NFL Preseason Week 2 Game Recap: Tennessee Titans 24, Minnesota Vikings 16

The Tennessee Titans running backs lead the way into the end zone, scoring all three touchdowns en route to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings on the road in Week 2 of the preseason.

Offensive spotlight: Both teams rested the majority of their starters, including Derrick Henry on the Titans’ side. With Henry out, rookie third-round running back Tyjae Spears was arguably the most impressive starter on offense. After rushing for 5.3 yards per carry on six attempts last week, Spears continued to shine with 8.1 yards per carry on seven attempts in this game. Spears totaled 57 yards on the ground, with 53 of those yards coming after contact. He also added a 33-yard touchdown to open the scoring. 

Defensive spotlight: The interior of the Vikings' defensive line suffered a big loss this offseason with the departure of Dalvin Tomlinson to the Cleveland Browns, so someone will need to step up and help fill the void this year. Seven-year veteran Sheldon Day didn’t play in 2022, but he has looked like a potential impact player over the past two weeks. Last week, he posted an 88.2 pass-rush grade. In Week 2, he landed a strip sack to add to his three total pressures as he started the game and played well into the third quarter.

Rookie spotlight: Vikings undrafted free agent linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. got the start for the second straight game, calling the defensive plays and making his case for the 53-man roster. Pace recorded two tackles and a quarterback hit on a blitz. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a history of heavily blitzing his linebackers, which was a particular strength of Pace’s last year in college, as he posted 55 pressures and 12 sacks on 180 attempts. With Brian Asamoah missing time in camp with an injury, Pace getting the opportunity to highlight his fit in this defense is a positive sign that he could be on the team come Week 1.

Offensive line spotlight: Titans' Justin Murray had a strong showing in preseason Week 1 playing right guard. He earned a strong 85.9 pass-blocking grade without allowing a single pressure.

With expected starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere suspended for the first six games of the regular season, the Titans gave Murray an opportunity to play right tackle in this game, where he performed well coming in relief of starter Chris Hubbard. He did not allow a pressure through three quarters.

Box Score

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Receiving

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