The Minnesota Vikings enjoyed a breakout performance from Justin Jefferson on Sunday, but the rookie’s 170-yard performance couldn’t prevent the Vikings from falling to 0-3 after a 31-30 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The afternoon started on a similar note for the Vikings as they fell behind early on a pair of Stephen Gostkowski field goals. After the Vikings went three-and-out on the first drive, the offense came to life on the back of Dalvin Cook’s 39-yard touchdown to put the Vikings ahead 7-6.
HOUSE CALL!@dalvincook takes it 39 yards for the score.
đź“ş: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/J6wp178LbV
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2020
The Vikings extended their lead in the second quarter with a 16-yard touchdown from Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen before the Vikings and Titans exchanged field goals to give Minnesota a 17-9 lead at halftime.
Cousins tossed an interception to open the second half, which led to another Gostkowski field goal. The Vikings responded with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to Jefferson to get their lead up to 24-12.
See you later ✌️@JJettas2
đź“ş: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/sHH64beXKa
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2020
Despite the big lead, the Vikings defense showed some growing pains as big plays led to a pair of Derrick Henry touchdowns to give Tennessee a 25-24 lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Vikings marched back with Cousins throwing his third touchdown pass of the day to Kyle Rudolph to regain the lead early in the fourth quarter. The Titans answered again with a 54-yard field goal from Gostkowski, leaving the Vikings’ offense to defend a 30-28 lead.
With the game on the line, the Vikings didn’t get far, ultimately punting to give the Titans a chance to win the game. Ryan Tannehill led the march against the Vikings’ defense, leading to a 55-yard field goal to give Tennesee the 31-30 lead.
The Vikings had one last stance to earn the win, but the Titans demolished the offensive line to fluster Cousins to close the game out.
With the loss, the Vikings fell to 0-3 for the first time with 2013 and will travel to Houston in Week 4.
