FOURTH AB: DEFENSE APPLICATION

On the road in a difficult environment against an undefeated opponent, Detroit's defense had a difficult task on Sunday. Part of that session included playing for the first time without Aidan Hutchinson, who broke his leg in Dallas last week.

Detroit's defense withstood the test and made the biggest plays when they needed them most late in the game to help the Lions to a big NFC North road win.

Holding Minnesota out of the end zone to a two-point attempt after the offense blew the lead late, then making a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes to give the ball back to the offense for a chance at victory have two big moments late.

Detroit held talented Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson under 100 yards receiving (81), Minnesota was 4 of 10 on third down and the Lions were able to generate four sacks and five quarterback hits.

“With your back against the wall, you see who the real ones are,” Branch said of the defense’s late-game heroics. “I feel like we all play well when our backs are against the wall, and the fact that we did that at the start of the season sets the tone for us all season long.”

Late in Sunday's game, complementary football won for the Lions. The defense made stops, the offense moved the ball and special teams did the rest to win it.

“I think it just shows what our defense is capable of,” safety Kerby Joseph said. “Going through bad situations and coming out on top…especially in those crucial moments when our offense needs the ball back so they can go downfield, make plays and get the field goal, kudos to Jake Bates.”