PITTSBURGH – The lights were bright, the fans were ready, and the stakes were high. But the Week 15 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins took an unexpected twist before kickoff. Moments before the game, Miami’s head coach Jonny LoudPockets stepped down, leaving the Dolphins under CPU control, or as Coach DK LaFleur jokingly called it afterward, “The Robotic Dolphins.”
Despite the odd circumstances, the Steelers treated it like any other Sunday, taking care of business with a 31-24 win that moved them to 9-5 on the season. It might not have been the kind of game anyone expected, but Pittsburgh made sure it counted all the same.
Strange Setup, Same Mentality
When asked about facing an AI-led opponent, LaFleur didn’t hold back a smile. “You never plan for that,” he said. “We game plan all week for a coach, and then you find out you’re playing a computer. But our mindset doesn’t change. The standard is the standard.”
And that standard showed early. The Steelers opened the game locked in, mixing power runs, play-action passes, and strong defense to control the tempo. The Cyborg Dolphins might not have had a human mind behind the headset, but they still had NFL talent on the field. Pittsburgh had to earn every inch.
Ridder Remains Steady
Quarterback Desmond Ridder continued his efficient, confident play, delivering another strong outing with 224 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 66 percent of his passes. His 136.1 NFL passer rating marked one of his cleaner games of the year.
“He’s really found his rhythm,” said Coach LaFleur. “Desmond’s managing games the right way, taking what’s there, not forcing throws, and trusting the guys around him. That’s what winning football looks like.”
His decision-making showed up early and was key to setting the tone against a high powered Miami offense, although it was puzzling to see Zach Wilson trot out as opposed to Tua Throwitrighttoya.
Darnell Dominates
Speaking of Darnell Washington, it was his night to shine. The massive tight end looked uncoverable, posting 8 catches for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Whether it was down the seam, on crossing routes, or in the red zone, the Dolphins defense had no answers for him.
“He’s becoming such a mismatch nightmare,” Ridder said postgame. “You can put a corner, a linebacker, or a safety on him, doesn’t matter. He’s going to win that matchup more often than not.” Washington’s physicality after the catch stood out as always, as he rumbled through tackles for extra yardage multiple times.
Carter Crushes the Cyborgs
The Dolphins may not have had a coach, but they certainly didn’t have an answer for rookie running back Nate Carter either. The breakout back continued his sensational rookie campaign, totaling 164 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
Carter’s 144 rushing yards came on just 16 carries, a ridiculous 9.0 yards per attempt, highlighted by a 38-yard burst that showcased his balance and breakaway speed. He added a receiving touchdown later in the game as well showing his versatility in DK LaFleur’s offense.
“I told him he runs like he’s angry at the grass,” joked wide receiver Alec Pierce. “Every play looks like he’s trying to take it to the house.”
Defense Sets the Tone
While the offense was efficient, the defense was ferocious. The Steelers front seven made life miserable for Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson, who, for reasons only Jonny LoudPockets and the CPU might understand, got the start over Tua Tagovailoa.
Wilson threw for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns, but much of that came in catch-up mode. He was also sacked eight times and threw a costly interception in the red zone to linebacker Payton Wilson, which proved to be the turning point in the game.
“Payton’s been everywhere lately,” said LaFleur. “That interception changed everything. You could feel the momentum swing right there.”
Wilson’s stat line looked like something out of a video game: 9 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and that massive interception. His energy and sideline-to-sideline speed were on full display.
Around him, the rest of the defense followed suit. T.J. Watt did T.J. Watt things with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss, while Alex Highsmith and Patrick Queen each added a sack of their own. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon continued his strong development, notching 1.5 sacks and disrupting the middle of Miami’s offensive line.
All told, the Steelers held the Dolphins to just 59 rushing yards on the night.
“That’s Pittsburgh football right there,” said Watt. “You stop the run, you pressure the quarterback, and you make plays. It’s what we hang our hat on.”
Staying the Course
The win pushes the Steelers to 9-5, keeping them right in the thick of the AFC North race and the playoff chase overall. The victory may not have come against a human opponent, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful in the standings.
Coach LaFleur wasn’t interested in any “CPU win” jokes after the game either. “You play who’s in front of you,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s a coach, a computer, or a clone. Our job is to execute, and we did that tonight.”
Now, Pittsburgh turns its attention to Week 16 and another must-win matchup against the Detroit Lions, a team hungry for redemption and looking to play spoiler.
But for now, the black and gold can take pride in handling business, even under unusual circumstances. The Robotic Waterproof Dolphins may not have been the challenge they expected, but the Steelers treated it like any other game, with focus, professionalism, and execution.
Because in Pittsburgh, no matter who’s on the other sideline, human or otherwise, the mission stays the same.
– Forged In Steel Times
