The Tennessee Titans did everything they could to make Sunday a tough day for the Minnesota Vikings, but they couldn't get out of the way. The penalties on their side dominated, and the Vikings' defense, while allowing some splashes, didn't allow them to build any momentum.
Brian Callahan and the Titans are building a competitive team, their 2-8 mark is no indication of their talent. Rather, the Vikings showed that they could withstand the pressure of a team that had nothing to lose. Darnold made some mistakes, but made more plays and was able to score enough points to give the defense more flexibility.
With those points out of the way, here are five takeaways from the Vikings' win over the Titans
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan yells at linesman Julian Mapp (10) after a pass inference call was not made against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Tennessee Titans are much better than their 2-8 record suggests. They committed nine penalties for 91 yards, two of which led to a 14-point swing in the game. The Vikings played well, but the Titans could have very easily won the game or made it interesting with a few calls the other way.
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14), quarterback Nick Mullens (12), quarterback Brett Rypien (19) enter the field during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
He had no interceptions, but he still had a fumble. Sam Darnold played well enough to win against the Titans on Sunday. He made some nice throws under pressure and showed good mobility when the pocket collapsed, but the team needs more. This team has a Super Bowl defense, now they have to keep up with this game on offense.
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) scores on a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Aaron Jones had his worst game of the season, with two fumbles and only 39 rushing yards to his name. Through nine games of the season, the offense has shown that they rely on Jones for a variety of reasons, but they have shown that they can overcome his downtime with a good enough offensive performance to win the game.
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Will Levis (8) of the Tennessee Titans lines up against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Either the secondary was shut down at halftime or it's unable to apply the pressure Brian Flores wants to apply for four quarters. In the second half of games over the last few weeks, they have seemingly given up more splash plays, allowing teams to hang around in games they shouldn't be in.
November 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Pat Jones II (91) sacks Tennessee Titans' Will Levis (8) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Pat Jones II and Andrew Van Ginkel increased their season sack total to eight on Sunday, both career highs for them. Jonathan Greenard also provided pressure and Blake Cashman also added a sack. All in all, the pass rush will determine how the rest of this season plays out in one way or another.
