NFL: Rodgers hails Steelers after huge win over Dolphins

Aaron Rodgers praised the depth and character of the Pittsburgh Steelers squad after their 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, a win that ended Miami’s four-game winning run.

The quarterback was visibly upbeat post-game, smiling as he reeled off the names of team-mates who played key roles in the result.

Kenneth Gainwell, Connor Heyward, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Asante Samuel Jr and Adam Thielen all featured prominently as Pittsburgh put together one of their most complete offensive displays in years.

“There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster, which makes it really special,” Rodgers said with a grin, adding that he doesn’t consider himself a castoff.

“Kenny Gainwell signed a next to nothing contract. Connor Heyward, an afterthought, had a touchdown run. Marquez has been on a couple teams. Adam Thielen got cut. Samuel was on the street for a long time. So says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”

Efficient night for Rodgers

Rodgers produced his most accurate performance since 2014, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards, an 85.2 per cent completion rate. He spread the ball around, finding eight different receivers as the Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight drives, something they had not managed since Week 2 of the 2018 season.

Connor Heyward and Valdes-Scantling both reached the end zone. Heyward’s score came just before half-time, with Pittsburgh opting for a short-yardage tush push on third-and-one to open their scoring.

Early in the third quarter, Rodgers struck again, hitting Valdes-Scantling for a 19-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3.

It marked the first touchdown connection between Rodgers and Valdes-Scantling since their time together at Green Bay in 2021. Valdes-Scantling had only been added to the active roster earlier in the day.

Gainwell’s all-round contribution

Kenneth Gainwell was Rodgers’ most frequent target on the night. The running back, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.79 million in free agency, caught all seven of his targets for 46 yards and added 80 yards on the ground from 13 carries.

“He is super smart, and I still cannot believe what we got him for,” Rodgers said. “I told him a long time ago my goal was to get him paid, because I’ve been a fan of his since he was in Philly and thought that every time he went in the game something good happens.

“He’s as fluid as anybody on the team catching the football. For a guy that’s making damn near a vet minimum, he’s been a tremendous asset to our team this year.”

Defensive impact from Samuel

On defence, Asante Samuel Jr made an immediate impression in his first start for the Steelers. With James Pierre sidelined due to a calf injury, Samuel stepped in and intercepted Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the first quarter.

Samuel had joined the practice squad in November, only seven months after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, and his progress has been noted by team-mates.

“It’s a testament to guys buying in,” defensive tackle Cam Heyward said. “Coach always talks about jumping on a moving train. These guys are professionals. I’m watching, as soon as Thielen gets here, he’s opening up his playbook and still studying.

“They spend a lot time really learning the offense, learning the defense. Asante has been really chomping at the bit to get reps, and he played very well with them.”

The win strengthens Pittsburgh’s grip on top spot in the AFC North ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and gives the Steelers back-to-back victories for the first time since late September and early October.