Vikings vs. Dolphins takeaways: Minnesota now 5-1 as defense shines; Miami's Skylar Thompson exits with injury

vikes.jpg
Getty Images

For the fourth consecutive week, the Dolphins saw one of their quarterbacks get injured. And for the fifth time in six weeks, the Minnesota Vikings walked off the field with a victory.

The Vikings defeated the Dolphins 24-16 on Sunday, as Miami rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson left in the first half with a thumb injury after hitting his hand on a Vikings player's helmet. Teddy Bridgewater came in for Thompson, but could not pull off the win, as Miami lost its third game in a row after a 3-0 start. The first-place Vikings now stand at 5-1, their only loss coming in Week 2 at Philadelphia.

It was the fourth consecutive week a Dolphins quarterback had been injured, starting with Tua Tagovailoa in back-to-back games amid concussions and a whirlwind of controversy, before Bridgewater was injured last week.

This one was a defensive battle in Miami, with both offenses struggling for the most part, especially at the start.

The Dolphins got off to the better start offensively, but penalties were their downfall and the self inflicted wounds stopped them from scoring even when they were in scoring position. Thompson impressed before leaving the game, but the penalties slowed his production and the Dolphins didn't score.

With Bridgewater in, the Dolphins set up a 44-yard field goal made by Jason Sanders for the first points of the game.

The Vikings offense finally found some rhythm well into the second quarter. Between three straight first downs and converting their first third down of the game, they set up a first-and-goal. Cousins then connected with Irv Smith Jr. for one yard in the end zone to give Minnesota their first lead.

The Vikings extended their lead with a touchdown from Adam Thielen set up by a big Justin Jefferson 47-yard run. 

Miami cut into the lead on a Bridgewater to Mike Gesicki touchdown, but a costly fumble led to a 53-yard Dalvin Cook touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. The Vikings were up 24-10.

The Dolphins scored once more, but it was not enough. Their two-point conversion and the onside kick that followed were both unsuccessful, sealing the Vikings win.

Why the Vikings won

The Vikings got off to a slow start and certainly struggled on offense much of the time, with many three-and-outs and unsuccessful drives. Even with their early struggles, they never let the game get out of hand.

Their defense came up big, recording three takeaways, two interceptions and one fumble, as well as six sacks for a loss of 33 yards. The Dolphins outgained the Vikings 458-234, but it was all for naught. The Vikings were able to capitalize on the turnovers, which was the difference-maker in the game. 

Why the Dolphins lost

The Dolphins' self-inflicted wounds stalled their efficiency. They were in scoring position on multiple occasions, but penalties pushed them back and out of field goal position. They finished with 10 penalties and 97 yards. 

Their turnovers were also a main reason they lost. Any team giving the ball away three times, on top of not protecting its quarterback, does not give itself the best chance to win.

Turning point

Vikings' Harrison Smith intercepted Teddy Bridgewater's pass intended for Jaylen Waddle and the offense capitalized on the turnover, turning it into a field goal late in the first half. Those three points extended the Vikings' lead to 10-3 and was the start of their momentum that eventually lead to the win. The defense showed up and that interception was a key momentum shifter and confidence builder for the Vikings.

Play of the game

The Smith interception seemed to defy gravity and after a review was confirmed as a pick.

Take a look:

What's next

The Vikings have their bye next week and will play host to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 30. The Dolphins stay home for Week 7 where they take on the Steelers on "Sunday Night Football."

Updates
(58)
See New Posts
 
Pinned
Link copied

FINAL - VIKINGS 24, DOLPHINS 16

 
Pinned
Link copied

TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS: Mike Gesicki gives the Dolphins six more. The two-point conversion attempt is NO GOOD. 24-16 Vikings.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Bridgewater's pass intended for Sherfield is INTERCEPTED by Peterson. Vikings ball.

 
Pinned
Link copied

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS: Dalvin Cook takes it 53 yards to the house. Two point conversion attempt is GOOD with a pass to Adam Thielen. 24-10 Vikings.

 
Pinned
Link copied

FUMBLE: Dolphins fumble the ball, recovered by the Vikings.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Dolphins convert on fourth-and-5

 
Pinned
Link copied

A look at the Dolphins last touchdown: 

 
Pinned
Link copied

A look at the Vikings last touchdown:

 
Pinned
Link copied

TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS: Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Gesicki connect for four yards and a score. The extra point is good. 16-10 Vikings.

 
Pinned
Link copied

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS: Adam Thielen's two-yard catch extends the Vikings lead. The extra point is NO GOOD. 16-3 Vikings.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Krik Cousins finds Justin Jefferson for a 47-yard play, the longest play of the game on either side. The catch sets up first-and-goal for Minnesota as they look to extend their lead.

 
Pinned
Link copied

With just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, we finally have our first first down of the half, coming from the Dolphins.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Kirk Cousins is SACKED.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Irv Smith Jr. fumbles the ball, recovered by Justin Jefferson.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Tyreek Hill is back in the game.

 
Pinned
Link copied

Tyreek Hill is questionable to return. He is cramping and headed into the locker room.

 
Pinned
Link copied

FAKE PUNT ALERT: The Dolphins do not pick up the first down on the trick play.

 
Pinned
Link copied

THOMPSON UPDATE: Skylar Thompson came out of the locker room after halftime with the team with his hand wrapped. He is still questionable to return.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Dolphins need to work on their penalties in the second half. They would likely have the lead heading into the third quarter if they did not commit as many penalties in the first half.

 
Pinned
Link copied

HALFTIME STATS - VIKINGS:

Kirk Cousins: 10/16, 100 yards, 1 touchdown

Dalvin Cook: 5 carries, 9 yards

Justin Jefferson: 3 receptions, 58 yards

Adam Thielen: 2 receptions, 25 yards

Irv Smith Jr. 2 receptions, 5 yards, 1 touchdown

Jordan Hicks: 7 tackles, 1 sack

Harrison Smith: 2 tackles, 1 interception

K Greg Joseph: 1/1, long of 34, 4 points

 
Pinned
Link copied

FIRST HALF STATS - DOLPHINS:

Skylar Thompson: 7/13, 89 yards

Teddy Bridgewater: 3/the 8, 50 yards, 1 interception

Raheem Mostert: 10 carries, 39 yards

Jaylen Waddle: 4 receptions, 66 yards

K Jason Sanders: 1/2, long of 44, 3 points

Penalties: 7 for 62 yards

 
Pinned
Link copied

More first half highlights:
The Vikings took the lead with an Irv Smith Jr. 1-yard touchdown.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Vikings 34-yard field goal attempt is GOOD. 10-3 Vikings heading into the half.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The ruling on the field is CONFIRMED: Vikings interception. The Vikings take over the ball with less than 20 seconds remaining in the half.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Vikings appear to come up with an interception after the ball goes through Jaylen Waddle's hands and takes a journey of bobbles. The ruling on the field is an interception, but the play is under review to determine if the ball hit the ground.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Vikings try to get something going with less than a minute left in the half, but a sack pushes them back and eventually leads to a failed third down. The Vikings send their punting unit out on fourth down.

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Dolphins 52-yard field goal attempt is NO GOOD.

 
Pinned
Link copied

TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS: Irv Smith Jr.'s 1-yard reception from Kirk Cousins gives the Vikings their first points of the game. The extra point is GOOD. 7-3 Minnesota

 
Pinned
Link copied

The Vikings are marching down the field and convert their first third down of the game to make it first-and-goal.

See More