Kyler Murray throws 2 TDs as Minnesota Vikings earn first win, beat Miami Dolphins 32-16 in Week 4

Minneapolis, MN - The Minnesota Vikings finally broke through in Week 4, securing their first win of the season with a 32-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Kyler Murray threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns as Minnesota ended a three-game losing streak and improved to 1-3.

For a team that entered the week as one of the league's remaining winless clubs, the result carried more weight than an ordinary September victory. The Vikings had been searching for a complete enough performance to change their direction, and this time they finished with a 16-point margin despite several unconventional statistical contrasts.

For Vikings head coach Mensah Tyler, the victory brought a sense of relief and satisfaction after three difficult weeks to open the season.

"Man, we needed this one," Tyler said. "Starting 0-3 wasn’t how any of us pictured this season going, but I never stopped believing in these guys. They kept showing up, kept putting in the work and never let those losses define us. Seeing everybody celebrating together after that final whistle meant a lot. I’m proud of this team, and I’m glad we finally got that first one."

Minnesota recorded only 12 first downs and converted 2 of 12 third-down opportunities. The Vikings also failed to score a touchdown on either of their two red-zone trips, settling for two field goals. Yet they finished with 334 offensive yards and generated far more production through the air than Miami.

Murray completed 16 of 27 passes, posted a 96.3 passer rating and produced a pair of touchdown throws. His longest completion covered 67 yards, giving Minnesota an explosive element that was missing from Miami's passing game.

"The biggest thing is that we got the result," Murray said. "There are areas where we can be cleaner, especially with our consistency, but we created some production in the passing game and finished the day with our first win. That's something we can build from."

Justin Jefferson remained Murray's most frequent target, catching seven passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jauan Jennings supplied another major receiving performance with four catches for 98 yards and a score, including the 67-yard reception. Together, Jefferson and Jennings accounted for 183 of Minnesota's 231 passing yards.

"Starting 0-3 was sitting there for all of us to see," Jefferson said. "We needed to change the result, not just talk about being close or doing certain things well. Getting into the win column matters, and now the challenge is to keep improving from here."

The Dolphins produced a different offensive profile. Miami finished with 311 offensive yards, including 179 on the ground, and collected 16 first downs. Malik Willis was the leading rusher with 96 yards on nine carries, highlighted by a 64-yard run. De'Von Achane added 63 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts.

That rushing production was accompanied by a difficult passing line. Willis completed 15 of 35 attempts for 132 yards, threw one interception and finished with a 41.6 passer rating. His longest completion gained 25 yards. Marvin Mims Jr. led Miami's receivers with five catches for 51 yards.

"We had production running the football, but I wasn't accurate enough throwing it," Willis said. "When you finish with that many incompletions and an interception, there's a lot for the quarterback to own. We have to get more out of the passing game."

Minnesota's defense recorded three sacks and an interception, while Miami finished without a sack and intercepted Murray once. The Vikings' pass rush provided one of the clearest defensive differences between the teams, even as Miami moved the chains more frequently and converted 6 of 17 third downs.

Tyler credited his defense for helping Minnesota maintain control of the game while acknowledging that the Vikings still have work ahead of them offensively.

"Our defense stepped up and gave us opportunities, and that’s what you need when you’re trying to turn things around," Tyler said. "But we’re not going to pretend everything was perfect just because we won. Going 2-for-12 on third down and settling for field goals in the red zone are things we have to fix. We’re going to enjoy this one, absolutely, but the goal isn’t just to win one game. We’ve got to build on this and keep getting better."

Neither club turned its red-zone opportunities into a consistent stream of touchdowns. Miami made three trips inside the 20, scoring one touchdown and one field goal. Minnesota went 0-for-2 in red-zone touchdown efficiency but came away with field goals on both visits.

The Vikings also held a 231-132 advantage in passing yards and finished with 23 more offensive yards overall. Miami's 179 rushing yards exceeded Minnesota's 103, but the Dolphins could not match the Vikings on the scoreboard.

For Minnesota, the most important number was no longer zero. The Vikings entered Week 4 searching for their first victory, and the 32-16 final ended their three-game slide.

Up Next

Minnesota will travel to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 looking to follow up its first win, while Miami returns home to host the Cincinnati Bengals.