Kyler Murray Shouldn’t Be Blamed for Vikings’ Slow Offensive Output

The Minnesota Vikings' offense did not exactly light up the scoreboard against the Miami Dolphins, but Kyler Murray should not be the player taking the blame for the unit’s struggles.

Murray completed 27 of 37 passes for 247 yards in Minnesota’s 15-10 victory, finishing the afternoon without a turnover. According to Pro Football Focus, Murray earned an 88.3 offensive grade and an 86.3 passing grade for his performance. More importantly, he found a way to make the plays Minnesota needed to improve to 4-0.

The Vikings entered the game without several important pieces, making Murray’s job considerably more difficult.

Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was out. Left guard Donovan Jackson was also unavailable. Justin Jefferson did not play, while running back Jordan Mason and tight end Josh Oliver have also been sidelined.

That is a significant amount of talent missing from an offense that was already trying to find consistency.

Despite those absences, Murray completed nearly 73 percent of his passes. He did not put the ball in harm’s way, allowing Minnesota’s defense to do its job without having to overcome a costly turnover from the offense.

It was not a spectacular performance from Murray when you simply look at the stat sheet, but it did not need to be.

Murray also made one of the most important plays of the afternoon with his legs.

Late in the game, with Minnesota needing to keep the clock moving and protect its lead, Murray used his mobility to pick up a crucial first down. It was exactly the type of play that can get overlooked when evaluating a quarterback strictly through the box score, but it helped the Vikings close out a game in which every possession mattered.

Even when the passing game is not operating at the highest level, his ability to create with his legs gives the Vikings another way to move the chains. Against Miami, that ability helped Minnesota finish the job.

There is no question the Vikings need to improve offensively. Scoring only 15 points against a struggling Dolphins team is not a sustainable formula every week, particularly as the schedule becomes more difficult.

But placing that burden entirely on Murray would ignore the circumstances surrounding Sunday's performance.

Most importantly, the Vikings walked out of Miami undefeated.

Murray has repeatedly expressed confidence that the offense will eventually find another gear, and Sunday's performance should not change that belief. The Vikings have more players expected to return, and Murray has already shown that he can find ways to win even when the offense is not at its best.

At 4-0, the Vikings need Murray to protect the football, make enough plays and give the team a chance to win.

Against Miami, that is exactly what he did.