The Minnesota Vikings' defense has terrorized opponents for three weeks. On Sunday, they have another chance to shine, facing a winless Miami Dolphins squad that ranks 27th in total yards and 31st in points in 2026. Miami is even weaker according to DVOA, ranking 31st in the league.
This is Brian Flores' first time calling plays against the Dolphins, who fired him after the 2021 season. Entering Week 3, the Vikings had the league's top-ranked defense by DVOA and EPA/play allowed.
On paper, the Dolphins' offense is completely overmatched. Will Flores make sure to continue his blitz-happy tendencies and force Malik Willis into mistakes? Or will Miami have something up its sleeve against Minnesota?
3 Keys for the Vikings' defense against the Dolphins in Week 4
Contain the run game
The Dolphins' offense hasn't been great all season,
but it took another hit last week when they lost De'Von Achane to injured reserve. Ollie Gordon, a 6th-round pick in 2025, will likely take on most of the running back responsibilities, but he lacks Achane's explosiveness. Gordon has averaged 2.7 yards per carry on 90 carries since 2025, which is less than half of Achane's 5.5-yard-per-carry average over four seasons.
Minnesota, which ranks first in EPA/run allowed, will also need to account for Willis' running ability. He has run 17 times for 101 yards and a touchdown this season and leads the healthy players on Miami's roster in rushing. Although Flores likes to be aggressive in his play calling, the Vikings will need to be disciplined in their rush lanes to keep Willis from breaking the pocket.
Get after Willis
No one had more pressures (63) or sacks (14) entering Week 4 than Minnesota, per Next Gen Stats. Dallas Turner (3.5) and Andrew Van Ginkel (3.0) have been on fire so far, as they are one of two defensive duos with 3+ sacks this season. Turner also leads the league in pressures (25), while Blake Cashman is tied for sixth with 15.
The Dolphins have some quality players along their offensive line. Left tackle Patrick Paul has allowed six pressures and a sack this year, earning an 81.8 pass-blocking grade from PFF. Center Aaron Brewer has allowed only two pressures, and although he has a 57.4 pass-blocking grade, he has a 94% pass-block win rate, per ESPN, tied for the 12th-best among interior offensive linemen.
Still, right tackle Austin Jackson (12 pressures allowed, 1 sack) could be a target for Flores. Left guard Kadyn Proctor has a promising future and is huge (6-foot-7, 360 pounds), but as a rookie, he could have his head spinning dealing with twists and stunts.
Force some turnovers to give the offense short fields
I am optimistic the Vikings' offense can get on track this week, but sometimes short fields to capitalize on can build confidence. Minnesota's defense has forced six turnovers, tied for fourth in the league. Miami has done an adequate job taking care of the ball, only turning it over four times, tied for 16th.
Forcing turnovers is never a bad thing, but the Vikings' struggling offense could stand to benefit from some short fields. Two of their Week 1 touchdown drives came after turnovers that set Minnesota up inside the red zone. Against the Bears in Week 2, Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted a pass at the Vikings' 40-yard line, normally advantageous field position, but the sloppy weather conditions helped hinder the ensuing drive. A forced fumble later prevented a Chicago touchdown, but set Minnesota's offense up at its own 1-yard line.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 Keys for the Vikings' defense against the Dolphins in Week 4
