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Fairley On Lions Defense: 'We Can Be The Best Ever'

By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

CBS DETROIT - The Detroit Lions defense carried the team to another win Sunday, and defensive tackle Nick Fairley said after the game in Minnesota that he believes the unit can be more effective than any other defense in the NFL - past or present.

The Lions totaled eight sacks and three interceptions Sunday against the Vikings. Through six weeks, Detroit's defense ranks first in the NFL, allowing just 13.7 points per game and 270.7 yards per game.

"We can be the best ever, in my eyes," Fairley said. "I know for sure we left two [sacks] out there, me and [Jason Jones], at the end. I know I missed one, then the next play he came back and missed one too, so I know for sure we probably left three or four out there."

Fairley credited each part of the defense for why the group as a whole has been so successful this season.

"Just look at us, man," Fairley said. "We've got a defensive line that can get after anybody. Our linebacker corps is amazing the way they fly sideline to sideline, and our secondary are covering for us.

"I'd say our preparation has been growing by the week, and how we're attacking each and every week, the focus on leaders, the way they're coming in each and every week and making sure that we know our game plan and we know what we're doing," Fairley added.

The defense's production lifted Detroit to a record of 4-2 despite an underwhelming display from the offense, which was missing wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Reggie Bush, and the kicking game, where new kicker Matt Prater missed two of his three attempts.

"There are going to be games where the O has to pick the defense up, we know that, and there's going to be games where we have to pick the O up," Fairley said. "Once all three teams get on the turn, it's going to be bad. It's going to be good. It's going to be something to see."

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