Lions’ Finishing Kick Ruins Rally by George

Jason Hanson’s sixth field goal of the day, a 48-yarder with seven seconds remaining, lifted the Detroit Lions to a 25-23 victory over Minnesota on Sunday, the second week in a row the Vikings lost by two points.

Quarterback Jeff George started the second half for the Vikings in relief of an ineffective Randall Cunningham and came so tantalizingly close to bringing the Vikings back that he’ll start next Sunday’s game against San Francisco.

“That doesn’t mean that everything that’s not gone right is Randall Cunningham’s fault,” Coach Dennis Green said. “But we are 2-4 and we are one-third of the way through the season.”

The Vikings, who trailed 19-0 at halftime, took a 23-22 lead on Gary Anderson’s 26-yard field goal with 1:40 remaining.

Hanson, whose previous high for one game was four field goals, matched a club record with six for the Lions (3-2), whose only touchdown came on Terry Fair’s 41-yard interception return in the first quarter.

“I wish it never came down to me, actually, but that’s what the game is about,” Hanson said. “I just think about making sure I put a good hit on it and focus as hard as I can and don’t miss.

“You get nervous, but you’ve got to kick it while you’re nervous.”

George, who started the second half in relief of an ineffective Cunningham, had attempted only one pass all season. George completed 10 of 12 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

“I’ve been on the other side,” George said. “I love Randall. He’s my friend. We’re in this together.”

Cunningham continued to struggle, completing 10 of 15 passes for 78 yards with one interception in the first half. He said he agreed with Green’s decision to go with George. “It’s Jeff’s time, and I’m going to support him 100%.”