out in force.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/787708136232673280

The course of the game changed when Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered an injury in the second quarter after throwing an interception, setting up a Miami scoring drive.

After the game it was made public that Big Ben tore his meniscus and is undergoing surgery Monday. He finished the game with 189 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

From there, Miami’s offense complimented their defense giving them great field possession on multiple occasions. The Dolphins kept the ball on the ground, gashing the Steelers defense who were on the field for most of the game. The running backs had three touchdowns and rushed for a total of 222 yards.

A culmination of turnovers, bad defense, and lack of offensive firepower resulted in a disappointing loss for Pittsburgh. Coach Mike Tomlin says they’ll assess it and move forward.

As for the Dolphins, it was a great team win. They move to 2-4 on the season with their next two games at home.