Sean's take:
The
Dolphins' playoff lives likely hinge on them doing something they
haven't since the George Bush the elder was in the White House -- beat
the Steelers in Pittsburgh. To do so, Miami will need Ryan Tannehill to
do a good job finding favorable receiver matchups in the Steelers'
declining secondary. A once great unit will leave plays out there for
the taking, but well-designed pressure packages and disguised coverage
schemes will make it tough for Tannehill and the Dolphins to capitalize.
Miami's defense does its part, playing disciplined on the back end and
generating pressure up front but as has been the case so often this
season, the Dolphins' offensive struggles puts too much burden on their
defensive teammates. Pittsburgh deals a lethal blow to Miami's
postseason hopes. Prediction: Steelers 24, Dolphins 13
Nick's take:
The Dolphins should have no problem containing a porous Steelers rushing attack, but as always with Big Ben, the key will be keeping Roethlisberger from extending plays. Offensively, Miami will try their quantity-equals-quality approach with the run game, something that worked last week against the Jets. The run game will be especially important in less-than-ideal conditions, but the Dolphins will certainly take at least one or two shots downfield to former Steeler Mike Wallace.
Prediction: Steelers 20, Dolphins 14
