The Titans wrapped up their week in Minnesota with a 24-16 win over the Vikings inside U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday night. It was the second preseason game for Minnesota, which fell to 0-2 ahead of the final exhibition this coming Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota again rested starters and key players, leaving the action to backups who are down to the final two weeks of competition before the 53-man roster is settled ahead of the Sept. 10 regular season opener in Minneapolis against Tampa Bay.
The Vikings got three field goals from Greg Joseph and led 9-7 at the half before Tennessee outscored Minnesota 17-7 in the second half. The Titans were fueled by backup quarterback Malik Willis, who was 10 of 17 passing for 85 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The interception went to inside linebacker Troy Dye.
Vikings LB Troy Dye picks off Malik Willis!
(video via @mnspnews) pic.twitter.com/wyFmDO1Y9s
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 20, 2023
Both second half touchdowns for the Titans were scored by running back Julius Chestnut. He had a five-yard touchdown run and then a one-yard diving reception for a touchdown. Overall, Chestnut had 98 rush yards fueled by a 55-yard run.
Minnesota’s only touchdown of the night came on a fourth quarter one-yard rush by rookie running back DeWayne McBride.
DeWayne McBride gets it back to a one-possession game. @Debo323232
📱: Stream #TENvsMIN on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Zb9wcSUiZu
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
McBride had six carries for 18 yards serving as the backup to Ty Chandler, who had just 24 yards on 11 carries. Minnesota’s starting running back in the regular season will be Alexander Mattison.
Nick Mullens got the start at quarterback and finished 13 of 23 or 151 yards. Jaren Hall played the second half and was just 4 of 7 passing for 49 yards.
Tight ends Nick Muse (3 catches for 46 yards) and Ben Sims (2 catches for 38 yards, along with wide receiver Thayer Thomas (3 catches for 32 yards) were Minnesota’s leading receivers. Trishton Jackson and Jalen Reagor each finished with 2 catches and 10 yards.
Second year safety Lewis Cine led the Vikings with seven tackles and a sack.
