Minnesota Vikings Defense Too Much for Detroit Lions

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s long-dominant defense had been slipping for the past several weeks, a proud and seasoned group that needed to get its edge back.

The Vikings gave hardly any ground against the sputtering Detroit Lions.

Danielle Hunter had three of Minnesota’s five sacks to spearhead a resurgence by the defense, and the Vikings sailed past Detroit 20-7 on Sunday to stick the Lions with their sixth straight loss.

Kirk Cousins passed for 242 yards and a touchdown.

“It’s important we get a chip back on our shoulder, and I thought we kind of did that,” Coach Mike Zimmer said, adding: “We need to keep doing that. That’s why I wish we wouldn’t have let them score.”

David Blough’s touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay with 2:09 left spoiled Minnesota’s bid for its first shutout in two years.

Dalvin Cook had 75 yards from scrimmage and a rushing score on 20 touches over three quarters, as the Vikings (9-4) stayed on track for the playoffs and took it easy on their star tailback after an injury to his collarbone area forced him out of the previous game.

The Vikings play at the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

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