Vikings defense holds Lions in check for 3 quarters before buckling late

For the first six games of the season, the Minnesota Vikings were able to count on their top-tier defense to bail out an inconsistent offense.

As a result, the Vikings went into Detroit on Sunday at 6-0 — the last undefeated team in the NFL. The Vikings were allowing a league-best 12.3 points per game, and were in the top 10 in points allowed, rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed.

For 30 minutes, none of that changed. The Lions only had 154 yards and six points in the first half, while Minnesota had sacked Jared Goff four times and became the first team this season to intercept him.

“We have total trust and confidence in our defense,” Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We know they are capable of keeping us in every game.”

That ...