Lions outscore Vikings by 4 points in final 10 minutes
Detroit's rushing attack surged late to overcome a Minnesota defense that had allowed a league-best 12.3 points per game in the previous six weeks.
By Amina Kaminski ·
The Minnesota Vikings lost their perfect season record on Sunday in Detroit, falling 19-15 to the Lions after holding the league's second-best offense to just 19 points.
Entering the game, Minnesota boasted the NFL's top defense, allowing only 12.3 points per game. The Lions' offense managed just 154 yards and six points in the first half, while Minnesota sacked quarterback Jared Goff four times and recorded his first interception of the season.
The momentum shifted in the second half as Detroit's ground game gained traction. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown, accounting for 116 of those yards in the latter half of the game. Backup running back Sione Vaki added 36 yards on six carries. Detroit's offensive play-calling also incorporated creative elements, including a screen pass that counted as a lateral for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings regained control. With the Lions leading 12-7, Minnesota forced a punt and drove 84 yards in seven plays. Quarterback Kyler Murray connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson for a touchdown with 8:44 remaining. A successful two-point conversion gave Minnesota a 15-12 advantage.
Detroit answered immediately. Gibbs and Vaki combined for multiple first downs, moving the ball to the Minnesota 7-yard line. From there, Goff threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jameson Williams to take a 19-15 lead.
The final drive for Minnesota lasted three plays, gaining only 5 yards. Head coach Kevin O'Connell elected to punt rather than throw a long pass, citing the team's remaining timeouts and the two-minute warning. O'Connell stated the strategy offered the defense a chance to force a stop and regain possession.
The Lions' defense prevented a field goal attempt as Gibbs gained 22 yards on the first two plays of the drive, burning down the clock to two minutes before Detroit secured two more first downs and entered the victory formation. O'Connell noted the team is still seeking a consistent 60-minute performance, emphasizing the need for greater urgency in their play execution.
