Thursday wasn’t the first time that Kevin O’Connell praised the Minnesota Vikings’ defense after a win. Still, he probably hasn’t praised it enough,

The Vikings' defense is making history, shutting out opponents for six straight games, a feat not seen in the NFL for over three decades as they gear up for the Lions.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The Minnesota Vikings’ season may be over, but that doesn’t mean the team has let off the gas. The team has won four straight now, after the Vikings eliminated the Detroit Lions from a playoff spot with a 23-10 win.

The first big play of the game came from the Minnesota defense, as Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff mishandled a snap deep in Detroit territory, and Andrew Van Ginkel fell on the fumble to give the Vikings’ offense the football inside the Detroit red zone late in the first quarter.

Despite the Minnesota Vikings not being able to get anything done on offense, it was head coach Kevin O'Connell's unit that came up big to seal a 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. It wasn't just a win;

Smith’s interception was one of six turnovers the Vikings forced in a 23-10 victory over Detroit that came almost solely because of their aggressive defense.

Detroit was eliminated from playoff contention after its offense turned the ball over six times, despite a decent performance from the defense.

After defeating the Lions 23-10 on Christmas Day, Vikings veteran safety Harrison Smith issued an emotional guarantee.