MINNEAPOLIS — Entering Thursday night's game, Dan Bailey had a bit of a streak going against Washington.
Bailey had made all 26 of his career field goals against the opposition, along with each of his 36 extra point tries.
And even though he had attempted all of those kicks while with Dallas, Bailey still hasn't missed against Washington after his perfect performance in Minnesota's 19-9 win.
"I didn't know that," Bailey said. "I know there's been some games where we kicked a lot of field goals against those guys, but it's interesting."
Bailey nailed all four of his field goal tries Thursday — hitting from 50, 29, 27 and 40 yards — with one field goal in each quarter.
On a night where the Vikings offense racked up 434 total yards, the unit scored just one touchdown in four trips inside the red zone. Minnesota also had first-and-goal three times, but found the end zone once.
"It turned out to be one of those games where it seemed like points were hard to come by, so anytime we could go out there and put three on the board, I think that was good for the team," Bailey said.
Bailey said he tried to approach each kick the same, whether it was a chip shot or from 50 yards out. He is now 12 of 14 on field goals in 2019, with two of them from 50 yards out.
"I think experience goes a long way and comfortability," Bailey said. "Having the right guys in the room and practicing, enjoying it, having fun.
"You've got to do your best to stay in the middle and understand there's going to be ups and downs," Bailey added.
The kicker also credited holder Britton Colquitt and rookie long snapper Austin Cutting for helping him on a busy night.
"Credit goes to Austin and Britton. They've been nothing but pros all season long, and keeping it light," Bailey added. "Britton keeps the jokes flowing. He's a different dude for sure, but I'm happy to have him on our team. He's a great guy, and he's made this season a lot of fun."
Cutting said he appreciates Bailey's even-keeled demeanor no matter what is happening in the game.
"It helps a lot, just him being able to trust that we're going to go out there and execute," Cutting said.
Bailey's performance marked the 12th time in his career he has made at least four field goals in a game, and the second such time in 2019. Bailey was also a perfect 4-for-4 against the Giants in Week 5 when he garnered NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Honors.
Bailey, who spent seven seasons in Dallas before joining the Vikings two games into the 2018 season, has thrived against his former division this season.
He is 9-of-9 on field goals against the NFC East this season. Bailey will play his former team, the Cowboys, in Week 10 in Dallas.
While Bailey was busy with four field goals, an extra point and six kickoffs, Colquitt had a relatively easy night as he just held the ball for Bailey's five kicks.
Thursday night's game marked the first time Minnesota did not punt in a game since Week 6 of the 2004 season, which was a 38-31 win over the Saints.
"The operation was great all night," Bailey said before quipping, "I think [Colquitt] was the first one out of here because I don't think he even had to shower.
"It's not too often that happens. Britton and I were kind of joking at the end of the game, he was basically warming up in the net for nothing," Bailey added. "It would be third down, and he's like, 'I'm not even going to hit one into the net until it's fourth down and I know for sure that we're punting.' It's kind of an odd game in the sense that there weren't a ton of points, which usually when you don't punt, you're scoring a lot, but it was just one of those weird games."
