Lions-Vikings: It Takes Two...To Beat the Lions?!

Words don't lie, as it took exactly that on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings (8-5) took on the winless Detroit Lions (0-13). It was the same story, but not a happy ending for the Lions, as the Vikings eked out a win against a horrible Lions team. In a game that should have been a "easy" win and a tromping, it soon turned into a struggle just control the Lions.

The defense was relieved to get the Williams' duo back after a state judge revoked the suspensions for time being, but not to much improvement. Detroit running-back Kevin Smith was running not freely but pretty smoothly on a stingy run defense even with the Williams back in.

Detroit's biggest play was a 70-yard touchdown from quarter-back Daunte Culpepper to wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

The Vikings sloppy play continued all first half with Gus Frerotte throwing three interceptions to spots where only silver and blue men were located. Even Vikings' running-back Adrian Peterson had trouble holding onto the ball recording 3 fumbles on the day, he did however manage 102 yards rushing.

After half-time coach Brad Childress sat Frerotte and put in second year man Tarvaris Jackson due to a Frerotte "back injury." Jackson, whose last start was Week Two against the Indianapolis Colts looked pristine in the second half, including a late fourth-quarter drive that ended with a 11-yard touchdown to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

In a game that should have been a gimme' the Vikings let Detroit stay alive until the late fourth quarter to keep the win-less on the season. They did manage to win it though, so ya can't ask for anything better.

*The Minnesota Vikings take on the Arizona Cardinals this week.

Andy Smith-NFC North