The Vikings won 24-16 in Miami moving them to 5-1 on the season and gaining a 2-game lead over the Packers in the NFC North before heading into the bye.
5 Winners of the game1. Za'Darius Smith:
Za'Darius Smith continues to be a super underrated signing this off-season. Smith recorded 2 sacks and 4 QB hits against Miami being a huge problem all day for the Dolphins' Offensive Line. Smith now has 5.5 sacks on the season.
2. Harrison Smith:
Harry had a fantastic game overall against the Dolphins. The Hitman forced the late fumble to bring all the momentum back to the Vikings in the fourth quarter and also had probably the best interception of his career. Smith had an interception, a forced fumble, and 2 pass deflections on the day.
3. Patrick Peterson:
It was awesome to see Pat P ball out against two extremely explosive receivers and basically seal the game with an impressive interception late in the fourth. Pat P recorded an INT and 3 pass breakups, two of which were in clutch times. It shows that P2 isn't only here to mentor the younger guys but also that he can ball out at a high level still.
4. Kevin O'Connell:
I think I'm gonna just start making a separate category for Kevin O'Connell. It is hard to not put him on this list every week considering he's led this team to a miraculous 5-1 start including 3 divisional wins. KOC has been brilliant for this team and changed the culture for the absolute best.
5. Patrick Jones II:
With the loss of D.J. Wonnum this week it was time for Patrick Jones II to step up in that third rotational pass-rushing role. Jones did just what was needed from him and more by recording 2 sacks including his first career NFL sack. It will be nice to see what this team does with him going forward this season.
Losers of the game1. First 3 Quarters of Vikings Football:
Now for the losers, with all the good that was just said it is going to be confusing why 3 quarters of the game are in the loser's column. Those first 3 quarters of football were horrendous to watch for both teams. The Vikings were held to only 10 points, all of which took place in the second quarter. This team is going to need to find a way to show up especially in the third quarter of the game when we play a real team.
2. Ed Ingram:
Ed Ingram was an absolute liability the whole entire game. The majority of the pressure came from him and gave Cousins and Cook a tough time throughout the game. He did have a nice block on Cook's 53-yard touchdown so I will give him that.
3. Jordan Hicks:
This linebacker pass coverage is getting very concerning, especially from Jordan Hicks. Hicks got beat multiple times and gave up a touchdown bringing life back to the Dolphins late in the game. We need to see better from Hicks's coverage wise whether it is on him or the defensive coaching.
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