DOLPHINS 14, VIKINGS 10
Miami Dolphins' defense masterful in win over Vikings 


The Dolphins' defense scored a touchdown, forced four turnovers, stopped the Vikings three times fourth downs and made life miserable for Brett Favre as Miami's offense did just enough to win the game.

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

JDARLINGTON@MIAMIHERALD.COM

MINNEAPOLIS -- On a day when the Dolphins' defense was masterful at all of the right times, the offense matched those key moments with miserable ones of its own, turning Sunday's game against the Vikings into a seesaw of emotions.

Cornerbacks Jason Allen and Vontae Davis had the best days of their careers, adding to a suffocating performance by Miami's front seven as the Dolphins overcame a lackluster showing from the offense to win 14-10 on Sunday.

Without fail, whether on a fourth-down goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter or two interceptions in the red zone, the defense did not let the constant mediocrity of the offense keep it from fading at the most critical times.

Nearly every defensive player contributed in some fashion. Linebacker Cameron Wake forced a fumble in the Vikings' end zone as Brett Favre was attempting a pass, and rookie linebacker Koa Misi recovered for Miami's second touchdown.

When Miami's defense took the field inside two minutes, it needed one last stop to finish the job after the Dolphins' offense stalled once more. Once again, the unit succeeded, keeping Favre restricted.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins' offense did at least earn its team some early points that allowed the team to ultimately hold onto the win, which was mostly the result of Miami's first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Chad Henne hit Brandon Marshall for a perfect 46-yard completion.

Miami continued its drive for eight more plays, finishing with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Brian Hartline in the corner of the end zone.

Later in the game, the offense hurt more than it helped. Running back Ricky Williams fumbled near the goal line after Allen's first interception, leading to a Vikings touchdown two plays later.

On the play following Allen's second interception, running back Ronnie Brown then fumbled, turning the ball over on a play that led to the Vikings' only other points of the game.

The Dolphins are now 2-0 and will return home next week for a huge game against the Jets.


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