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Lions vs. Vikings final score: Detroit clamps down 17-3

By Phil Watson

Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) intercepts a pass and is tackled by Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) intercepts a pass and is tackled by Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Without top offensive threats Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, the Detroit Lions’ defense stepped up with a big effort in a 17-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

60. 17. 50. Final. 3

The Detroit Lions got defensive Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, sacking rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater eight times in a 17-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

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The Lions (4-2) were without All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson and starting running back Reggie Bush, but the defense stepped up with eight sacks—2 ½ by Ezekiel Ansah and two by Ndamukong Suh.

Bridgewater, who returned to the Vikings (2-4) after missing last week’s 42-10 loss at Green Bay, also threw three interceptions in his second career start.

The Lions got enough offense, scoring on their first possession on a 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to Theo Riddick, who had five catches for 75 yards.

New kicker Matt Prater booted a 52-yard field goal with seven seconds left in the first half to give Detroit a 10-0 lead.

The Lions put the game away with a 1-yard run by Joique Bell, who finished with 74 yards on 18 carries, with 11:44 to go in the game.

Minnesota’s only score came with 4:53 remaining, a 40-yard field goal by Blair Walsh. That allowed the Vikings to avoid their first shutout loss since a 34-0 defeat at Green Bay on Nov. 11, 2007.

The Lions haven’t posted a shutout since beating blanking the Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., 27-0 on Sept. 29, 1996.

Stafford finished 19-for-33 for 185 yards and a touchdown and the Lions did not turn the ball over.

Bridgewater was 23-for-37 for 188 yards and the three picks. Jerick McKinnon led the ground game with 40 yards on 11 carries and also caught six passes for 42 yards.

Minnesota was outgained 255-212.

The Lions will retain the NFC North lead with the win and return home next week to host the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. Eastern. The Vikings visit the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Eastern next Sunday.

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