Studs and duds from the Minnesota Vikings Week 4 win over the Dolphins

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The Minnesota Vikings improved to 4-0 with a win over the winless Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but plenty to criticize in the 15-10 victory. Fans at U.S. Bank Stadium voiced their frustration with Minnesota's offense throughout the game, even booing during the final three kneel-downs to close out the game.

Although the Vikings amassed 336 yards, the first time the offense eclipsed 250 yards this season, they failed to score a touchdown. All 15 points came from field goals, with their closest opportunity coming on a 3rd-and-8 completion to T.J. Hockenson, where the tight end bypassed a walk-in touchdown and instead slid at the 2-yard line, ensuring a victory with three kneel-downs.

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Minnesota hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since Week 1, but they improved in Week 4. Brian Flores' defense was superb again, holding Miami to 198 total yards. It wasn't pretty, but with Justin Jefferson eyeing a return against the New Orleans Saints next week, the Vikings took small strides on offense against the Dolphins.

Studs and duds from the Minnesota Vikings 15-10 over the Dolphins

Stud: Will Reichard

One reason Minnesota has survived its offensive deficiencies is that Reichard has been automatic whenever he lines up to kick. Reichard connected on all five attempts on Sunday, hitting from 47, 50, 33, 41, and 29 yards. He has hit all 12 field goal attempts this year and six extra points this year, and has made 31 straight field goals dating back to last season.

Dud: Jauan Jennings

This offense remains a work in progress, and that's especially evident for newcomers to the system. Jauan Jennings caught one pass for eight yards and drew a penalty. He has only two receptions for nine yards in three games this season, as the Vikings have struggled to adequately fill Jefferson's absence.

Stud: T.J. Hockenson

The biggest development in Minnesota's offense was the growing rapport between Kyler Murray and Hockenson. They connected on all 13 attempts for 129 yards, including the eight-yard completion at the end of the game to secure the win. Murray appeared comfortable looking for Hockenson as the game went on, giving us the first sign of the quarterback finding a rhythm with a pass-catcher.

Dud: The offensive line

It's hard to single out second-year Joe Huber, a 2025 UDFA who replaced Donovan Jackson at left guard in the first quarter. But the entire line struggled, allowing four sacks, including one on the first play from scrimmage. Adding insult to injury, the Dolphins entered Week 4 without registering a sack. Vikings linemen committed five penalties that day, putting the offense behind the sticks early in downs throughout the game.

Stud: Dallas Turner

Turner delivered another superb game, accounting for Minnesota's two sacks on Malik Willis. Flores lined Turner up on each side of the line, creating advantageous matchups against Miami right tackle Austin Jackson, who entered the game and allowed a team-high 12 pressures and two sacks. Willis didn't have many opportunities to get to Willis, who attempted only 15 passes on Sunday, but Turner made the most of his limited pass-rushes.

Dud: Johnny Hekker

With rookie Brett Thorson still out with a hamstring injury, Hekker handled punting duties for the second straight week. Although Hekker is in his 15th season and spent the offseason with the Vikings, he had two poor punts against the Dolphins. His final two punts went for 20 and 31 yards, setting Miami's offense up at their own 48- and 45-yard lines in a game where Minnesota's defense needed as much pressure taken off of it as it could. Fortunately, the Dolphins' offensive woes prevented them from taking advantage of the poor punts, but Hekker's performance was concerning.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Studs and duds from the Minnesota Vikings Week 4 win over the Dolphins

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