The Miami Dolphins on Sunday suffered a 15-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium, dropping to 0-4 on the season. Despite the defeat, rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez turned in a historic performance.
The Hastings, Minnesota, native had around 40 relatives and friends in attendance during the Week 4 matchup. He finished with a team-high 18 tackles, including nine solo stops, setting a new franchise rookie record. Rodriguez surpassed the previous mark of 16 tackles, set by Zach Thomas against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 of the 1996 season.
The performance also gave Rodriguez two of the three highest single-game tackle totals by a Dolphins rookie. The second-round pick recorded 14 tackles in Miami's Week 1 game versus the Las Vegas Raiders, meaning he has already produced two of the franchise's top three rookie tackle performances through his first four NFL games.
Rodriguez's 18 tackles were also the most logged by any player in a single game this season and the highest by a Dolphins rookie since tackles became officially tracked in 1994.
Article Continues BelowMiami's defense held Minnesota without a touchdown, forcing the Vikings to settle for five field goals. Rodriguez made several pivotal stops, while Zach Sieler finished with two sacks and Chop Robinson added another. Josh Uche also notched a sack as the Dolphins finished with four takedowns.
Minnesota led 9-0 at halftime before Miami narrowed the deficit after Riley Patterson made a 27-yard field goal. Ollie Gordon II then scored on a 12-yard run during a touchdown drive that also featured consecutive 17-yard completions from Malik Willis to Malik Washington, cutting the Vikings' advantage to 12-10.
Minnesota eventually secured the win with another field goal. Gordon finished with 100 rushing yards on nine carries and one touchdown, while Washington caught five passes for 67 yards. Willis threw for 85 yards.
The Dolphins return to Miami Gardens next Sunday to host the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium.