Vikings Still Look Very Defensive : NFC: Minnesota scores on fumble, interception returns during 35-7 victory over Buccaneers.

The Minnesota Vikings’ defense has gone on the offensive.

For the second consecutive game, the Vikings turned two turnovers into touchdowns and scored a decisive victory.

Carlos Jenkins ran 22 yards with a fumble and Chris Doleman returned an interception 27 yards for scores as the Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7.

The Vikings (7-2) ran back two interceptions for touchdowns during last week’s 38-10 victory over the Chicago Bears. Jenkins had one of those touchdowns, and the second-year linebacker was also in the right place at the right time against the Buccaneers (3-6).

“We’ve gone back to the basics of trying to strip the ball, going for the hits that will make the ball come out,” Jenkins said. “Sure enough, it’s coming through.”

Roger Craig had touchdown runs of two and five yards and Anthony Carter scored on a 10-yard run before the Vikings lost their shutout with 4:33 left.

The victory was the sixth in seven games for the Vikings, who are in first place in the NFC Central Division. The Buccaneers have lost five in a row after getting off to their best start in 12 years.

Jenkins picked up a fumble caused by Al Noga’s sack of Steve DeBerg during the first quarter. Doleman intercepted a backhand flip DeBerg unloaded to avoid another Noga sack.