Lions’ Victory Over Vikings Is Special : NFC: Detroit scores touchowns on punt return, blocked field goal and recovered fumble in a 31-17 victory.

The Minnesota Vikings managed to contain Detroit running back Barry Sanders Sunday, but they were unable to handle the Lions’ special teams or prevent big plays.

Mel Gray of the Lions scored on a 58-yard punt return, Melvin Jenkins scored on a 56-yard return of a blocked field goal and Jerry Ball returned a fumble 21 yards for a touchdown as the Lions beat the Vikings, 31-17.

The Lions (1-1), who lost their opener at Chicago, extended their home winning streak to 11 games.

“Any time you run for a touchdown on a return, it takes the enthusiasm out of the other team,” Gray said. “Special teams are important. If the defense is stalling and the offense is stalling, the special teams unit has to try to give the club a lift. Today, we could.”

It was the first time Lions’ special teams scored two touchdowns in a game since 1977, when Eddie Payton scored on a 98-yard kickoff return and an 87-yard punt return, also against Minnesota.

“Those are big momentum swings,” said Viking quarterback Rich Gannon, who completed 20 of 36 passes for 190 yards with three interceptions. “It’s a total team effort, and I’m not taking anything away from special teams, or blaming them. But you can’t expect to be successful when those things happen.”

The Vikings (1-1), who beat Green Bay in overtime in their opener, outgained the Lions, 270-169. Sanders was held to 66 yards in 26 carries.

Rodney Peete completed 10 of 15 passes for 105 yards and connected with Willie Green on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Jason Hanson added a 35-yard field goal for the Lions.

The Vikings lost four turnovers. They did not manage a touchdown until the fourth quarter, when Terry Allen scored on a three-yard run and Anthony Carter caught an 11-yard scoring pass from Gannon.

“We really did not play well enough as a team to win the ballgame,” Viking Coach Dennis Green said. “They made plays as a group on special teams that really hurt us.

“To score three times like they did, it becomes difficult to overcome.”