Lions’ Late Defensive Stand Secures Narrow Win Over Vikings

WHO:

vikings.com - The Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 19-15, giving Minnesota its first loss of the season and ending its six-game winning streak.

detroitlions.com - Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the win “took all phases” and that the defense and special teams needed to lead.

detroitlions.com - Lions quarterback Jared Goff praised the defense, saying it had been “phenomenal” and “certainly carried us today.”

vikings.com - Vikings defenders cited include Andrew Van Ginkel, who had a career-high 2.5 sacks; Joshua Metellus, who led Minnesota with 13 tackles; Eric Wilson, who had 11 tackles and a sack; and James Pierre, who intercepted Goff.

detroitlions.com - Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown; Sione Vaki rushed for 65 yards.

WHAT:

vikings.com - Detroit scored the game-winning touchdown on a seven-yard Goff pass to Jameson Williams with 4:35 remaining, then controlled the final 2:53 and finished in victory formation.

detroitlions.com - The Lions’ late drive covered 69 yards in seven plays; Gibbs and Vaki supplied 57 rushing yards before Williams’ touchdown catch.

detroitlions.com - Detroit held Minnesota to 266 total yards and 15 points, both season lows for the Lions, and limited the Vikings to 3-for-10 on third down.

vikings.com - Minnesota’s defense recorded four sacks of Goff, held Detroit to 5-for-13 on third down and 1-for-3 in the red zone, but allowed 164 rushing yards in the second half.

detroitlions.com - Detroit finished with 230 rushing yards; the Vikings had 81 rushing yards in the game.

PFF - Detroit outgained Minnesota 354 total yards to 266.

detroitlions.com - Goff completed 18 of 25 passes for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception; Kyler Murray completed 17 of 29 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

detroitlions.com - Detroit improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in its division; Minnesota fell to 6-1.

WHERE:

detroitlions.com - The game was played at Ford Field in Detroit.

WHY:

detroitlions.com - Campbell said Detroit needed to run the ball against Minnesota’s blitz-heavy defense; the Lions increased their rushing production after halftime.

vikings.com - Vikings players said missed tackles, penalties and failed execution on Detroit’s final drives contributed to the loss.

HOW:

vikings.com - Detroit’s offense had the ball for 35:43, compared with Minnesota’s 24:17.

detroitlions.com - Detroit’s defense forced a three-and-out after taking the lead, and its offense ran out the clock.

detroitlions.com - Several Lions players left the game with injuries, including linebacker Jack Campbell, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation of a neck injury; center Cade Mays left with an ankle injury.

Detroit beat Minnesota 19 to 15, ending the Vikings’ six-game winning streak and unbeaten start. Jared Goff’s late touchdown pass to Jameson Williams sealed the win at Ford Field. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards as Detroit controlled the clock and outgained Minnesota.