Blair Walsh split the uprights on all five field goals he attempted Sunday, including two from 50-plus yards and scored 16 total points in a 28-19 Vikings victory over the Lions.
Walsh connected from 37, 53, 51, 35 and 22, helping Minnesota (4-2) score on seven of its first eight possessions at Detroit (1-6). He also kicked all seven of his kickoffs into the end zone, resulting in four touchbacks.
The 53 and 51 yarders helped the Vikings outscore the Lions 12-3 in the second quarter when they shifted momentum away from the Lions. Walsh's outing has been chosen as the Bridgestone Performance of the Week.
Walsh's kicks were part of a comprehensive team effort and linked an **offensive rally** and **defensive awakening** after the first quarter.
The Vikings gained redemption from a 16-14 loss to the Lions last December in which a 53-yard field goal was wide right in the first quarter, a 26-yard attempt was blocked in the fourth quarter and a desperation 68-yard attempt was short at the end of the game.
"It was big. We missed three kicks here last year, so we lost nine points and we lost by (two)," Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said. "So I talked to him (Saturday) night and I talked to the team last night, 'We have to make the kicks,' and he made five today. So that's 15 points and we won by nine."
The five field goals made tied Walsh's personal record that he set during his rookie season in St. Louis.
Walsh is now 19-of-26 on field goals from more than 50 yards, but the two Sunday were his first since Nov. 23, 2014.
"It's been almost a year, and to see two longer distance kicks go in is so big for me," Walsh said.
