Miami Dolphins seek to break prime-time jinx against Steelers in crucial Monday night clash
The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium. Under head coach Mike McDaniel, this matchup presents an opportunity for the Dolphins to achieve a milestone they have yet to reach: securing a second prime-time victory in a single season.
Prime-time performance under scrutiny
While some may view this objective as trivial in the broader context of the NFL season, it carries its weight. The Dolphins have struggled to shine in the limelight since McDaniel took the reins. Their prime-time record has been lackluster, with a dismal 4-11 mark dating back to the start of the 2022 season. This includes just one win in each of the last four seasons, with their most recent victory coming against the Steelers in 2022. The team also secured wins against the New England Patriots in 2023, the Los Angeles Rams, and the New York Jets earlier this season.
Despite these fleeting successes, the Dolphins have faced challenges in prime-time matchups, finishing with a 1-3 record in each of the last three years. The current campaign has already seen them suffer defeats against the Buffalo Bills (31-21 in Week 3) and the Baltimore Ravens (28-6 in Week 10).
A missed opportunity and the road ahead
Originally, the Dolphins were slated to have another prime-time appearance next week against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. However, that game has since been flexed to an afternoon slot, in favor of a matchup between Baltimore and New England. This change underscores the urgency for the Dolphins to capitalize on their remaining opportunities to establish a stronger presence in the prime-time arena.
As they prepare for this high-stakes showdown against the Steelers, the Dolphins are motivated to reverse their recent fortunes. Achieving that elusive second prime-time victory this season could serve as a catalyst for momentum, not only boosting their confidence but also reshaping the narrative surrounding their performances in critical games. The stage is set; now it’s time for Miami to seize the moment.
