Defense does its share in defeat

DETROIT - A week ago in a victorious locker room, Vikings players joked about how it had become a competition between the offense and the defense to see which unit can score more points.

After two weeks the score reads like this: defense 21, offense 20.

End Ray Edwards and tackle Kevin Williams added to the defense's total in the third quarter of the Vikings' 20-17 overtime loss to Detroit on Sunday when Williams forced a fumble by Lions quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan and Edwards picked up the ball and ran 9 yards for a touchdown. The play came with the Lions facing a second-and-2 at their 20.

"I knew it was second and short so I knew they were going to try a run and [the guard] pulled," Williams said. "I just got in his hip pocket and caught the quarterback. I don't know if that was play-action or running, but I got through there and got a chance to get it before he did whatever he was going to do."

The Vikings defense gave up 415 yards of total offense, including 359 net passing yards, but it also accounted for three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as well as the touchdown. The pressure from the Vikings' front increased in the second half after a slow start.

"You definitely have to do your part, but nothing says you can't do that every game either," coach Brad Childress said when asked about the contributions by the defense. "We're coaching that on that side of the football. How many games have they done that in a row? Do I think you can rely on that? I'd be foolish to think you can rely on that."

Safety Darren Sharper had two of the Vikings' interceptions, including one in the end zone that ended Detroit's opening drive. Sharper also forced a fumble early in the third quarter, and safety Dwight Smith picked off a pass late in the quarter. Sharper now has 51 career interceptions and 11 against the Lions.

"That doesn't matter," Sharper said when asked about his success vs. Detroit. "I like playing them, but I'd much rather get victories."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com