MINNEAPOLIS — For nearly all of the second half Sunday, the Vikings defense looked like the league’s top unit.
Minnesota allowed Detroit to gain just 31 total yards on 18 plays until the final minute of regulation, stifling the Lions and not allowing them to convert on any of their five third-down tries in the second half.
But once the Vikings took a three-point lead with 23 ticks left, everything fell apart for Minnesota in the final seconds and in overtime in a 22-16 loss.
“We need to find a way to play better,” said Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen.