When push came to shove, Vikings' run defense won out

Six times, the Chiefs faced third or fourth down with less than 3 yards to go. Six times, they came up short, mainly because the Vikings had one of their best run-stuffing performances since coach Mike Zimmer took over 21 games ago.

"We controlled the line of scrimmage," Zimmer said after his team held the Chiefs to 57 yards on 18 carries (3.2) in Sunday's 16-10 victory at TCF Bank Stadium. "That's a big key."

The highlight came shortly after momentum began to swing in Kansas City's favor following a 39-yard completion to Jeremy Maclin midway through the third quarter. The Vikings led 13-0 when the Chiefs faced third-and-1 at the Vikings 7-yard line.

The Chiefs ran the ball. No gain.

Undeterred, the Chiefs ran the ball again on fourth-and-1. Again, they were stopped for no gain.

"Short-yardage situations are such big plays," linebacker Anthony Barr said. "Anytime we can discourage the other team like that, it's such a big momentum shift."

The Chiefs converted only three of 12 third downs. On fourth down, they were 0-for-2. One of their eight penalties for 95 yards came when running back Charcandrick West was flagged 15 yards for a chop block on third-and-1 at the Vikings 14-yard line.

"Just being aggressive on that play," said Barr, who made the initial stop and was helped by end Brian Robison. "They gave it to the fullback, which is kind of different for them. And he just ran right into me."

The fourth-down play was Sharrif Floyd at his best when he's healthy. Chiefs left tackle Donald Stephenson tried to block down on Floyd and seal him to the backside, but Floyd used his quickness to beat Stephenson to the gap, his speed to quickly track West and his power to immediately drop him.

"I came scot-free and made the play," Floyd said. "Can't miss the layup."

Yes, it helped that the Chiefs were without running back Jamaal Charles, their best offensive player. But a defense also deserves credit when it's halftime and the other team's offense has 51 total yards.

In three home games, the Vikings are 3-0 and have allowed only 185 yards rushing on 62 carries (2.98). In two road losses, they've allowed 374 yards rushing on 63 carries (5.9).

Another rookie, Danielle Hunter, started at right end for Everson Griffen, who missed the game because of an illness. All Hunter did was share a sack with Floyd and force the fumble that Robison recovered to help seal the victory in the closing minutes.

Nose tackle Linval Joseph was a consistent headache for rookie center Mitch Morse. On Kansas City's second possession, Joseph knocked Morse on his backside, forced Morse into a holding penalty that negated a 13-yard completion and had a tackle for loss on second-and-2.