EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a field goal Sunday in what ended up being the difference against the Detroit Lions.

Rodriguez got his hand on a 45-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter to help the Vikings preserve their first victory in nearly one month. Lions kicker Jake Bates entered the game perfect through the first eight weeks of the season on kicks shorter than 50 yards, but the 25-year-old interior lineman leaped in the air and deflected the kick to keep the Lions from cutting into the Vikings' lead.

Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers scooped up the live ball and returned it 41 yards to Detroit's 26-yard line to set up Minnesota kicker Will Reichard to eventually del

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