Minnesota Vikings vs Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their preseason on a strong note, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23–13 at Nissan Stadium. With both teams prioritizing depth evaluations ahead of roster cutdowns, it was Tennessee that looked sharper, particularly in finishing drives and capitalizing on explosive plays. The win left the Titans encouraged about their young talent while the Vikings were left to assess lingering concerns on defense.

Quarterback Cam Ward, Tennessee’s prized rookie, only played two series but looked composed, going 3-for-3 for 36 yards and moving the offense with efficiency. The real spark, however, came from wideout Van Jefferson, who turned heads with a breakout performance. After a quiet preseason, he erupted for 102 yards on three catches, including a dazzling 65-yard touchdown that energized the crowd and swung momentum firmly in the Titans’ favor.

On the ground, Tennessee found consistency in Julius Chestnut, who again showed reliability in short-yardage situations, converting a key fourth-down run. Combined with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, the Titans’ backfield offered a promising mix of speed and toughness. Defensively, James Williams Sr. added a highlight of his own by picking off a Vikings pass, while linebacker Cedric Gray showed instincts that could make him a rotational factor when the regular season begins.

Minnesota found some positives despite the defeat, particularly through rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. He delivered a composed performance capped by a 21-yard touchdown strike to tight end Bryson Nesbitt, offering a glimpse of the Vikings’ future. Yet their defense faltered at crucial moments, giving up Jefferson’s long touchdown and struggling with open-field tackles—a recurring preseason issue that head coach Kevin O’Connell will need to address before Week 1.

In the end, the Titans demonstrated sharper execution and superior depth, closing their preseason with momentum and optimism heading into September. The Vikings, on the other hand, finish winless in exhibition play, facing tough roster decisions and defensive adjustments as they trim from 91 to 53 players. While the result won’t carry over to the standings, the contrast in performance between the two sides was telling as the regular season looms.