The Minnesota Vikings kept their perfect start to the season, defeating the Miami Dolphins 15‑10 on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. A stout defensive effort and five field goals from veteran kicker Will Reichard secured the win and moved the Vikings to 4‑0 for only the second time in three years.
Key plays and performances
Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 27 of 37 passes for 247 yards and avoided any turnovers, though he was sacked four times for a loss of 34 yards. His top target was tight end T.J. Hockenson, who matched his career best with 13 receptions for 119 yards on 13 targets. Hockenson’s game‑sealing eight‑yard catch on third‑and‑5 late in the fourth quarter allowed him to slide into the end zone and run out the clock.
Running back Aaron Jones carried the ball 20 times for 94 yards and added four receptions for 34 yards. The Vikings were without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who missed his first game since Week 12 of the 2023 season with an ankle injury, and running back Jordan Mason, sidelined with a thumb injury for the third straight contest.
Defensive dominance
Minnesota’s defense forced Miami into a series of mistakes. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis went 9‑for‑17 for 85 yards, lost a fumble, and was sacked twice by defensive end Dallas Turner. Willis appeared to have escaped pressure for a 68‑yard touchdown pass to Chris Bell, but the play was called back for illegal touching after Bell stepped out of bounds.
The Vikings recorded 11 penalties for 85 yards, but a potentially costly roughing‑the‑kicker call on Ivan Pace Jr. was overturned when video review showed he had merely tipped punter Bradley Pinion’s kick.
Special teams and records
Will Reichard extended the NFL’s longest active streak of consecutive made field goals to 31, delivering five successful attempts—including a 27‑yard kick by Riley Patterson after a 53‑yard run by Ollie Gordon. Reichard’s consistency drew a roar from the crowd during the two‑minute warning.
Injury updates
Miami’s starting safety Dante Trader (knee) left the game in the second quarter but returned after halftime. For Minnesota, left guard Donovan Jackson (knee) was sidelined early, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw (neck) suffered a head‑first collision in the second quarter, returning after halftime before being evaluated for a possible concussion in the fourth.
Looking ahead
The Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, while the Vikings travel to New Orleans for their next matchup.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
