Lions Defense Shuts Down Vikes 17-3

The Detroit Lions defense forced three turnovers and sacked Teddy Bridgewater eight times as Detroit defeated the Minnesota Vikings 17-3 Sunday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Detroit (4-2) did not get much from their offense but was able to get two touchdowns, a first quarter pass from Matthew Stafford to Theo Riddick and a one yard dive from Joique Bell in the fourth, newly acquired kicker Matt Prater added a 52 yard field goal. Stafford finished 19 for 333 for 185 yards, Bell led Detroit in rushing with 18 carries for 74 yards and Riddick led the Lions in recieving with five catches for 75 yards. Bridgewater, the rookie from Louisville, could only manage 1199 yards of total offense as the Lions defense was in the offensive backfield all game long. Minnesota (2-4) avoided a shut out with a late 40 yard field goal from Blair Walsh. Detroit returns to Ford Field next Sunday when they will host the New Orleans Saints. Pregame coverage begins at 12 noon on Lansing;s Big Talker 1240 WJIM.