The Detroit Lions took another big step toward making NFL
history.
Tarvaris Jackson threw a go-ahead touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter and
the Minnesota Vikings held on for a 20-16 victory over the winless Lions on
Sunday.
The Lions (0-13) had chances to win, just as they did in a two-point loss at
Minnesota, but couldn’t make enough plays, just as they have failed to
throughout a miserable season.
The Vikings (8-5) lost starting quarterback Gus Frerotte to a back injury, but
Jackson filled in well and kept them atop the NFC North.
At this point, Detroit is expected to finish the season as the first 0-16 team
in league history, with games remaining at Indianapolis, against New Orleans and
at Green Bay.
The Lions are the fourth team to start 0-13 or worse since 1976, when Tampa Bay
infamously finished 0-14 as an expansion team.
However, the 2007 Dolphins (0-13), 1986 Colts (0-13) and 1980 Saints (0-14)
avoided the dubious distinction of being the first team to finish winless since
the league lengthened the regular season in 1978...
Chester Taylor rushed to the right for 17 yard gain
(Ryan Longwell made PAT)
10 - 6
8:45
DET
TD
Daunte Culpepper passed to Calvin Johnson to the left
for 70 yard gain (Jason Hanson made PAT)
10 - 13
4th Quarter
11:22
MIN
TD
Tarvaris Jackson passed to Visanthe Shiancoe to the
right for 11 yard gain (Ryan Longwell made PAT)
17 - 13
5:44
DET
FG
Jason Hanson kicked a 39-yard field goal
17 - 16
0:22
MIN
FG
Ryan Longwell kicked a 50-yard field goal
20 - 16
Team Statistics
MIN
DET
First Downs
20
14
Passing
12
9
Rushing
7
3
Penalty
1
2
Third Down Efficiency
6-10
3-11
Fourth Down Efficiency
0-0
0-2
TOTAL NET YARDS
298
267
Total Plays
54
55
Average Gain Per Play
5.5
4.9
NET YARDS RUSHING
130
76
Rushes
32
27
Average Per Rush
4.1
2.8
NET YARDS PASSING
168
191
Completions-Attempts
15-20
14-24
Yards Per Pass Play
7.6
6.8
Times Sacked
2
4
Yards Lost to Sacks
7
29
Had Intercepted
2
0
PUNTS
2
2
Average Punt
57.0
59.5
PENALTIES
6
4
Penalty Yards
35
32
FUMBLES
3
3
Fumbles Lost
0
0
TIME OF POSSESSION
30:20
29:40
Pregame Previews, Storylines,
and News
New Page 1
Preview:
With a one-game lead in
the NFC North, the Minnesota
Vikings need every victory they
can get to remain atop the
division. Having a pair of Pro
Bowl defensive linemen on the
field instead of the sideline
certainly can't hurt their
cause. After a federal judge at
least temporarily blocked the
NFL from suspending them, Kevin
and Pat Williams will likely be
available to the Vikings on
Sunday for their road game
against the winless Detroit
Lions. Kevin Williams and Pat
Williams were among six NFL
players suspended for four games
Tuesday for testing positive for
a banned diuretic, which can be
used as a masking agent for
steroids...more
Prediction: The only
question for the Lions is which franchise QB they want at this summer's draft.
It's perpetually about 'next year' with the worst franchise in sports. The
Vikings have trouble in the interior of their defensive line with league
suspensions to Kevin and Pat Williams, but there's enough Adrian Peterson to win
this one easily. Vikings 30 - Lions 10
Video Preview: The first
place team in the NFC North will visit the division's bottom dweller this
weekend. Greg Amsinger and Charley Casserly preview the Vikings' upcoming game
against the Lions
18.5
25.3