The Detroit Lions needed overtime to do it, but they picked up their first victory in Minnesota for the first time since 1997. Jason Hansen, who kicked field goals for the Lions' final nine points, connected on a 32-yard field goal right after quarterback Matthew Stafford found Calvin Johnson for a 40-yard gain and a spot on Minnesota's 14-yard line.
Lions Vs. Vikings: Detroit Finds Elusive Win In Minnesota, 26-23
Stafford and Johnson have been building a rapport over the last few seasons and it is coming to full fruition this season. They found each other for seven catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson is on pace to catch 32 touchdowns, but that is likely out of reach.
With Stafford and Johnson as well as defensive force Ndamukong Suh (and eventually Nick Fairley) the Lions are shaking things up and looking to make up for a lost decade. After going winless on the road in Minnesota during the 2000s, the Lions are 1-0 there in the second decade of this century.
The last time the Lions beat the Vikings in Minnesota was in 1997, when the team went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The Lions, tied for first in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers at 3-0, visit the Dallas Cowboys next week on its quest for the playoffs.
For more on the Lions head over to Pride of Detroit. For more on the Vikings, check out Daily Norseman.
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