The Miami Dolphins fell to 0-4 after another rough offensive outing against the Minnesota Vikings, losing by a score of 15-10. This was easily the most competitive the Dolphins have been this season, but there is still a lot that needs to be cleaned up if this team hopes to win at all in 2026.
The Miami defense stepped up big today and didn't allow a single touchdown from the Vikings' offense. All 15 of Minnesota's points came from field goals by Will Reichard, who was 5-for-5 on the day.
However, the Miami offense continues to struggle to build any momentum. The passing attack was once again atrocious, with Malik Willis putting up a 67.0 passer rating. The offensive output relied almost exclusively on big plays by running back Ollie Gordon II.
The Dolphins went three-and-out four times, and Bradley Pinion punted six times.
As the Dolphins try to take some positives out of this contest, here are five takeaways from the Dolphins' 15-10 loss to the Vikings.
Dolphins were able to get after Kyler Murray
Miami's defense was finally able to get after the quarterback. After recording zero sacks in the first three games, the Dolphins reached Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray four times. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler recorded two, while Josh Uche and Chop Robinson each had one. Uche and Robinson's sacks both came on 3rd down.
This is a very encouraging sign for a defense that has seen significant improvement in the last two games.
Vikings' tight end T.J. Hockenson dominated the Miami defense
Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson totaled a career-high 13 catches for 119 yards. He was a consistent problem for the Dolphins all game. Hockenson was the favorite target of Kyler Murray with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson out with an ankle injury.
The Dolphins' struggles against opposing tight ends have become an issue that is building some consistency. The Chiefs' Travis Kelce and 49ers' George Kittle each scored touchdowns against the Dolphins in the previous two contests. This is a problem that needs to be addressed in the film room.
Jacob Rodriguez was everywhere
After an impressive performance against the Chiefs last week, rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was all over the place. Rodriguez totaled 18 tackles today, which is the highest single-game total so far this season and a Dolphins single-game rookie record.
Rodriguez continues to shine despite the team's struggles. He appears to be an immediate cornerstone for this franchise.
Career game for Ollie Gordon II
Dolphins second-year running back Ollie Gordon II had a career day, rushing for 100 yards on nine attempts and a touchdown. His previous career high in single-game yards was 46. He has now scored touchdowns in back-to-back games.
Gordon was the key player in all the points scored by the Miami offense today. His 53-yard run set up a short Riley Patterson field goal to give the Dolphins three points. He was also responsible for the lone touchdown scored by either team, running in from 12 yards out.
With De'Von Achane out for the year with a torn ACL, the Dolphins will rely heavily on Gordon moving forward, especially after a performance like this.
Dolphins need Caleb Douglas back
The Dolphins' passing attack continues to be abysmal. Malik Willis had just 85 passing yards on nine completions. Five of Willis' nine completions went to Malik Washington, who totaled 67 receiving yards. No Dolphins receiver caught more than one pass other than Washington.
It is clear this offense lacks a go-to receiver. Rookie Caleb Douglas showed the potential to be a legit No. 1 wide receiver in the Week 1 contest against Las Vegas, totaling 94 yards on five receptions. Douglas has been out the last two games due to an ankle injury sustained in Week 2. Without anybody else stepping up the way Douglas did in Week 1, it is obvious the Dolphins need him back in order for this team to put up more points.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 5 takeaways from Dolphins' 15-10 loss vs. Vikings in Week 4
