The Miami Dolphins faced the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday as part of the 2026 Week 4 NFL schedule. The game was ugly, but in a way that was different than some of Miami’s previous games. This one never felt like a blowout. Instead, it was a sloppy game marred by penalties and mistakes.
In the end, however, the Dolphins couldn’t do it. They had a chance in the fourth quarter to take the lead – which would have marked the first time this season they had led a game – but a three-and-out gave the ball back to the Vikings. Unstoppable by the defense, Minnesota was allowed to run out the last 5:41 of the game.
The Dolphins look better than they did in Week 1. They look like a team that can compete and keep pace with a team that has positioned itself for a playoff run. Miami falls to 0-4, but they continue to grow as a team, gain experience, and work their way to a victory.
Teams need to learn not to take the Dolphins for granted because this team is not going to back down easily.
Zach Sieler, defensive tackle: The Dolphins’ veteran defensive tackle started the game the right way for the Dolphins – recording the team’s first sack of the year on the opening snap of the contest. He then scored another at the end of the first half. Miami would add two more sacks from other players, but it was Sieler who set the tone. He’s starting to look like the dominant player he was a few years ago – and the Dolphins need him to fill that role.
Ollie Gordon, running back: Losing De’Von Achane to an ACL tear is a huge blow to the Dolphins’ offensive system. Gordon took the reins and led the team on Sunday. He ran for 100 yards with a touchdown on just nine carries.
Note: “Losers” is not a judgment on the talent or character of any individual. This is simply categorizing a game within a game – no disrespect intended or meant.
Special teams: The game broke open when the Vikings returned the opening kickoff 47 yards. After holding Minnesota to a three-and-out, the Dolphins intercepted the punt return and (fortunately) fell on the ball in the endzone for a touchback (with a penalty enforced). On Miami’s ensuing punt, they allowed a 36-yard return, leading to a Vikings field goal. After the kickoff, the Dolphins were unable to field the ball cleanly and were flagged for an illegal formation.
Austin Jackson, right tackle: I’ve said many times that Jackson is a solid right tackle when he’s healthy – he’s someone you can choose to upgrade when you have the chance, but he’ll be fine if you choose him as your starter. I may have to leave where I am. Jackson has been awful against speed rushers this year. He was constantly being pushed back and off balance. We’ve seen it too many times – including many times today – when Jackson bites on the first step, then struggles to react when the rusher cuts the other way. Jackson is now responsible.
Pass rush is finally home: Miami entered the game as the only team without a sack this season. The pass rush showed life against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 but the job wasn’t done. This week, it took a snap to wrap up the storyline. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler burst through the line on the Vikings’ first snap and brought down quarterback Kyler Murray.
The second quarter began with Josh Uche adding his own sack on Murray before Sieler picked up his second in the final minute of the half. Chop Robinson entered the fray in the third quarter to force a Vikings punt.
If nothing else, this Dolphins team plays with heart: The 2026 season won’t be about wins and losses for the Dolphins, but don’t tell them that. This team is out there fighting every snap, playing hard and trying to combat the mistakes and misplays that come with a young team.
Penalties, penalties, and sanctions: Wow, that’s rough. This referee crew is very flag-happy. Some of the punishments are deserved. Some of them are very light. It became difficult to watch at times, with every play seemingly having a penalty called. The good news is, the penalty calls were balanced, with both teams being flagged throughout the game. The game ended with 20 enforced penalties – nine for Miami, 11 for the Vikings – for 140 yards.
Tight end coverage issues: The Dolphins have struggled for years to cover tight ends, and on Sunday, that storyline returned. TJ Hockenson caught 13 passes for 119 yards. He should have had 120 yards and a touchdown, but he chose to slide down the one-yard line in the fourth quarter to allow the team to run down the clock instead of taking an easy score. The Dolphins have no answer for Hockenson, no matter who they have in coverage.