Jones Does Lion’s Share Against Vikings : Detroit Fullback Runs for 174 Yards in 36 Carries in 13-10 Win

For the first time in 45 NFL games, James Jones didn’t catch a pass.

But that’s just about all the Detroit Lions’ fullback didn’t do Sunday as he rumbled for 174 yards in a team record-tying 36 carries and scored his team’s only touchdown on a two-yard run to lead the Lions to a 13-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

“I broke my string, but that doesn’t matter,” said the fourth-year pro, whose career-high yardage output was the sixth best in Detroit history. “I may not be recognized by the public, but each team we play must give me respect.”

Jones, who weighs 229 pounds, ran most effectively behind left tackle Lomas Brown, left guard Chris Dieterich and center Steve Mott.

“I just had to be patient and they opened up the run lanes for me,” Jones said. “They pushed (Minnesota’s defensive line) back four or five yards and I got two more on my own.”

The game marked the head coaching debut of the Vikings’ Jerry Burns, who spent most of the last 18 years as Bud Grant’s offensive coordinator.

Minnesota led, 3-0, after one quarter on Chuck Nelson’s 35-yard field goal that ended a 55-yard drive highlighted by Tommy Kramer’s 34-yard pass to Darrin Nelson.

But the Lions then launched a 10-play, 76-yard touchdown drive with Jones picking up 45 yards to take a 7-3 lead with 1:56 left in the first half. His career-high 39-yard cut-back run set up his own scoring plunge.

Eddie Murray added field goals of 33 and 44 yards in the second half as Detroit snapped a seven-game road losing streak.

Kramer tossed a five-yard touchdown pass to Jim Gustafson with three seconds to play to close out the scoring.

The quarterbacks were never much of a factor in the game. Kramer completed 21 of 38 passes for 223 yards; Detroit’s Eric Hipple was 8 of 15 for 95 yards.