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Today is Tuesday, Dec. 16, the 350th day of 2025. There are 15 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Dec. 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush nominated Colin Powell to become secretary of state; Powell was confirmed by the Senate and became the first African-American to hold the position.

Also on this date:

In 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped more than 300 chests of tea overboard to protest tea taxes.

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In 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, which came to be known as the “Great White Fleet,” set sail from Hampton Roads, Virginia, on a 14-month, round-the-world voyage to demonstrate American sea power.

In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg.

In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City.

In 2020, a French court convicted 14 people accused of being accomplices in the 2015 Islamic State terror attacks in Paris against the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper and a kosher supermarket. The attacks, claimed jointly by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, left 17 people dead along with three gunmen.

In 2024, a 15-year-old student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a fellow student and a teacher. The shooter also died.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Artist Edward Ruscha is 88.
• Actor Liv Ullmann is 87.
• CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 84.
• Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 79.
• Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 76.
• Actor Benjamin Bratt is 62.
• Filmmaker James Mangold is 62.
• Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 60.
• Actor Miranda Otto is 58.
• Astrophysicist Adam Reiss is 56.
• Actor Krysten Ritter is 44.
• Singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno is 44.
• Actor Theo James is 41.
• Actor Anna Popplewell is 37.
• Actor Stephan James is 32.
• Pop singer Zara Larsson is 28.

In this Dolphins Deep Dive video, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins and David Furones discuss Miami’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Monday Night Football” that ended any hopes of making the postseason and what to expect in the last three games of the season.

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PITTSBURGH — Playoff hopes were on the line Monday night when the Dolphins faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. A Dolphins loss, and their playoff hopes were dashed for the second consecutive season.

Guess what? 

The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are over after Monday’s 28-15 loss at Pittsburgh ended their winning streak at four games and dropped their season record to 6-8.

The Steelers entered Monday’s game riding an amazing 22-game Monday night winning streak — they hadn’t lost a Monday night home game since 1991. 

There was another cool thing on the line Monday. The Dolphins, who started the season 2-7, were trying to become the fifth team in NFL history to reach .500 after starting 2-7, joining the 2021 Dolphins, among others.

And, of course, there were personal and business stakes in this one considering the Dolphins and Steelers engaged in a blockbuster offseason trade.

Here’s what we learned Monday night:

Dolphins in ‘cold weather’

When I talk about the Dolphins in “cold weather” the line of delineation is 45 degrees. It was 17 degrees at kickoff Monday but cold weather didn’t cause this loss. For what it’s worth, in the coach Mike McDaniel era, the Dolphins are now 1-6 in “cold weather” games.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is now 1-4 in suchgames under McDaniel because he didn’t play in the Buffalo playoff game or last season’s finale at the New York Jets.

Under McDaniel, the Dolphins lost to Pittsburgh in cold weather (28-9), defeated the Jets in cold weather earlier this season (34-10), lost to the Jets in last season’s finale (32-20), lost to Green Bay on Thanksgiving 2024 (30-17), lost to Kansas City in the 2023 playoffs (26-7), lost to Buffalo in the 2022 playoffs (34-31), and lost to Buffalo in the 2022 regular season (32-29). — Chris Perkins

McDaniel road record, and December road record

McDaniel is now 12-21 (.364) on the road, and 12-22 (.353) including playoffs on the road. Both are poor marks. Typically, teams want to go at least .500 on the road.

McDaniel is now 3-6 (.333) on the road in December. He was 0-3 in 2022, losing at San Francisco, the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo; he was 1-1 in 2023, winning at Washington and losing at Baltimore; he was 1-1 in 2024, losing at Houston and winning at Cleveland; he’s 1-1 this season winning at the New York Jets and losing at Pittsburgh.

McDaniel is 34-32 (.523) overall, 34-33 (.508) including playoffs.

Related Articles

• Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO
• Hyde10: Cold trouble, Tua’s struggles, McDaniel’s odd strategy — 10 thoughts on Dolphins’ loss to Steelers
• Instant Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15
• Dolphins pounded in Pittsburgh, eliminated from playoff contention
• Live updates: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15 (FINAL)

Tua record in “cold weather” under McDaniel

Tagovailoa is now 1-4 in cold weather games in the McDaniel era. Tagovailoa entered Monday’s game with a 1-3 record in these games in the McDaniel era. He was 87 of 136 for 891 yards, six touchdowns and one interception and a 94.3 passer rating.

In his cold weather games under McDaniel, Tagovailoa lost to Pittsburgh on Monday, defeated the Jets earlier this season and lost to Kansas City in the 2023 playoffs, lost to Green Bay on Thanksgiving last season and lost to Buffalo in the 2022 regular season.

Dolphins score first in seventh consecutive game

The Dolphins scored first Monday, taking a 3-0 lead on a 54-yard field goal by kicker Riley Patterson in the second quarter, and have now scored first in their past seven games. This was the first time in the stretch the Dolphins didn’t score in the first quarter. It should be noted this was yet another occasion in which the Dolphins won the pregame coin toss and opted to receive the ball instead of deferring until the third quarter.

De’Von Achane held in check

Running back De’Von Achane ended with 61 yards rushing on 12 carries, his worst showing since 10 carries for 16 yards in a 27-24 loss against Carolina on Oct. 5. Achane had six receptions for 68 yards Monday, marking the third time this season he’s had more receiving yards than rushing yards. He had seven receptions for 30 yards against Carolina, and in a 33-27 loss against New England on Sept. 14, Achane had 10 receptions for 92 yards and 11 carries for 30 yards.

Tua’s INTs reach career worst

Tagovailoa (22 of 28, 254 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) threw his career-worst 15th interception Monday, and it came in his 14th game. In 2023, Tagovailoa threw 14 interceptions in 17 games.

Tagovailoa’s interception on Monday came in the first quarter when he was targeting wide receiver Jaylen Waddle on a deep route. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who attended St. Thomas Aquinas High, drifted over to record the interception on a pass that was slightly underthrown.

Tagovailoa had a potential interception that was dropped by outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Scoring defense takes a hit

The Dolphins defense entered Monday’s game having allowed just 10 touchdowns in the past six games. But Pittsburgh solved that mystery by scoring four unanswered touchdowns from the second to fourth quarters.

The Dolphins ranked 15th in scoring defense (22.8 points allowed per game) before Monday’s game and had only allowed one team in the past six games to score more than 17 points (Baltimore, which scored 28 points).

Sieler coming alive

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter, now has 4.5 sacks on the season, all of them coming in the past five games. Sieler is coming off back-to-back 10-sack seasons and signed a three-year, $64 million extension during the offseason. Sieler was shaken up briefly early in the fourth quarter when he was slammed to the ground on an extra point attempt but he returned to the game.

Special teams woes

Kicker Riley Patterson had a short kickoff, giving Pittsburgh the ball at the 40-yard line right after he made a 54-yard field goal. Special teams also had a delay of game on a punt as their woes continue to mount. So far this season special teams have run into the punter, roughed the punter, allowed kickoff and punt return touchdowns, failed to recover an onside kick and allowed a fake punt.

The Steelers scored a go-ahead touchdown to take a 7-3 lead after getting the short-field on the kickoff. They then scored another touchdown on their first possession of the second half and never looked back.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO

Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and Minkah Fitzpatrick

Pittsburgh free safety Jalen Ramsey (he’s no longer a cornerback) had a third-down sack on Tagovailoa in the third quarter, making it the first play among the principals in the June 30 blockbuster trade between these teams. The deal’s parts were Miami sending Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

Ramsey ended the game with six tackles, Smith ended with two receptions for 12 yards and one carry for 14 yards and a touchdown, and Fitzpatrick ended with six tackles.

Sadly, it is now guaranteed . . .

That the Dolphins will pass the 25-year anniversary of their most recent playoff win (Dec. 30, 2000). And, who knows how long this embarrassing run will extend. — Steve Svekis

Another personal record for Achane

Again, De’Von Achane was the Dolphins’ lone bright spot among the skilled positions, with his 127 total yards. He also registered five first downs, giving him 72 in 2025 and setting a career high, which had been 67 last year.

Again . . . what is McDaniel doing?

In what seems like a weekly installment, what on earth was Mike McDaniel’s game-management thought in the fourth quarter? The Dolphins casually went through their huddles and line calls in a fourth quarter with their playoff lives on the line, when it should have been 15 minutes of nu-huddle. The apathy drew deserved sharp criticism from Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman during the ESPN broadcast. Then, in the waning seconds, Tua Tagovailos took a delay of game penalty by calling a timeout he didn’t have.

Brooks sets a personal record, with a lot of football left

In the first quarter, Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks hauled down Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell for a loss of a yard and then, two snaps later, sacked Aaron Rodgers for a minus-9 yards. With that, Brooks sat at 12 tackles for loss in this season’s 14 games. It breaks a personal best he established last year. Additionally in the first half, Brooks also had two tackles for no gain. So, in 31 career games in Miami, Brooks has 23 TFLs. At his previous stop in Seattle, in 64 games, Brooks that same number of TFLs in 23.

Dolphins’ defensive backs were on a run-stop heater

In the first half, the Miami defense kept the Dolphins in the game. Spearheading that effort were the defensive backs, five of whom had at least one tackle each for a 1 yard gain or less. Ashtyn Davis made two such tackles, with Ifeatu Melifonwu, Jack Jones, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Rasul Douglas getting one each. The performance suffered, relatively, in the second half, but the first-half output could have been a difference-maker if the offense had shown up. Fitzpatrick also had a tackle for minus-2, Douglas a stop for no gain and Melifonwu a tackle for a 1-yard gain in the second half.

Some plaudits for Brewer

Former Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce showered credit upon Dolphins center Aaron Brewer in the pregame, though he also mentioned that Brewer has had to overcome a lot to become an NFL stalwart. Kelce called Brewer “the shortest man in the NFL.” Not sure if he was referencing only centers, or being hyperbolic. But, the meat of his commentary was about how well Brewer has played throughout the season. Kelce said: “He’s been consistent all year. … If you are going to be undersized, you gotta dominate in the second level” while showing clips of Brewer doing that.

The bizarre ‘Monday Night Football’ scheduling history between the Dolphins and Steelers

“Monday Night Football” began in 1970, and the Dolphins and Steelers had their first such matchup in the Orange Bowl in 1974. Then came three matchups at Hard Rock Stadium, the most recent one in 1996. The first Monday night Dolphins game in Pittsburgh came in 2007 in the infamous Mud Bowl game the Steelers won 3-0. In that game, a punt plugged into the grass without bouncing. And, since then, the Dolphins haven’t played that prime-time game to end an NFL week in South Florida. So, that means there were no Dolphins-Steelers games in Pennsylvania in the first 37 years of the MNF series, and haven’t been any in Miami Gardens in the past 29 seasons entering 2027. Next year, the Dolphins won’t play the Steelers.

On deck: Cincinnati Bengals, Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday, 1 p.m.

Joe Burrow makes his first visit to South Florida with the Bengals in free fall at 4-10. The previous matchup between the Bengals and Dolphins came in 2022 in Cincinnati, when Tua Tagovailoa sustained his first official concussion.

The playoffs are officially gone.

The four-game win streak is a thing of the past.

The Miami Dolphins couldn’t be rid of frigid Pittsburgh soon enough as they lost to the Steelers 28-15. It’s tough to win five straight games in the NFL and the Dolphins didn’t come close Monday night.

Here are 10 thoughts on the game:

1. Stat of the Game: 0 for their past 14. That’s the Dolphins’ record in games under 40 degrees. It was 17 degrees at kickoff on Monday night in Pittsburgh. That doesn’t just apply to this particular team, or era, obviously. But …

2. Tua had another troubling game and it’s hard to just blame the cold even as he fell into 0-6 in games under 40 degrees. Pittsburgh’s game plan was to take away the run and force Tua to beat them. He threw a lobbed, moonball pass that was intercepted in the first quarter. That was his 15th interception of the year to lead the league and set a career-high mark. He then ran on third-and-2 and slid short of the first-down marker in a repeat of a failed run against New Orleans. The Dolphins offense didn’t pass 100 yards on the night until early in the fourth quarter. Down 28-3 then, Tua completed two touchdowns to Darren Waller in the fourth quarter to make the numbers look good. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards and the interception through three quarters. He ended up completing 22 of 28 for 253 yards, two touchdowns and the interception. Game rating: 113.2

3. Why was there absolutely no sense of giddy-up offense as the Dolphins fell behind in the second half? They didn’t pass the ball downfield. They sped up nothing. It was understandable down 14-3 to not hurry anything. But down 21-3? Or 28-3? Down 28-9 with under seven minutes to play, most teams would have at least tried to hurry up the tempo when they had the ball. The Dolphins kept huddling and taking their time.  “They kind of waved the white flag as far as the fourth quarter is concerned,” ESPN’s Troy Aikman said. He later said he was “flabbergasted” as the Dolphins called a timeout with 2:14 left: “It’s about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in a long time.”

4. Stat of Game: 167 yards to minus-20. That’s the yardage for the teams in the consequential third quarter. Up 7-3 at half, Pittsburgh had touchdown drives of 71 and 77 yards and was 19 yards into another touchdown drive against the Dolphins defense when the quarter ended. Yes, this Dolphins defense got dragged up and down the field in the second half as Pittsburgh scored four straight TDs. Aaron Rodgers had a night with two touchdowns on 23 of 27 passing for 224 yards. The Dolphins, meanwhile, had two, three-and-out possessions in the third quarter for minus-8 and minus-12 yards.

Related Articles

• Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO
• Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 28-15 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Instant Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15
• Dolphins pounded in Pittsburgh, eliminated from playoff contention
• Live updates: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15 (FINAL)

5. How’d last summer’s trade look in this head-to-head reunion? Well, as you’d guess, Pittsburgh’s Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith had more fun than the Dolphins’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. To break it down:

* Fitzpatrick had six tackles, including one for a loss, but his most visible play was being tossed aside by Pittsburgh receiver D.K. Metcalf on what became a 28-yard touchdown to make it 21-3. He was then injured in the fourth quarter and laid on the ground to the point both teams’ benches come out to wish him well. He got up and wanted back in the game.

*Ramsey sacked Tua for a 13-yard loss in the third quarter for his notable play. He had six tackles, including four solo.

*Smith negated a big Steelers run with a holding penalty in the first half (blocking was never his thing with the Dolphins), but the bigger play was a tight-end run for a 14-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make it 28-3. It was Smith’s first rushing touchdown since 2020. He also caught two passes for 12 yards.

6. It’s time to track the Dolphins spot in the draft: They’re 11th right now. At 6-8, they win the strength-of-schedule tiebreak against Kansas City and Minnesota (they have the easier schedule which means they’re the worse of those teams). The Dolphins last picked 11th in 2017 when they took Minkah Fitzpatrick. They also picked Ring of Honor recipient Bill Stanfill 11th in 1969.

7. Not-the-Play of the Game (but it could have been): Tomlin went for it in the first quarter. He used the same tush-push play using tight end Connor Heyward the Dolphins just stuffed for no gain on third down. Tomlin had more risk than return here, considering if the Dolphins repeated that result they’d get the ball in good position. Kansas City’s Andy Reid tried this two weeks ago, didn’t get the first down and the game flipped on him to the point he said it was a mistake. No such luck for the Dolphins. Heyward got 2 yards for the first down.

8. It became a footnote (pun alert!), but Riley Patterson’s 54-yard field goal broke the ice (ha-ha!) to give the Dolphins a 3-0 lead in the second quarter. It was a career-long kick and continued one of the good stories of this season. When Jason Sanders was injured this summer, it led to a question of where to find a reliable kicker. Enter Patterson. He’s made 24 of 26 field goals. That included 3 for 3 in an overtime win over Washington (including the game-winner) and 4 for 4 in a 21-17 win against New Orleans.

9. Quick Hits:

The Dolphins were 1 for 7 on third-down conversions.

Asante Samuel Jr. — remember the Dolphins flirting with him? — intercepted Tua in the first half.

Zach Sieler got another sack Sunday to give him three-and-a-half sacks in the past two games.

The good news: No more ha-ha 6-7 jokes.

ESPN’s Troy Aikman on the Dolphins: “After winning five of six and four in a row, I think they kind of ran out of gas.”

10. Next week: Cincinnati at Dolphins. It looked like such a good matchup when the schedule was made it was originally set as the Sunday night game. That changed of late. Cincinnati, at 4-10, lost its season when Joe Burrow missed nine games. He provided a spark in returning, but that went missing in Sunday’s 24-0 loss to Baltimore. Burrow or no Burrow, the Bengals have the league-worst defense in allowing 31.2 points a game.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO

Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Dolphins’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium as Miami’s win streak was ended and the Dolphins fell to 6-8:

Dave Hyde, Columnist

It’s hard to win five straight games in the NFL and it’s impossible the way the Dolphins played starting with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. And why no hurry-up from Mike McDaniel when they fell behind in second half?

Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist

The Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention and their four-game winning streak is over. Now all that’s left is seeing where they’ll be drafting. Oh, and seeing if QB Tua Tagovailoa finishes as the starter or whether they give Zach Wilson and/or Quinn Ewers a look. By the way, if coach Mike McDaniel returns hopefully this run-first offense becomes the main offense instead of the big-play passing game.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer

Playoff hopes were slim anyway, and finally ended with this one. The Dolphins could never get any offense going while the game was competitive, and the swing from the end of the first half to start of the second half was killer. Miami looked like a team that can’t handle the cold in Monday night’s elements in Pittsburgh.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor

Well, that song-and-dance is over, with Miami’s earliest elimination from the playoffs since the 2019 atrocity. It seems the Dolphins have to look hard at taking the Sean Payton path the Broncos coach took after 2023, choking down a massive dead cap hit to move on from his highly paid but ineffective quarterback (Russell Wilson), and draft someone.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor

Somehow, the passing offense has become easily the worst unit on the Miami Dolphins, even though the defense also was awful in the second half on Monday night. Miami now is two weeks from trucking through the 25th anniversary of their last playoff win, with no end in sight.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO

PITTSBURGH — The Miami Dolphins’ late surge in the season will ultimately leave them short of any postseason aspirations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers scored touchdowns at the end of the first half and start of the second half to spark a run of 28 unanswered points as the Dolphins were pounded before scoring a pair of late touchdowns for a 28-15 final at frigid Acrisure Stadium in temperatures in the teens Monday night.

Miami (6-8) is eliminated from playoff contention with three weeks remaining in the NFL season. Pittsburgh (8-6) stays out in front of the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North.

“Supremely disappointed in the outcome,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “I think it does a disservice to, really, the objective, the work that we’re doing on this opponent. Flat out, their team was better than our team.”

Said linebacker Jordyn Brooks: “Being eliminated, you never want to hear that. … I still think we should finish the right way. That shows character.”

The Dolphins had their four-game winning streak snapped, which was prolonging the elimination that was a foregone conclusion back when the team was 1-6 and 2-7. The franchise has now lost 14 consecutive games in kickoff temperatures below 40 degrees.

Miami could never get an offensive drive going while the score was still competitive. The team only surpassed 100 yards of offense early in the fourth quarter.

“There were just some things offensively that we were messing ourselves up, really, said quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who went 22 of 28 for 254 yards, an interception and two late touchdowns. “Just basically every aspect, from my communication, to the guys with them getting in the huddle, getting out, guys knowing where to go with their alignments, all of that.”

Related Articles

• Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO
• Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 28-15 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Hyde10: Cold trouble, Tua’s struggles, McDaniel’s odd strategy — 10 thoughts on Dolphins’ loss to Steelers
• Instant Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15
• Live updates: Pittsburgh Steelers 28, Miami Dolphins 15 (FINAL)

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 23 of 27 for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh running back Kenneth Gainwell had 80 rushing yards and 46 receiving as he was found by Rodgers for seven receptions, often in the flat.

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane had 60 rushing yards and 68 receiving.

The Steelers took a 7-3 lead with 17 seconds left before halftime as fullback Connor Heyward punched in a touchdown from the 1-yard line on a Tush Push.

Receiving the football to start the second half, the Steelers scored in six plays, with Rodgers finding longtime teammate in Green Bay, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a deep crossing route for a 19-yard touchdown where the defense lost track of him.

“It was gigantic,” McDaniel said of the halftime swing. “That was a little too deflating because we knew that was an important area of focus that we really wanted to be good coming out of that third quarter. It was a one-score game. I thought that was a gigantic momentum swing.”

Later in the third quarter, Rodgers found big wide receiver DK Metcalf over the middle for a 28-yard touchdown. Safety Ashtyn Davis whiffed trying to swoop in front of the pass, Metcalf tossed Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, making his return to Pittsburgh, to the side and outraced the rest of the Miami defense for the score.

“Second half, I don’t know what happened to us,” Brooks said. “I think it really came down to tackling. I haven’t seen us tackle like that really all year.”

The rout was on, and early in the fourth quarter, tight end Jonnu Smith, who was a Pro Bowl selection for the Dolphins in 2024, scored a touchdown against his former team, an 11-yard rush to the outside.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones break down Miami’s loss to Steelers | VIDEO

As Smith had his moment against his former team, earlier, former Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, now playing safety for the Steelers, had a sack on Tagovailoa. Ramsey was jawing with the Miami sideline whenever involved with a play near his former teammates.

Miami finally got moving offensively once down 25, as Tagovailoa twice threw touchdown passes to big tight end Darren Waller, but the Dolphins were not in a hurry and didn’t go for an onside kick between the two trips to the end zone, trying one after the second score.

“I knew, based on the amount of possessions we needed, that we were going to have to convert at least one onside kick,” McDaniel said. “The major focus, to me, was getting the ball in the end zone.”

The first points of the game were scored with 5:11 left in the second quarter as Riley Patterson just got a 54-yard field-goal attempt over the crossbar, kicking into Acrisure Stadium’s open end zone.

The key play on the drive was Tagovailoa extending a third-down play by rolling left and finding Achane over the middle for a 24-yard gain. Miami got the 3 points despite running back Ollie Gordon’s third-and-1 rush losing 4 yards.

Tagovailoa threw a first-quarter interception to former St. Thomas Aquinas High standout Asante Samuel Jr., who was a midseason pickup by Pittsburgh after recovering from neck surgery. Samuel dropped into a zone that was under Jaylen Waddle’s corner route and in perfect position to pick off Tagovailoa’s underthrow.

Early in the second quarter, in a scoreless tie, Tagovailoa scrambled short of a first down on third-and-2 where it appeared he was between sliding and diving forward and Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen side-swiped up near the head to keep him from the line to gain.

“Things happen so fast when you got to make split decisions,” Tagovailoa said. “It was what it was.”

Pittsburgh had two first-half series end in third-down sacks of Rodgers, one by Brooks and the other by defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Brooks’ sack sent the Steelers out of field-goal range.

While the Steelers were 1 for 7 on third downs in the first half, they had three fourth-down conversions.

The Steelers, playing without stellar edge rusher T.J. Watt, sacked Tagovailoa four times.

Rookie Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers had a sack of a sliding Rodgers late in Monday’s game.

The Dolphins now head back home for the short turnaround of a Sunday game against the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10), one which was flexed out of the night slot to be played at 1 p.m.

By ERIK ERLENDSSON

TAMPA — Sam Reinhart scored a shorthanded goal and a power play goal to lead the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.

Reinhart recorded his fourth career game with a shorthanded and power play goal in the same game, most in franchise history. Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand and Carter Verhaeghe also scored for Florida, which improved to 5-1-1 in the past seven games.

Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 26 saves.

J.J. Moser and Max Crozier scored for Tampa Bay. Brayden Point finished with a pair of assists. Jonas Johansson, making his seventh consecutive start in place of Andrei Vasilevskiy, made 19 saves.

Reinhart scored shorthanded 2:16 into the first period for Florida’s fourth shorthanded goal of the season. Reinhart passed Scott Mellanby on the play for sixth most points in franchise history.

The Panthers made it 2-0 at 3:48 moments after Yanni Gourde hit the crossbar on an open chance above the crease before Lundell finished off a 3-on-1 rush.

Marchand made it 3-0 at 11:48 of the second period before Reinhart notched a power play goal with 1:52 remaining.

Crozier scored his first career goal with 33 seconds left in the second. Moser cut it to 4-2 deficit 2:11 into the third period. But Verhaeghe scored his eighth goal in his past 10 games at 6:37 to regain a three-goal lead.

The Panthers played most of the third period without defenseman Gustav Forsling, who blocked a shot from Nikita Kucherov off his arm at 3:03 of the third. Forsling went down the tunnel to the locker room and did not return.

Lightning leading goal scorer Brandon Hagel did not play the final 15-plus minutes of the third period after a hit by Florida defenseman Seth Jones.

Up next

Panthers: Host Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 106-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors:

– Tyler Herro was away.

– Or at least out of view.

– But the debate doesn’t go anywhere.

– On one hand, with Herro unavailable because of a return of his toe issue, Norman Powell again got to somewhat play as leading man.

– On the other, the offense in this one sure looked like it could have used some of Herro’s help.

– The bottom line: The Heat need to see more Herro.

– Because the Heat need to see more of how/if this works.

– The Heat waited nearly two months for Herro to get back from his September ankle surgery.

– Now, again, more waiting.

– Yes, still relatively early based on the length of the season.

– But who are the whole Heat?

–  As before Monday night, who knows?

– But this was bad.

– Very bad.

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– Perhaps enough to slant the direction of the offense black in the direction of Herro.

– When he returns.

– Which all now realize can’t come soon enough.

– There was a bit of a pregame thunderbolt, with Herro late scratch due to the toe issue that had him out for two games before returning in last week’s NBA Cup loss in Orlando.

– With Pelle Larsson also out, that had Simone Fontecchio starting in place of Herro, along with Powell, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell.

– All of which still had Kel’el Ware coming off the bench.

– This time, though, there was at least some Adebayo and Ware together.

– The Raptors opened with a lineup of  Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji and Immanuel Quickley.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. was first off the Heat’s depleted bench.

– Nikola Jovic, Dru Smith and Ware then followed together.

– With Jovic then almost immediately sidelined by an elbow injury, replaced by Keshad Johnson.

– That left first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis as the lone available Heat player not to see action.

– Both teams were coming off five-day breaks, having last played a week ago Tuesday in NBA Cup quarterfinals.

– “Well, the whole league, basically, had some practice time. I think it was good for us,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We took advantage of it. By this point, we’re ready to play a game.”

– Among the reasons the Heat were able to land Mitchell at last season’s trading deadline was the Raptors’ decision to move forward with second-round pick Jamal Shead.

– “It was probably why we were able to get D-Mitch,” Spoelstra said. “They made a choice and we’re just grateful that we were able to acquire him. But they both have defensive tenacity commitment on that side of the floor and upside offensively.”

– Spoelstra again was asked pregame about Jovic having been removed from the rotation in two of the three previous games.

– “He’s been good the last three weeks,” Spoelstra said.  “He’s made some progress in focusing on what he can control — and that’s his work, that’s his approach, the consistency, everyday. Every player gets their opportunity at some point, and then you have to make the most of it, ideally, where you’ve improved, ideally, where you’re impacting the scoreboard.”

– Spoelstra added, “And I want you guys to have to make me make decisions. And that’s what I hope for Niko, that his play makes me have to play him more.”

– Mitchell’s fourth basket was the 1,000th of his career.

MIAMI — The payoff for five days off? A fifth straight loss.

Whether playing games in bunches or otherwise, it is not going well for the Miami Heat, this time falling 106-96 Monday night to the Toronto Raptors at Kaseya Center. It was the first time this season the Heat failed to reach 100.

Still without a victory since Dec. 1, the Heat this time could not overcome another injury absence from guard Tyler Herro.

“Seasons get like this,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “and you just have to stay together and get back to work.”

Factor in an ugly early tumble that left Heat forward Nikola Jovic with an elbow injury and the return from the five-day break seemingly only pushed Spoelstra’s team further toward a breaking point.

As has been the case in recent games, the offense again sputtered, much of the early-season energy missing.

“They made more plays in the moments of truth than we did,” Spoelstra said.

So while the Raptors snapped their four-game losing streak, the Heat’s moved to five.

Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 20 points and 10 rebounds, with Norman Powell also scoring 20. Otherwise, not nearly enough amid Herro’s absence.

“Coach won’t rest, the coaching staff won’t rest until we get this right,” Powell said. “We’re not going to quit. All of us have to be better.”

Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 28 points.

Adebayo said the concern should be with the defense.

“It’s the defensive end I’m really worried about,” he said. “Even if you don’t score 140, we score 96, we can still win.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Monday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Raptors led 23-22 after the first period, with the Heat then moving to a 52-46 halftime lead. From there, the Heat went into the fourth quarter up 77-74.

The Raptors swiftly moved to a 91-81 lead with 7:31 to play, putting the Heat in catch-up mode from that stage, as the offense stalled.

From there, the Heat closed within 100-96 with 1:28 to play on a pair of Powell free throws, but the inability to get a defensive stop on the other end and then the Heat’s 19th turnover effectively ended it.

“It’s just about in those moments of truth, finding a way to win those moments,” Spoelstra said of where and how the Heat came up short.

2. No Herro: Having returned from a two-game absence in last Tuesday night’s NBA Cup loss in Orlando, Herro again was listed as out with a toe contusion, his third game missed with the ailment since Dec. 5. That is in addition to the 17 games he missed at the start of the season after September ankle surgery.

“He and the trainers met and he just didn’t feel right,” Spoelstra said, “and they didn’t feel right about it.”

With guard Pelle Larsson out due to an ankle sprain, it resulted in the first Heat start for Simone Fontecchio, in an opening lineup rounded out by Adebayo, Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Davin Mitchell.

That gave the Heat their 11th lineup in their 26 games.

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• Winderman’s view: Again no Herro, and again no sense of where this is headed for slumping Heat
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• DPOY is still a goal, but d-a-d also resonates for Heat’s Adebayo as he talks about A’ja Wilson
• ASK IRA: Enough within, or should Heat be looking beyond?

3. Jovic lost: Forward Nikola Jovic left in the first period with his right arm in a protective brace after a hard fall.

The Heat listed it as an elbow injury, ruling him out for the night.

“Hopefully it looks like we dodged a bullet on that one,” Spoelstra said. “The bones are fine. He lost all feeling in his hand, because it was a massive stinger.”

Jovic, who had been held out of the rotation in two of the previous three games, got the opportunity for the playing time with Herro and Larsson sidelined.

Jovic entered Monday night’s game with 3:50 to play in the opening period and was forced out 12 seconds later.

Because Jovic was unable to shoot the free throws from the foul on Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles, the Raptors were allowed to select the replacement shooter. They selected seldom-used forward Keshad Johnson, who entered 7 of 11 from the line, making both replacement free throws.

Johnson then remained in the game, taking the minutes that would have gone to Jovic.

A stretcher initially was brought to the court, with Jovic instead able to walk off the court while assisted.

“We wish we could have got that win for him,” Adebayo said.

4. Still struggling: For the first time in a week, Fontecchio hit a shot, after going 0 for 5 in last week’s loss in Orlando.

But the struggles remain ongoing, with Fontecchio closing 1 of 5 from the field Monday night, including 1 of 4 from beyond the arc.

The Heat closed 9 of 31 from beyond the arc, compared to the Raptors’ 16 of 40.

“Right now,” Powell said, “I think the offense is slow.

“But, again, it didn’t have to be a pretty game. It wasn’t aesthetically a pretty game for them, either. We held them to low 100s. It was in the 90s going down the stretch, but they were able to make more plays.”

5. Up next: It’s now out on the road for a three-game trip for the Heat after a two-day break, opening with a back-to-back set on Thursday and Friday nights against the Brooklyn Nets and then the Boston Celtics, with the trip concluding Sunday against the New York Knicks.

The Heat’s next home game also will be against the Raptors, on Dec. 23.

MIAMI — Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic left Monday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors with his right arm in a protective brace after a hard fall when he was fouled in the first quarter.

The Heat initially listed it as an elbow injury, ruling him out for the night. The team later reported that X-rays were negative, with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday.

“Hopefully it looks like we dodged a bullet on that one,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “The bones are fine. He lost all feeling in his hand, because it was a massive stinger.”

Jovic was not available for comment afterward.

Jovic, who had been held out of the rotation in two of the previous three games, got the opportunity for the playing time with Tyler Herro (toe) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) sidelined for the Heat.

Herro was a late scratch due to the toe issue that previously had sidelined him for two games last week.

Jovic entered Monday night’s game with 3:50 to play in the opening period and was forced out 12 seconds later.

Because Jovic was unable to shoot the free throws from the foul on Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles, the Raptors were allowed to select the replacement shooter. They selected seldom-used forward Keshad Johnson, who entered 7 of 11 from the line, making both replacement free throws.

Johnson then remained in the game, taking the minutes that would have gone to Jovic.

A stretcher initially was brought to the court, with Jovic instead able to walk off the court while assisted.

Jovic signed a four-year, $62.4 million extension in the offseason that goes into effect starting next season.

Ministry responds to questions on Moose Jaw special-care home inspections after audit  DiscoverMooseJaw

With apologies to Bill Maher, here’s the new rule: Letter writers, like the one who thinks the Sun Sentinel is only good for wrapping fish because of your editorial opinions, have to tell us why they continue to read this newspaper.

Maybe it’s because there’s nowhere else to go for consistent, in-depth coverage of events in Broward County?

You certainly don’t get that in the Miami Herald. I’ve subscribed to both local newspapers for years and I find the Sun Sentinel to be far the superior newspaper, except for the sports section, other than Ira Winderman’s superior Miami Heat coverage. In addition to local reporting, the Sun Sentinel is filled with very worthwhile articles from the New York Times and other reputable news sources.

Even letters to the editor, typically passionate and often misguided, are more fun to read than the more antiseptic letters typically seen in the Herald; it’s the difference between a golf tournament and a rugby match.

So keep up the good and important work, Sun Sentinel. I, for one, will wrap no fish in your pages. (I hereby certify that I have no financial interest in the Sun Sentinel and did not pour out all this praise just to get this letter printed.)

Marc Rohr, Plantation

Targeted disparagement?

I’m writing regarding the series of three political cartoons in your publication on Dec. 8, all depicting President Donald Trump.

While editorial cartooning has always been a space for satire and strong viewpoints, these illustrations crossed a line that risks undermining the standard of fairness many readers expect from a reputable news outlet.

One of the three cartoons, all of them critical of President Trump, that the Sun Sentinel published on Dec. 8.

My concern is not about shielding any political figure from criticism — public officials should absolutely be subject to scrutiny.

It’s the imbalance and tone that stand out.

When a newspaper repeatedly publishes negative portrayals of one individual without comparable treatment or perspective across the political spectrum, it begins to feel less like commentary and more like targeted disparagement.

A healthy democracy depends on the free exchange of ideas. Newspapers play a vital role in sustaining that environment. But with that freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that satire, criticism and commentary are grounded in fairness and do not unintentionally alienate large portions of the readership.

I hope future editorial decisions will take into account the value of presenting a broader, more balanced range of political viewpoints. Many of your readers — regardless of their personal politics — look to your paper for thoughtful, principled journalism, not repeated caricature.

Dennis R. Wallace, Sunrise

A rocky ride in N.Y.C.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is getting his message across to the city’s three million-plus immigrants about their rights as illegals, that they do not have to comply with ICE when being detained.

He told them that because ICE is allowed to lie, that people do not have to answer their questions. Because the mayor-elect is creating a double standard in law and undermining federal authority, this likely will become a problem for law enforcement and illegal immigrants.

Our country has always welcomed immigrants, provided they come here legally. We are not monsters who prevent people from starting new and better lives here, but rather a country asking new immigrants to go through the proper channels. By complying with the laws of this land, the present illegal immigration problem would simply not exist.

The Mamdani mayoral experience is going to be a very rocky ride indeed.

Roberta Chaleff, Tamarac

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

[contact-form]

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a dog walker and pet care provider. I’m retired, 73 years old, and I have a lot of work around the holidays.

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• Miss Manners: Our friend does laundry while hosting us — and we think it’s all for show
• Miss Manners: My friend’s new partner is getting a reputation as a difficult guest
• Miss Manners: They publicly oppose my rights, then accuse me of intolerance
• Miss Manners: I’m so disgusted by begging that I don’t tip anyone, anywhere

My clients give me Christmas gifts. Should I just say “thank you” when I get something I don’t need, or say I’d like to regift it?

This week, a client gave me a dog-walking tool that I already have. It’s not too expensive — maybe $30 — and the gift bag also included treats for my dog. I already said thank you, but should I say anything else?

GENTLE READER: What would you say? Something along the lines of, “I have no use for this, so I’m going to get rid of it”?

Countering generosity by mentioning what a failure it was does not make anyone’s Christmas merrier. Not even yours, next Christmas, when this client will have been discouraged by the effort to please you and will give up trying.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do you think about employers who let their children come around the workplace to sell goodies to their employees? And worse yet, what about when the boss himself escorts his child around the building to sell stuff?

Yeah, I know, it’s always for a good cause, but isn’t that putting people on the spot, and not in very good taste? Nobody really wants to buy these things, but you always feel obligated, especially when the boss is standing right there!

GENTLE READER: And a nice lesson that is for the children — not in salesmanship, but in the use of power to intimidate.

Miss Manners understands that you don’t want to antagonize the boss, and hopes that you also want to avoid embarrassing the children. But that does not mean that you are obliged to buy anything you don’t want.

Group action is the safest, of course. Perhaps you can get your colleagues to protest this, making an official complaint if necessary. But you can also handle it on your own by treating the children as the salespeople they are alleged to be. In a pleasant tone, ask about the merchandise — its use, its sturdiness, whatever.

If the child is able to answer these questions, you may still say regretfully that the item does not meet your needs (although Miss Manners would probably be touched enough to buy). But if, as she suspects, the child is unprepared, you need only say regretfully that you can’t commit to buying something you know so little about.

Let us hope that a responsible parent would understand and appreciate the value of this lesson to the child.

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• Asking Eric: I dread going to the wedding because of the no-contact drama
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• Asking Eric: He submitted a letter of recommendation with my name, but I never even saw it

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have received cards from a number of couples who are 30 to 40 years younger than we are. The return addresses and printed signatures are first-name only. Should we respond in kind, since my husband and I have different last names?

GENTLE READER: So that they will experience the frustration of some of their recipients, who are asking themselves, “Who are these people? Do we know any Jenna and Noah?” or “Which Emma and Everett could this be this from?”

Miss Manners asks you to resist that temptation and submit your full names.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Today is Monday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2025. There are 16 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Dec. 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge between Gallipolis (gal-ih-puh-LEES’), Ohio, and Point Pleasant, West Virginia, collapsed into the Ohio River, killing 46 people.

Also on this date:

In 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, went into effect following ratification by Virginia.

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• Trump administration ends family-reunification parole program for Cubans and Haitians
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• 2 students at Brown witnessed school shootings as children at Parkland, Saugus

In 1890, Hunkpapa Lakota Chief Sitting Bull and 11 other tribe members were killed in Grand River, South Dakota, during a confrontation with Indian agency police.

In 1939, the Civil War motion picture epic “Gone with the Wind,” starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, had its world premiere in Atlanta.

In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying bandleader Glenn Miller, a major in the U.S. Army Air Forces, disappeared over the English Channel while en route to Paris.

In 2011, the flag used by U.S. forces in Iraq was lowered in a Baghdad airport ceremony, marking the formal end of the American military mission in that country. The war left 110,000 Iraqis and 4,500 Americans dead.

In 2013, Nelson Mandela was laid to rest in a state funeral, ending a 10-day mourning period for South Africa’s first Black president. Mandela died on Dec. 5 of that year at the age of 95.

In 2016, a federal jury in Charleston, South Carolina, convicted Dylann Roof of the racist killings of nine Black church members who had welcomed him into their Bible study gathering. The following year he would become the first person in the U.S. sentenced to death for a federal hate crime, a sentence upheld in 2021.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Singer Cindy Birdsong (The Supremes) is 86.
• Rock musician Dave Clark (The Dave Clark Five) is 86.
• Baseball Hall of Fame manager Jim Leyland is 81.
• Actor Don Johnson is 76.
• Film and theater director Julie Taymor is 73.
• Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia is 71.
• Rock musician Paul Simonon (The Clash) is 70.
• Actor and filmmaker Lee Jung-jae is 53.
• Actor Adam Brody is 46.
• Actor Michelle Dockery is 44.
• Actor Charlie Cox is 43.
• Actor Camilla Luddington is 42.
• Rock musician and actor Alana Haim is 34.
• Actor Maude Apatow (AP’-ih-tow) is 28.

By CHRISTOPHER WEBER and MIKE BALSAMO

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were the two people found dead Sunday at a Los Angeles home owned by Reiner, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.

The official could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Investigators believe they suffered stab wounds and a family member is being questioned by investigators, the official said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m. and found a 78-year-old man and 68-year-old woman dead inside. Reiner turned 78 in March.

Detectives with the Robbery Homicide Division were investigating an “apparent homicide” at Reiner’s home, said Capt. Mike Bland with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Los Angeles authorities have not confirmed the identities of the people found dead at the residence in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood on the city’s west side that’s home to many celebrities.

Reiner was long one of the most prolific directors in Hollywood, and his work included some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and ’90s, including “This is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Princess Bride.”

His role as Meathead in the 1970s TV classic “All in the Family” alongside Carol O’Connor’s Archie Bunker catapulted him to fame and won him two Emmy Awards.

Messages to his representatives were not immediately returned Sunday night.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Reiner’s death a devastating loss for the city.

“Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice,” Bass said in a statement. “An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”

The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner was married to photographer Michele Singer Reiner since 1989. The two met while he was directing “When Harry Met Sally” and have three children together.

Reiner was previously married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981. He adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner. Carl Reiner died in 2020 at age 98 and Marshall died in 2018.

Killings are rare in the Brentwood neighborhood. The scene is about a mile from the home where O.J. Simpson’s wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were killed in 1994.

__

Balsamo reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles contributed.

General Daily Insight for December 15, 2025

A firm, focused mood could inspire us to take action today. As aggressive Mars enters Capricorn at 2:34 am EST, we’re likely to prioritize real results and plans we can actually finish. While the moody Scorpio Moon squares intense Pluto, emotions may spike in tough conversations, but maybe getting all that out is just what we need to turn pressure into momentum. Passion and productivity don’t have to be enemies. At this point, we’re in a position to experience the best of both worlds!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Making a bold first move is possible now. Fiery Mars charges into your 10th House of Career and Status, urging leadership on a stalled project that needs your clear direction. Choose one measurable goal and commit, because consistent action makes the most of your natural courage and turns scattered ambition into progress people notice. Feedback from friends may not always be comfortable, but try to hear it out. Their opinions have the potential to sharpen your message in helpful ways.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

An outside perspective currently has the potential to cut through the muck. Your 9th House of Travel and Higher Learning takes the spotlight as adventurous Mars arrives there, rallying your courage to enroll in training that stretches your world. Perhaps you’ve been embroiled in an emotional power struggle in your professional life. However, there could be more to the story than whatever is going on between you and the other person. Looking at the bigger picture is likely to expand your options!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Truth-telling is likely to become your friend today. As passionate Mars activates your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, you might be ready to take on a tough conversation you’d normally prefer to avoid. If someone owes you money, keep the tone light, but don’t shy away from specifics. Stating the exact amount with a clear payment date dissolves confusion. However, avoid assuming that you know why the other person acted the way they did. Combining empathy and facts builds safety for deeper sharing.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Cancer, your heart sets today’s steady pace. As action-oriented Mars powers into your 7th House of Partnerships, you’re probably in the mood to nail down firm agreements with a significant person in your life. If your companion grows defensive, soften your tone while staying clear, because your sensitive instincts can name the real need and protect everyone’s dignity. A written plan is likely to reduce anxiety and help you set fair boundaries on tough topics. Patiently working through this should strengthen your bond going forward!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Finding focus is presently possible. Ambitious Mars energizes your 6th House of Work and Wellness, helping you clean up any messy workflows and commit to productive routines. If you’re called upon to manage a coworker conflict, keep the focus on facts and next steps, since drama fades when you model calm and fairness. This doesn’t mean you have to embrace boredom, though. When you protect your energy, your creative spark is likely to return. Let work become a stage where steady effort shines!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Taking your creativity seriously can be rewarding now. As passionate Mars in your artistic 5th house invites playful risk, you might be ready to share a draft of a personal project with someone you trust. Although your own effort still matters, progress may come faster when you show the work and ask what connects. Honest feedback has the potential to sharpen your craft beautifully! That said, remember that you aren’t required to defer to nitpicking for the sake of being agreeable.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

When comfort unites with effort, home life shifts gently. While dynamic Mars kindles your 4th House of Home and Family, you might find that physically reorganizing a room helps traffic flow better and chores get done more easily. You may need to take a break from your favorite hobbies to focus on this, but a tidy base frees time for laughter later. If cohabitants push back, meet them with calm grace while holding the plan. Relationships improve when expectations are simple and promises are clear.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Clarity can arrive once you speak without hedging. Direct truth serves you now as aggressive Mars fires up your verbal 3rd house, favoring firm communication that sets respectful limits. You read between lines, so say what you see, but ask others to confirm. Facts prevent blame and end mixed messages. Tender history may be on your mind at this time, but you can honor feelings and still keep conversations clean. When you state your needs kindly, trust deepens, and tension eases naturally.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Careful money choices can pay off now. Your 2nd House of Money and Values gets a welcome nudge as ambitious Mars there favors a cleaner budget. In some cases, thoughtfully asking for a discount on a product or service might make sense. However, feeling overly sorry for yourself isn’t a good look. The freedom you crave is likely to grow when you’re realistic about what you want and what it should realistically cost. Once you’re grounded, you can reach for the stars!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Capricorn, you set the tone with intention. A fresh engine roars within as warrior Mars fires up your sense of self, turning resolve into action on a goal you’ve put off for too long. You may update a resume to reflect a new vision for your path forward. Although the financial side of whatever you want to do will eventually need your attention, a bold start proves your desire is real. Begin now — momentum loves your steady, disciplined stride forward.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Releasing what drains your energy is currently crucial. Decisive Mars activates your 12th House of Solitude and Closure, urging you to clear clutter that keeps you stuck. Give yourself a buffer between tasks and people, because your inventive mind resets faster when you protect the pockets of quiet in your day. Although you may worry that you’re not progressing quickly enough, you’re making room for brilliant ideas yet to come. Clear space now so inspiration can return with fresh strength.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

When friends rally, your ideas travel further. Warrior Mars energizes your 11th House of Friendship and Social Networks today, motivating you to gather people around a heartfelt community event. Your empathy helps you include quieter voices, and a kind invitation can reconnect an old pal who drifted away. Although you may not be in the most bubbly mood, showing up with gentle purpose gives your dream a practical path. Invite support now, and shared effort should multiply good results beautifully.

The Miami Dolphins’ slim playoff chances are getting slimmer and could go down to zero by the end of Week 15’s games.

After the results in the league’s Sunday slate, the Dolphins are now facing elimination from postseason contention in their Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6). They must win to keep their hopes alive.

If Miami was to lose, falling to 6-8, it would only have a chance to catch the Houston Texans, who currently hold the final playoff spot in the AFC at 9-5. That would take three Dolphins wins to finish the season and three Texans losses. But even then, the Texans would own the conference record tiebreaker.

A Dolphins loss would mean they can’t catch up to either the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars — all who are 10-4.

The Sunday results in the NFL didn’t go Miami’s way. Buffalo came back against New England to win. The Texans took down the Arizona Cardinals, and the Chargers held on late against the Kansas Chiefs.

A win for the Dolphins in the frigid cold of Pittsburgh on Monday keeps different paths, albeit unlikely, for Miami to reach the postseason.

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER

WASHINGTON (AP) — A JetBlue flight from the small Caribbean nation of Curaçao halted its ascent to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker on Friday, and the pilot blamed the military plane for crossing his path.

“We almost had a midair collision up here,” the JetBlue pilot said, according to a recording of his conversation with air traffic control. “They passed directly in our flight path. … They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.”

The incident involved JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao, which is just off the coast of Venezuela, en route to New York City’s JFK airport. It comes as the U.S. military has stepped up its drug interdiction activities in the Caribbean and is also seeking to increase pressure on Venezuela’s government.

“We just had traffic pass directly in front of us within 5 miles of us — maybe 2 or 3 miles — but it was an air-to air-refueler from the United States Air Force and he was at our altitude,” the pilot said. “We had to stop our climb.” The pilot said the Air Force plane then headed into Venezuelan air space.

Derek Dombrowski, a spokesman for JetBlue, said Sunday: “We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.” He added, “Our crewmembers are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team.”

The Pentagon referred The Associated Press to the Air Force for comment. The Air Force didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

___

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

MIAMI GARDENS — Defense and the run game have received most of the attention during the Miami Dolphins’ four-game winning streak. The fact is Miami’s success goes deeper. The Dolphins are also getting a big boost from playing smart, clean football.

Take a look at the statistical categories coach Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver value most — turnover margin and points allowed, respectively. The numbers are hugely favorable recently and offer another glimpse into why the Dolphins have won five of their past six games heading into their Monday night game against the Steelers (7-6) in Pittsburgh.

Also, take a look at penalties. Those numbers are hugely favorable, too.

It’s all connected, these ancillary elements to winning — turnover margin, scoring defense and penalties.

But when you want to understand the true depth of this Dolphins (6-7) midseason turnaround start at the beginning, meaning the beginning of the game.

When the Dolphins have won the toss during the past six games, McDaniel has taken the ball, a change in strategy, instead of deferring his option to receive until the third quarter. Consequently, the Dolphins have scored first in every game of this six-game stretch although not always on their first possession. They’ve scored first-quarter touchdowns in four of the six games. Playing with the lead has allowed McDaniel to stick with running back De’Von Achane and the running game, which leads the league during the past five weeks at 192.3 yards rushing per game.

Additionally, the run game success reduces the burden on inconsistent quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (18 touchdowns, career-worst 14 interceptions, career-worst 86.4 passer rating). Tagovailoa’s success, and the success of the passing game, has been much different this season than previous seasons and a primary reason is likely the absence of injured star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

But just as importantly as winning the coin toss, taking the ball, scoring first, and utilizing the ground game, the Dolphins are plus-seven in turnover margin over the past six games. They’re now plus-one for the season. McDaniel regards turnover margin as the best statistical indicator of wins and losses.

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“I think it’s no coincidence what came first, the chicken or the egg,” McDaniel said. “I think our play style is leading to the takeaway margin, and we’ll need to continue that to hope to have the same success.”

When it comes to points allowed consider the Dolphins have only allowed more than 17 points once during the past six games, that being the 28-6 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The scoring defense success represents a huge turnaround considering the Dolphins allowed at least 21 points in each of their first seven games, and four opponents scored 30 or more.

“We have unwavering faith and conviction in what we do,” Weaver said, “and we knew that if we would just keep taking small incremental steps forward in whatever that was, whether that was schematically, effort, focus on takeaways, technique and fundamentals, eventually the dam would break and we’d start getting the results that we were looking for.”

When it comes to penalties the Dolphins have had fewer penalty yards than each of their past six opponents. They haven’t had more than five penalties in any game during this stretch.

Dolphins now facing elimination at Pittsburgh on Monday after NFL’s Sunday slate

The bottom line is the Dolphins are playing smart, clean football along with executing when it comes to run games and defense.

McDaniel attributes all of the improved numbers and better results to more convicted efforts.

“We’re talking about takeaways every week,” he said, “but it’s all connected to high-effort strain, conviction, the style of play that is very violent in nature. The game of inches that lead to touchdowns versus field goals, first downs versus fourth downs, and then those tips and overthrows that lead to takeaways, they’re all packed into a style of play that is very much convicted and high effort.”

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — Will Miami win Monday at Steelers? | VIDEO

Dolphins (6-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Monday, Acrisure Stadium

TV: ESPN, CBS (Ch. 4 in Miami-Dade, Broward counties; Ch. 12 in Palm Beach); RADIO: Westwood One, NFL+, WBGG (105.9-FM), WINZ (940-AM), WTZU (94.9-FM, Spanish); Palm Beach: ESPN (106.3 FM); WEFL (760-AM, Spanish)


Coaches: The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel is 34-32, including the playoffs, in his fourth season as a head coach; the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin is 198-124-2 in his 19th season.

Series: The Steelers lead the all-time series, 15-14, including 2-2 in the postseason. The Dolphins have won four of the past five regular-season meetings. These teams last met in the regular season in 2022, a 16-10 Miami victory at Hard Rock Stadium. Their postseason meeting after the 2016 season was Pittsburgh’s last playoff win, a 30-12 Steelers decision. Miami has lost its past two games in Pittsburgh (2016 playoffs, 2019 regular season).

Weather: 20 degrees (feels-like temperature of 12 degrees), 74 percent humidity; 0 percent chance of precipitation, 8 mph winds from the SW with gusts up to 22 mph.


Line: The Steelers are 3-point favorites; the over-under is 42 points.

Injuries: Dolphins — Doubtful: S Elijah Campbell (ankle/knee); Questionable: OL Andrew Meyer (triceps). Physically unable to perform: OL Liam Eichenberg; Injured reserve: WR Tyreek Hill (knee), RG James Daniels (pectoral), K Jason Sanders (hip), CB Storm Duck (knee), CB Kader Kohou (knee), RB Alexander Mattison (neck), CB Artie Burns (knee), TE Jalin Conyers, CB Jason Maitre, OL Obinna Eze, OL Germain Ifedi, OL Yodny Cajuste …

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Steelers — Out: OL Andrus Peat (concussion), CB James Pierre (calf), LB T.J. Watt (lung). Questionable: DT Derrick Harmon (knee), TE Darnell Washington (concussion). Injured reserve: S DeShon Elliott, QB Skylar Thompson are among 12 players on the list.

Noteworthy: This is another “cold-weather” game for the Dolphins with the line of delineation for this purpose being 45 degrees or colder at kickoff. The Dolphins are 1-5 in cold-weather games under McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa with the most recent victory being last week’s 34-10 win at the New York Jets. Aside from that game, the Dolphins lost at Buffalo (32-29) in the 2022 regular season, at Buffalo (34-31) in the 2022 playoffs, at Kansas City (26-7) in the 2023 playoffs, at Green Bay on Thanksgiving last season (30-17), and lost at the Jets (32-20) in last season’s finale. …

A win would be the fifth consecutive for the the Dolphins, matching their longest winning streak in the McDaniel era, achieved in 2022. …

A victory would improve Miami’s record to 7-7, making the Dolphins the fifth team in NFL history to reach .500 after starting 2-7. The 2021 Dolphins also turned the trick. …

The Dolphins are 7-7 in December games under McDaniel. …

This is usually a troubling time of the season for the Dolphins, who are 8-10 in December-January games under McDaniel, including 3-7 on the road. …

The Steelers and Dolphins had a high-profile offseason trade that involved Pittsburgh sending S Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith. Each player will want to show that their former team was wrong to let them go. …

RB De’Von Achane (1,126 yard rushing, No. 3 in NFL) ranks No. 2 among RBs in the NFL for receiving TDs (four) and No. 4 in receptions (55) and receiving yards (383). …

Pittsburgh is without OLB T.J. Watt, and that will certainly hurt its defense, especially the pass rush. …

QB Aaron Rodgers is playing with a left (non-throwing) wrist injury. …

WR DK Metcalf will have to be monitored closely because he brings a combination of speed and size that’s rarely seen. …

DL Cameron Heyward, a future Hall of Famer, will have spirited matchups with C Aaron Brewer, who is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season. …

The Dolphins played the song “Renegade” by Styx on a loop during Friday’s practice. Renegade is a song played at Acrisure Stadium to get the crowd fired up. …

Former Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, the twin brother of ex-Dolphins C Mike Pouncey, is being inducted into the Hall of Honor so both will be at Monday’s game. QB Ben Roethlisberger and S Joey Porter, another former Dolphins player, are also being inducted in the Hall of Honor.

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