Fish Story

In what could be classified as a stunner, the Miami Dolphins manhandled the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-15, providing a glimpse of their blueprint to their suddenly-brighter future.

For the first time all season the Dolphins’ upstart offense and workmanlike defense worked in sync, something coach Adam Gase has constantly emphasized this season, helping each other out with things such as time of possession, field position and big plays.

“That’s what we’re looking to do,” Gase said.

The Dolphins (2-4) rushed for a season-high 222 yards, led by running back Jay Ajayi’s career-best 204-yard effort. It was the first time a Dolphins back has rushed for 200 or more yards since Reggie Bush at Buffalo on Dec. 18, 2011. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (24 of 32, 252 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, 97.4 passer rating) was good, and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (seven receptions, 91 yards) was solid, as usual.

“When you have a guy go over 200 yards and definitely the team over that you’re going to be in good position to win a lot of games,” Tannehill said.

Miami’s defense kept Pittsburgh’s talent trio of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger 19 of 34, 189 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions), running back Le’Veon Bell (10 carries, 53 yards) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (four receptions, 39 yards) in check.

The Dolphins, who led, 16-8, at halftime, took a 23-8 lead in the third quarter after Isa Abdul-Quddus’ interception. Ajayi scored on a 1-yard touchdown, his second of the season, to cap the six-play, 52-yard drive.

Pittsburgh tried to make it a game late, scoring on a 23-yard pass from Roethlisberger to Cobi Hamilton. But the Dolphins recovered the onside kick and on the next play Ajayi went 62 yards for his second touchdown of the game to seal the victory.