Inside the Numbers: Steelers Defense vs Dolphins Offense
The Steelers are looking to improve to 3-4 when they host the Miami Dolphins on Monday night football. The Pittsburgh defense has been the strength of the team so far this season and could help carry the Steelers to victory yet again.
Miami's offense has been in flux this season. The Dolphins acquired Josh Rosen in the offseason, but has now been benched for veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick on more than one occasion. They have talent in players like Devante Parker, but have struggled to move the ball and score points.
Here are the numbers for these two units and who has the advantage going into Monday night:
| Steelers Defense | Dolphins Offense |
|---|---|
21.8 Points-per-game allowed (14th) | 10.5 Points-per-game (T-31st) |
354.3 Total yards-per-game allowed (15th& | 258.7 Total yards-per-game (31st) |
110.2 Rushing yards-per-game allowed (18th) | 66.7 Rushing yards-per-game (31st) |
244.2 Passing yards-per-game allowed (18th) | 192.0 Passing yards-per-game (30th) |
15 Takeaways (8 INT/7 fumbles) (T-2nd) | 13 Turnovers (10 INT/3 fumbles) (T-4th most) |
20 Sacks (T-5th) | 24 Sacks allowed (T-27th) |
44% 3rd down conversion against (25th) | 30% 3rd down conversion (28th) |
Advantage: Steelers
If you read our other "Inside the Numbers" preview for this matchup with Miami, you would see that the Steelers offense has a significant advantage over Miami's defense. The gap between these two units is far more substantial.
The Steelers defense is on their way to becoming one of the better ones in the NFL. They can get after the quarterback, they're getting better against the run, and they have quality depth in the secondary. Most importantly, they take the ball away.
Pittsburgh's 15 takeaways already matches the total amount they recorded in 2018. It is the largest factor they've improved on this season and it's given the offense lots of short fields.
Miami's offense is collectively the worst in the NFL. Their 10.5 points-per-game is atrocious. They can't convert third downs and turn the ball over way too often. Facing a defense that has been one of the better units at taking the ball away is a recipe for a bad night.
The Steelers defense may be missing a couple of key players. It's still too early to know for sure, but T.J. Watt is dealing with an abdominal injury and Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson are nursing injuries as well. Let's also not forget to mention the Steelers just lost Stephon Tuitt for the season in the Chargers game.
Despite the potential missing pieces, Pittsburgh should still be able to contain Miami. Devin Bush is making a strong case for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bud Dupree is playing great in a contract year, and former-Dolphin Minkah Fitzpatrick has taken away the deep middle of the field since Pittsburgh acquired him earlier this season.
The Steelers are a 14-point favorite going into Monday night and their defense is a big reason why.
