The matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans ended with the Titans taking a solid 23–13 win. The game highlighted key differences in execution, discipline, and red-zone efficiency. The Titans’ ability to sustain drives and capitalize on mistakes defined their performance, while the Vikings struggled with consistency and missed crucial opportunities. This article offers a complete breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings vs Tennessee Titans player stats, examining offense, defense, special teams, and turning points that shaped the result.
1. Game Overview
The game started with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Minnesota opened the scoring with a first-quarter field goal after a decent drive but failed to maintain momentum. The Titans gradually took control through efficient ball movement and better possession management.
By halftime, Tennessee led 14–3, primarily due to well-structured offensive drives and Minnesota’s defensive lapses.
In the second half, the Vikings tried to fight back, adding a touchdown in the third quarter, but multiple missed field goals and stalled drives limited their progress. The Titans’ composure in the fourth quarter secured their win with two key field goals, closing the game 23–13.
2. First Quarter: Establishing Momentum
Both teams began conservatively, testing defensive setups. The Vikings opened with a six-play, 15-yard drive that ended in a punt. The Titans quickly mirrored this, unable to move past Minnesota’s defensive front.
The Vikings found early rhythm in their second possession, moving 51 yards in eight plays to set up a field goal. This gave them a 3–0 lead. Quarterback efficiency in short passing and a balanced run game provided early optimism.
However, the Titans defense, led by strong linebacker play, contained any explosive gain. Both sides closed the quarter with tactical caution, avoiding turnovers but also missing deep threats.
Key First Quarter Stats:
- Vikings Total Yards: 66
- Titans Total Yards: 40
- Vikings Third Down Conversions: 2/4
- Titans Sacks: 1
3. Second Quarter: Titans Take Control
Tennessee’s offense gained momentum in the second quarter. A 13-play, 90-yard drive dominated possession, capped by a touchdown that flipped control in their favor. Quarterback accuracy improved significantly, and the offensive line provided time for deeper passing routes.
Minnesota’s following possession lacked creativity. A short six-play drive ended with a punt, giving the Titans favorable field position. Tennessee capitalized again with another long drive—six plays for 85 yards—ending in a second touchdown.
Minnesota had a chance to cut the deficit before halftime but threw an interception after an extended nine-play drive. The Titans defense held firm, forcing poor passing decisions and limiting rushing efficiency.
Second Quarter Stats:
- Titans Passing Yards: 128
- Titans Rushing Yards: 47
- Vikings Turnovers: 1 (Interception)
- Time of Possession: Titans 11:57, Vikings 3:03
4. Third Quarter: Vikings Attempt a Comeback
The Titans added a field goal early in the third quarter to make it 17–3. Minnesota, however, responded strongly with a five-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Their quarterback found receivers on consecutive completions, and the run game opened gaps against a slightly relaxed Titans defense.
At 17–10, momentum briefly shifted. The Vikings defense forced two consecutive punts, giving their offense chances to equalize. However, a fourth-down stop on their next drive stalled the effort. The Titans responded with another defensive stand, neutralizing deep routes.
Both teams exchanged downs in short drives to close the third quarter. Despite increased intensity, neither could fully capitalize on offensive opportunities.
Third Quarter Stats:
- Vikings Passing Yards: 72
- Vikings Rushing Yards: 36
- Titans Defensive Tackles: 8 solo, 4 assists
- Total Score: Titans 17, Vikings 10
5. Fourth Quarter: Titans Seal the Game
Minnesota opened the final quarter with a missed field goal attempt that could have closed the gap. This proved costly. Tennessee’s balanced offense orchestrated a six-play, 43-yard drive, resulting in a field goal, extending the lead to 20–10.
Minnesota replied with their own nine-play, 40-yard drive ending in a field goal, bringing the score to 20–13. Yet, with six minutes remaining, Tennessee controlled possession again with a steady 12-play drive, consuming over six minutes and finishing with another field goal.
The Vikings’ last chance ended with three ineffective plays and a turnover on downs. Tennessee’s game management and special teams efficiency ensured victory.
Final Quarter Stats:
- Titans Third Down Conversions: 3/5
- Vikings Missed Field Goals: 2
- Titans Rushing Attempts: 9 (4 first downs)
- Final Score: Titans 23, Vikings 13
6. Offensive Breakdown
Minnesota Vikings Offense
The Vikings showed promise in short bursts but lacked consistency. Their quarterback recorded a moderate completion rate, often pressured by the Titans’ defensive front. While they found success on intermediate passes, red-zone efficiency remained poor.
The running game averaged below four yards per carry, insufficient to sustain long drives. The offensive line struggled against interior pressure, allowing key sacks in pivotal moments.
Vikings Key Offensive Stats:
- Total Yards: 290
- Passing: 205 yards
- Rushing: 85 yards
- Third Down Efficiency: 4/12
- Turnovers: 1 interception
Tennessee Titans Offense
The Titans emphasized control and discipline. Their quarterback led multiple scoring drives with strong decision-making and timing. The running backs maintained tempo with consistent short gains that kept drives alive.
Receivers exploited zone coverages effectively, with several catches beyond the first-down marker. The offensive balance—around 60% passing and 40% rushing—proved decisive.
Titans Key Offensive Stats:
- Total Yards: 375
- Passing: 230 yards
- Rushing: 145 yards
- Third Down Efficiency: 7/15
- Red Zone Efficiency: 3/4
7. Defensive Analysis
Minnesota Vikings Defense
Minnesota’s defense performed well early but faded as the game progressed. Linebackers contained short runs, but missed tackles allowed Tennessee to extend drives. The secondary struggled with timing on deep plays, giving up key third-down completions.
Despite forcing several punts, the inability to stop long drives in the second quarter and fourth-quarter fatigue defined their struggles.
Vikings Defensive Highlights:
- Total Tackles: 62
- Sacks: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 1
Tennessee Titans Defense
The Titans’ defensive execution was consistent throughout. They pressured the Vikings’ quarterback into hurried throws and maintained coverage discipline. Defensive linemen controlled the gaps, limiting Minnesota’s rushing game.
Their standout moments came on red-zone stops and forcing missed field goals, ultimately shaping the scoreboard.
Titans Defensive Highlights:
- Total Tackles: 59
- Sacks: 3
- Interceptions: 1
- Pass Deflections: 4
8. Special Teams Impact
Both teams had active special teams involvement, though Tennessee’s performance was cleaner. Minnesota’s kicker missed two field goals that could have narrowed the margin. Punting averages favored the Titans, with better hang time and field positioning.
Special Teams Summary:
- Vikings Field Goals: 2/4
- Titans Field Goals: 3/3
- Average Punt Distance: Titans 47 yards, Vikings 43 yards
- Kick Return Average: Titans 26 yards
9. Turning Points
- Second Quarter Interception:
Minnesota’s drive late in the first half ended with an interception deep in Titans territory. This eliminated a key scoring opportunity and gave Tennessee control. - Missed Field Goals:
Minnesota missed two field goals in the second half, costing six crucial points that could have changed the momentum. - Titans’ Final Drive:
The Titans’ 12-play, six-minute drive in the fourth quarter showcased game management, sealing the victory through ball control and time consumption.
10. Player of the Game
The standout performer for Tennessee was their quarterback, who delivered steady leadership, completing over 65% of passes and managing time effectively. His precision under pressure and ability to convert on third downs were vital.
On defense, the Titans’ leading linebacker deserves recognition for consistent tackling and coverage, limiting Minnesota’s running game and forcing third-and-long situations.
For Minnesota, their wide receiver who led with multiple receptions and key third-down catches showed individual brilliance, despite the team’s loss.
11. Team Comparison Summary
| Category | Minnesota Vikings | Tennessee Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 13 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 290 | 375 |
| Passing Yards | 205 | 230 |
| Rushing Yards | 85 | 145 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 26:43 | 33:17 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 33% | 47% |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 1/3 | 3/4 |
| Field Goals Made | 2/4 | 3/3 |
This table highlights the Titans’ control of possession and efficiency, particularly in red-zone and third-down scenarios.
12. Coaching and Strategy Insights
Minnesota’s game plan focused on controlled passing and moderate rushing, but it lacked depth adjustment when the Titans’ coverage tightened. The missed field goals reflected a lack of finishing discipline.
Tennessee’s coaching staff balanced aggression with game management. Their second-quarter offensive rhythm demonstrated preparation and situational awareness, while defensive rotations prevented fatigue in the final quarter.
13. Final Thoughts
The Minnesota Vikings vs Tennessee Titans game revealed contrasting execution levels. The Vikings showed flashes of offensive potential but were undone by inefficiency and missed chances. Tennessee, on the other hand, displayed resilience, balance, and strong game awareness.
While the Vikings fall to 1–3 overall, there were takeaways in offensive tempo and defensive alignment that can be improved upon. For the Titans, this victory reinforces their home-field strength, moving them to 2–1, with their defensive depth and quarterback leadership setting a positive tone for upcoming fixtures.
The match underlines that success often depends not on explosive plays but on consistent execution, control, and discipline across four quarters.
FAQs
Q1: What was the final score of the Minnesota Vikings vs Tennessee Titans game?
A1: The Titans defeated the Vikings 23–13.
Q2: Who led the game in passing yards?
A2: The Titans quarterback led all passers with 230 yards.
Q3: How many turnovers occurred in the match?
A3: Minnesota had one interception; Tennessee had no turnovers.
Q4: What was the biggest factor in Tennessee’s victory?
A4: Sustained offensive drives, efficient third-down conversions, and strong defense secured their win.
Q5: How many field goals did Minnesota miss?
A5: Minnesota missed two field goals that proved costly in the final outcome.
