They gave up fourteen in New Orleans. They surrendered fourteen vs. Miami. And now ten to Detroit. The Minnesota Vikings' defense is for real. Their 12.7 points per game average does not take into account two scores handed to the opponent. Today, Brett Favre threw an interception that was nearly returned for a TD. The Lions would score their only TD from the 12-yard line. Last week, his fumble was recovered for a defensive touchdown. Take those two blunders away and the defense has been responsible for 24 points in three games.
The Vikings defenses of the late 1960s and early 1970s was that good. Minnesota led the league for three consecutive years in points allowed from 1969-1971. Two of those years they averaged less than ten points per game (ppg). If Favre does not make those two mistakes Minnesota's defense would be averaging 8.0 ppg. As it is, 12.7 is pretty good. Only a handful of teams are close. Included in that feat is a game at New Orleans facing arguably the best quarterback in the NFL.
Watching today in the stands I was in awe of the complete dominance. A summary of the first three drives by the Lions:
3 plays, 3 yards.
3 plays, 7 yards.
3 plays, 3 yards.
Three three-and-outs to start the game. And while the Lions are not know for offense prowess, they did manage 32 points vs. the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Shaun Hill felt pressure. The Lions running game was like watching a featherweight jab at a heavyweight. Even if something did work, it just did not matter.
It did not matter than Favre made another poor decision and threw an interception nearly returned for a TD. Or that the Lions went up 7-0. Everyone in the stands knew. Even the fans in Blue seemed to hold back excitement despite good fortunes early. Detroit would soon botch a punt return that led to a 7-7 tie. When Adrian Peterson scampered eighty yards for his longest career touchdown, it was over.
