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."