An emotional Harrison Smith issues a bond after crushing the Lions

The The Minnesota Vikings earned an unconventional win on Christmas Daydefeating the Detroit Lions 23-10 at US Bank Stadium thanks almost entirely to defense, special teams and one explosive offensive game. One of the main stories of the evening belonged to the safety of veterans Harrison Smithwho followed up one of the most statistically significant performances of his 14-year career with candid comments after the game.

Smith played a major role in a game in which Minnesota forced six turnovers and finished with a plus-6 differential, the best of any NFL team this season and tied for one game in the last nine years, according to Sportradar. The Vikings moved to 8-8 with their fourth straight win after already being eliminated from the playoffs. The loss also dropped Detroit to 8-8. and ended the Lions’ playoff hopes.

During the final two minutes of the game, fans gave Smith a loud ovation, which continued when he spoke with former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber after the game. Back in the locker room, he couldn’t hide his emotions.

“I don’t want to get emotional about it, but it’s pretty special,” the 36-year-old said. “The fans here have never experienced a Super Bowl. You always show up. And for them to keep showing up….

“It just shows how much they love their team. How much they love everything that goes into it. We’re out of the playoffs. Everybody shows up in white, does their part. And one of these days, they’re going to win that (Super Bowl).”

Smith finished Thursday’s game with an interception of Detroit quarterback Jared Goff, his second of the season, along with one tackle, two tackles for loss, three pass deflections and a quarterback hit. The sack was his first of the season and raised his career total to 21.5, while his interception brought his career total to 38. Smith became just the second player in NFL history, along with Rondo Barber, to record at least 38 interceptions and 21.5 sacks. The sack was also his 50th career tackle for a loss, making him just the 10th defensive back since tracking began in 1999 to reach that mark. He is also one of only four players ever with 50 tackles for loss and 100 passes defensed while appearing in more than 200 games, joining Charles Woodson, Brian Dawkins and Barber.

In 14 games this season, Smith has recorded 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack and one pass breakup. The win, which was his 26th career game against the Lions, improved his record to 15-11 against Detroit.

Minnesota’s offense produced just three passing yards, making the Vikings just the third team in the last 40 seasons to win a game with fewer than 10 passing yards. Rookie quarterback Max Brossmer, making his second career start in place of the injured JJ McCarthy, went 9 of 16 for 51 yards while picking up seven sacks but not causing a turnover. Minnesota had just 75 yards before Jordan Addison booted a 65-yard touchdown with 3:43 left, the longest of his career. Will Reichard accounted for the rest of the scoring, going 3-for-3 on field goals from 56 yards.

The Lions managed 196 total yards as Goff finished 18-of-29 for 197 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and three lost fumbles.

Minnesota will close out the season at home against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, while Detroit will travel to Chicago to face the Bears.