Minnesota Vikings' Defense and Special Teams Drag Team to Win Over Miami Dolphins in Week 4

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Miami Dolphins 15 to 10 in a sloppy game at US Bank Stadium. Minnesota's win keeps them undefeated at 4-0.

There were times in the Minnesota Vikings Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins when it was difficult to believe you were watching an undefeated team. Those were usually the times when the offense was on the field. But when the Brian Flores Hellfire DefenseTM came storming onto the field again it all made sense. How long can the Vikings keep winning based on the strength of the defense and kicker Will Reichard is anyone's guess, but for one more week they did just that.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores coached the defense to another dominant performance.

Each week Minnesota's defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, finds new ways to torment opposing offenses and it is getting to the point where it is almost unfair. The time devoted to OLB Dallas Turner's developement has paid off because he's gone from a talented players with promise to an absolute beast, nearly impossible for offenses to stop.

But Turner is just one player on the defense who is distinguishing himself. For example, LB Blake Cashman who has recorded 7+ tackles in 15 straight games. The defensive tackles did a good job with their run gaps making it possible for the guys in coverage to be more effective. Miami's two scores on the day came in the third quarter, but in the fourth the Vikings' defense regrouped and forced the Dolphins to punt.

Speaking of scoring, K Will Reichard has proved that he can make kicks from anywhere on the field, today kicking in field goals from 47, 50, 33, 21, and 49 yards. Not only was he putting points on the board, but Reichard was also pinning the Dolphins back deep with his kickoffs. Myles Price continued his strong performance as the Vikings' return man, never sacrificing yards.

Unfortunately, head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense struggled again. US Bank Stadium was filled with purple-clad fans so annoyed with the offensive performance that they were booing Minnesota when the Vikings had a lead--surreal. The broadcast team said that O'Connell had dubbed this week's game plan "Operation Get Kyler Comfortable", but Vikings' quarterback Kyler Murray did not look competent let alone comfortable until the 4th quarter. However, when Murray did become comfortable late in the second half, he was dialed in and fans finally got to see sustained drives. Sure it was in 2-minute drill, hurry-up chaos, but was still good and it gives Minnesota's offense positive momentum on which they can build heading into next week.

Still showing dedication to the run, the Vikings' offense leaned heavily on RB Aaron Jones. Jones ended the day with 20 carries for 94 very hard yards, a key reason why the Vikings are 4-0. He's not meant to be a bell-cow running back, but with Jordan Mason on IR Jones has carried the offense.

Tightend TJ Hockenson is the first Vikings receiver to have cracked the Kyler code--break off your route when Murray moves off the spot and show him your numbers. It paid off, Hockenson had a dominant performance and hauled in 13 receptions for 119 yards. Hockenson could have had a touchdown at the end of the game, but opted to instead settle for a first down so Minnesota could burn off the clock for the win. Fantasy owners might not have liked the move, but it guaranteed the Vikings the win.

It's impossible to talk about this game without addressing the penalties the Vikings incurred. Minnesota was penalized 11 times for 85 yards, sloppy football at its worst. For some of those penalties it seemed like the officials were choosing to over-officiate the game, but others were stupid, pre-snap penalties. Communication with the Vikings' offensive line may have been impacted by the loss of G Donovan Jackson (knee) and T Christian Darrisaw (neck, concussion), but the offense looked unready and sloppy even before they were injured and only worse after they were out.

The Vikings are playing elite defense, very good special teams, and erratic offense. If O'Connell can find a way to get the offense to even play average football, this team is championship caliber. He's the weak link right now and, if he wants to get off the hot seat O'Connell needs to get rid of the excuses, let go of his ego, and show that he can coach winning football on all sides of the ball, not just 2 out of 3 phases.

Minnesota takes the team on the road to the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. SKOL.