Those Purple People Eaters set the standard for dominant front fours, leading the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. If today's Vikings had a people-eating contest with those guys, it wouldn't even be close.

But with massive, agile tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams anchoring the line, the Vikings once again are feasting on opposing offences. The latest statement was a resounding one _ five sacks, four turnovers forced and the play of the game in Sunday's 26-17 rally to beat Detroit.

``I think anytime you can get the penetration we had with our inside two guys, obviously squeeze the pocket, it makes life tough,'' coach Brad Childress said. ``Not only do you need speed rushers off the edge, you need someone to push the pocket. I think they have done a nice job on the inside of doing that.''

And they do it with a bravado and swagger that has been earned through success. The Vikings trailed the Lions 17-10 midway through the fourth quarter, with the offence struggling again.

``We were standing on the sidelines and Pat Williams and Kevin Williams said they were going to take over the game themselves,'' free safety Darren Sharper said. ``They did that.''

Big Pat _ conservatively listed at 317 pounds _ made the first play, bursting through the line and swallowing up Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, forcing a fumble that Ben Leber turned into a touchdown to swing the momentum.

Kevin Williams, a 304-pounder who struggled with knee injuries last season but has since regained his All-Pro form, set the tone early with two tackles for loss and a sack on the opening possession.

``We always stay calm,'' Pat Williams said. ``We know if we break down, we're not going to point fingers or nothing. Everybody always stays calm. We always know, don't worry about nothing.''

Couple that production with improved play from ends Kenechi Udeze, Darrion Scott and rookie Ray Edwards, and the Vikings have finally achieved the solid foundation to their defence.

``Our defence starts with our front,'' Sharper said. ``The level they're playing at now is unbelievable. They're dominating.''

New defensive co-ordinator Mike Tomlin has built on the strides Ted Cottrell took with the unit last season, turning the front four loose and, in the process, turning the Minnesota defence from a laughingstock into one of the league's best.

Through five games, the Vikings are ranked fourth in rush defence and seventh in total defence and are allowing just 16.4 points per game.

Sunday was the best performance to date. The Vikings played more of the Tampa 2 style, which relies on the defensive line to create pressure on the quarterback without the help from blitzing linebackers, to shut down the Lions.

The defence scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and held the Lions to 16 rushing yards.