Vikings Stay Unbeaten, Hand Dolphins 15-10 Loss to Drop Miami to 0-4

Minnesota’s Defense and Will Reichard’s Leg Lead Vikings Past Miami

The Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated Sunday, relying on a dominant defensive performance and five field goals from Will Reichard to defeat the winless Miami Dolphins 15-10. The Vikings improved to 4-0 for the second time in three years despite being held without a touchdown for the second time this season. Minnesota found a way to win by controlling the fourth quarter and making the plays necessary to close out a hard-fought game.

Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 27 of 37 passes for 247 yards without a turnover, but the Vikings struggled to generate much offensively for long stretches. Murray was sacked four times for 34 yards and appeared tentative in the pocket early before finding a rhythm with tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson delivered one of the biggest performances of his career, tying his career high with 13 receptions for 119 yards on 13 targets. His biggest catch came with the game on the line.

Hockenson Makes the Game Sealing Play

With Minnesota facing third-and-5 from the Miami 10-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Hockenson found himself wide open for an 8-yard reception. Rather than reaching the end zone, the eighth-year tight end wisely slid down just short of the goal line. The decision drained valuable time and brought the game to the two minute warning. With Miami out of timeouts, the Vikings were able to take three kneel downs and secure the victory.

It was a fitting finish for Hockenson, who repeatedly came through for Minnesota as the offense struggled to consistently move the ball. The Vikings had the ball for 14 of the 15 minutes in the fourth quarter and picked up eight first downs during the final period, allowing Minnesota to control the game when it mattered most.

Reichard Continues Remarkable Field Goal Streak

Reichard provided all of Minnesota’s scoring in the first half and ultimately finished with five field goals. His latest successful kick extended his NFL best active streak to 31 consecutive made field goals. Reichard received a loud ovation when he appeared on the videoboard during the two-minute warning, while Murray heard some mild boos as Minnesota’s offensive struggles continued.

Aaron Jones also carried a significant workload in the absence of key offensive players. He rushed 20 times for 94 yards and added four receptions for 34 yards. The Vikings were without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson because of an ankle injury. It was Jefferson’s first missed game since Week 12 of the 2023 season. Running back Jordan Mason also missed his third consecutive game with a thumb injury.

Dolphins’ Offensive Struggles Continue

Miami dropped to 0-4 for the first time since opening the 2019 season 0-7. New Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis struggled throughout the afternoon, completing just 9 of 17 passes for 85 yards. He was sacked twice, including once by Dallas Turner, and lost a fumble on one of those sacks.

Miami also committed nine penalties for 55 yards, adding to an afternoon filled with mistakes. Willis appeared to have escaped Minnesota’s relentless pass rush early in the second quarter when he floated a potential 68-yard touchdown pass to Chris Bell. However, Bell was flagged for illegal touching after stepping out of bounds while trying to get open, wiping out the potential score.

The Dolphins were held to just 76 yards on 21 plays in the first half and failed to move the ball across midfield. Miami eventually found some openings in Minnesota’s defense, which was directed by former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, but the comeback effort came up short.

Ollie Gordon Provides a Spark

With star running back De’Von Achane sidelined for the season with a knee injury, Ollie Gordon took on an expanded role and provided Miami with its biggest offensive plays. Gordon ripped off a career-best 53-yard run on third-and-5, setting up Riley Patterson’s 27-yard field goal.

Gordon later broke through for a 12 yard touchdown run on Miami’s next drive, pulling the Dolphins within 12-10 and briefly giving them hope of completing the comeback. But Minnesota’s defense tightened down the stretch, and the Vikings’ offense controlled the clock long enough to prevent Miami from getting another meaningful opportunity.

The Vikings did commit 11 penalties for 85 yards, but they avoided a potentially costly mistake when a roughing-the-kicker penalty against Ivan Pace Jr. was overturned following video replay assistance. The review determined Pace had tipped Bradley Pinion’s punt, meaning there was no penalty.

Vikings Move to 4-0 as Dolphins Fall to 0-4

Minnesota’s offense never found the end zone, but the Vikings did enough in every other area to remain perfect through four games. Murray finished without a turnover, Hockenson repeatedly delivered in crucial situations, Jones provided consistent production on the ground and Reichard remained automatic. Most importantly, Minnesota’s defense kept Miami from sustaining enough offense to complete a comeback.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, remain winless despite facing four teams that have combined to go 15-1. Miami will look to finally get into the win column next Sunday when it hosts the Cincinnati Bengals. The Vikings will attempt to remain unbeaten when they travel to New Orleans next Sunday to face the Saints.