The last playoff game at Heinz Field: Steelers Wild Card win over the Miami Dolphins
With the first playoff game coming to Heinz Field this weekend, I felt it was a good time to look back at the Steelers last postseason home game against the Miami Dolphins.
I’m positive the Dolphins were not expecting the same Pittsburgh Steelers team they pummeled 30-15 back in South Beach during Week 6 of the 2016 NFL regular season. I’m also positive that Steelers fans were thoroughly pleased with the retribution their team paid to Miami as well, jumping out to an early 14-0 lead on two huge Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown touchdowns in the first quarter.
However, the true difference in this game was the introduction of Le’Veon Bell to the postseason. Most fans have long forgotten that previous postseason entries excluded one of the Killer B’s from participating… and what a difference maker Bell was.
Injured for the Steelers previous playoff appearances, Bell flexed his muscles as well with a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive in which he carried the ball on every single play.
Simply stated, the Steelers could not be stopped. Another Killer B, Antonio Brown could not be covered. Bell also ran roughshod all over the field en route to topping the all-time franchise mark for rushing yards in a playoff game. Still, the Dolphins posed a threat, as a fake punt kept them in contention as well as a flag on Bud Dupree for roughing the passer. However, it was the defense who stood tall in this game, as (painful to remember) James Harrison‘s strip sack secured a 20-6 lead for the Steelers at halftime, while Mike Mitchell recorded his own on the Dolphin’s first possession of the third quarter.
The Steelers would kick a field goal to go up 23-6, as Miami looked to counter. Ryan Shazier had other plans, as he showed blitz, but quickly dropped into coverage to pick off a Matt Moore pass, setting Pittsburgh’s offense up at the Miami 27-yard line. Bell would punch the ball in again to give the Steelers their 30-6 edge; a lead which would hold as they moved on to the divisional playoff round by a score of 30-12.
Play of the Game
Once again there are so many plays which could be consider “the” play of the game, but this is the one that was selected based on setting the tone for the afternoon.
The Steelers execute a quick screen to Antonio Brown, who is sprung free by two blocks by teammate Jesse James. AB would would turn on the jets as he burns the Dolphins for a 50-yard touchdown.
