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'MNF' takeaways: Steelers retake lead in AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) celebrates with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and tight end Darnell Washington (80) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

'MNF' takeaways: Steelers blowout Dolphins to retake lead in AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially knocked the Miami Dolphins from playoff contention with a 28-15 blowout win to wrap Week 15.

Here's our rapid reaction to a "Monday Night Football" laugher.

Key takeaway: Steelers take control of AFC North

The Steelers (8-6) re-took a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens (7-7) in the AFC North with Monday's victory. After a 2-5 stretch that threatened to sink its season, Pittsburgh has won its last two games to put itself in good position to claim the division. Per NFL.com, the Steelers have a 60 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Game MVP: Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers deserves a mention for an efficient, throwback performance, finishing 23-of-27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns. But Monday's game ball goes to Ramsey, who continues to make his shift from corner to free safety look remarkably easy.

In his first game against his former team, Ramsey was second on the Steelers with six tackles, including a sack for a loss of 12 yards on a third down five into the third quarter when the game was still competitive, 14-3.

After spending the first seven games of the season primarily at cornerback, where he played his first nine seasons, reaching seven Pro Bowls and being named first-team All-Pro three times, Ramsey has lined up at free safety on the majority of his defensive snaps (68 percent) since Week 9, per Pro Football Focus data

He's been excellent in his amended role, and Ramsey's effort contributed mightily to a stout defensive effort on Monday.

Quote of the game: "We saw the good... and then it's backed up with that floater."

Tua Tagovailoa's final numbers don't do justice to how poorly the six-year veteran played in a must-win game for Miami. He finished 22-of-28 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but left several plays on the field with poor decisions or athletic limitations.

He killed a promising early drive with an underthrown ball to wideout Jaylen Waddle that resulted in his league-leading 15th interception, one play after moving the chains with a first-down completion. The sequence prompted "MNF" play-by-play announcer Joe Buck to highlight Tagovailoa's frustrating inconsistencies, from throwing on-target one play to badly missing immediately after.

"We saw the good ... and then it's backed up with that floater," Buck observed.

Color commentator Troy Aikman dissected the play later, highlighting the lack of a receiving option in the flat, allowing Steelers corner Asante Samuel Jr. to drop back into coverage.

"Tua's gotta know that," Aikman said, putting the onus on Tagovailoa to make better decisions.

It was a common occurrence throughout the game, with the 2020 first-rounder holding on to the ball too long on sacks and being unable to make plays with his feet. He also had multiple other throws that could have been intercepted.

It wasn't a good look for Tagovailoa, who is no longer the answer in Miami. Instead, he's the Dolphins' biggest problem.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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