The Miami Dolphins dropped to 0-4 in the 2026 season after losing to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. It was an ugly game, filled with penalties, mistakes, and offensive struggles for both teams. It also showed growth from the Dolphins, the league’s youngest team, as they start turning experience into development. Miami is not going to suddenly become an AFC contender, but they are at least showing signs that this rebuild is headed in the right direction.
One of the biggest questions Miami must answer
this year is the role of quarterback Malik Willis next season and beyond. Is Willis, who signed as a free agent with the Dolphins this offseason, the franchise quarterback who can continue to lead the team for years to come? Is he a short-term rental to start the rebuild, with Miami needing to use an early 2027 draft pick to land their true long-term starter?
After the first four games, Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson says Willis’s play is simply “not good enough.” He does, however, add, “during fleeting moments, tantalizing enough to not totally rule out the possibility that he could become [a franchise quarterback].”
There have been moments, some snapshots, where you see the dynamic arm strength, or the escapability, or the high-end athleticism, or the ability to throw on the run — NFL-specific skills that make you resistant to give up totally on the hope of Willis becoming a franchise quarterback.
You can’t determine anything definitively after four games, particularly when several of the players around Willis are underperforming or simply not good enough.
But we’re still waiting for the game where the Dolphins have reason to emerge saying “we have our guy!” Or at least “I think we do.” A month in, that game hasn’t happened.
Jackson went on to break down Willis’s play in the team’s loss to Minnesota and his statistical standing after the first four games this season.
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How should Dolphins QB Willis be judged after 4 games? Not nearly good enough – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The first four games of Malik Willis’ audition to become the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback can be summed up thusly: Not nearly good enough — and yet, during fleeting moments, tantalizing enough to not totally rule out the possibility that he could become one.
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Dolphins vs. Vikings review
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Rookie Jacob Rodriguez makes plays for Dolphins vs. Vikings– Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
The Miami Dolphins played at the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 4, with nine rookies dressed to play.
Instant Analysis: Minnesota Vikings 15, Miami Dolphins 10 – Kenny Rosarion, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Dolphins’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium as Miami falls to 0-4.
Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis grades: Ups and downs vs. Vikings – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins’ Malik Willis was seeking his first win of the season Sunday as starting quarterback in a road game at the Minnesota Vikings.
Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 15-10 loss to Minnesota Vikings – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins ventured to Minnesota in search of their first victory of the season. They didn’t get it. The Dolphins lost to the Vikings, 15-10, at U.S. Bank Stadium as they fell to 0-3 on the road.
Dolphins have difficulty against former coach Brian Flores’ Vikings defense in loss – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Before kickoff between the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, who is now Vikings defensive coordinator, spent time interacting with several coaches and staff who remain with Miami since his days at the helm.
Dolphins rookie Jacob Rodriguez gives Miami reason for hope at 0-4 – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had just completed his fourth pro game, as well as his fourth pro loss.
Fins find success on the ground despite 15-10 loss to Vikings and more takeaways – C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins consistently stressed that they had confidence in their rushing attack despite star running back De’Von Achane’s season-ending left ACL tear.
Five Instant Overreactions to Dolphins-Vikings Matchup – Tyler DeSena, Miami Dolphins on SI
Miami fell to 15-10 to Minnesota in Week 4
Dolphins drop ugly, penalty-riddled defensive struggle against Vikings for fourth straight loss – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins are getting closer to that elusive first win for the new regime of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley.
Winless Dolphins making way too many foolish plays and errors – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The Miami Dolphins can’t keep playing boneheaded football, which is part of the story of Sunday’s 15-10 loss at the Minnesota Vikings.
Dolphins’ Hafley assesses loss to Vikings and where things stand at 0-4 – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
In this Year 1 of a rebuild, Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley continues to express a combination of disappointment and encouragement in his postgame press conferences.
Dolphins Week 4 Instant Takeaways: So Close, Yet So Far – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
What stood out in the Miami Dolphins’ close loss against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4
Malik Willis
Former Dolphins
Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh says OC Mike McDaniel’s job ‘not in jeopardy – Kris Rhim, ESPN
The script was familiar for the Los Angeles Chargers in Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Chiefs reportedly reach out to Tyreek Hill amid multiple receiver injuries – Ian Casselberry, Yahoo! Sports
Hill hopes to be able to play by November while recovering from multiple torn ligaments in his left knee
Dolphins Week 4 opponents: Minnesota Vikings news
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