NFL Preseason Week 2 Game Recap: Tennessee Titans 24, Minnesota Vikings 16

Titans' running backs lead the way to victory over Vikings in preseason. Rookie RB Tyjae Spears shines with impressive performance.

The Tennessee Titans showcased their dominant running backs as they led the team to victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 of the preseason. Despite resting their starters, including star running back Derrick Henry, the Titans' offense was still impressive.

One standout player was rookie third-round running back Tyjae Spears. Last week, Spears displayed his talent by averaging 5.3 yards per carry on six attempts, and he continued to shine in this game. With an impressive 8.1 yards per carry on seven attempts, Spears proved his worth on the field. He accumulated a total of 57 rushing yards, with 53 of those yards coming after contact. Additionally, he opened the scoring with a remarkable 33-yard touchdown.

On the defensive side, the Vikings faced a challenge with the departure of Dalvin Tomlinson, creating a void in their defensive line. However, Sheldon Day, a seven-year veteran, stepped up to the plate. Although he did not play in 2022, Day showcased his potential impact over the past two weeks. In the previous game, he earned an impressive 88.2 pass-rush grade. In Week 2, he continued to excel, recording a strip sack and three total pressures. Day's performance was commendable as he started the game and played well into the third quarter.

A rookie to watch on the Vikings' side is undrafted free agent linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. For the second consecutive game, Pace earned the start and showcased his skills by calling defensive plays. He made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster with two tackles and a quarterback hit on a blitz. Pace's ability to excel in blitzing situations is particularly valuable, as he demonstrated in college with 55 pressures and 12 sacks on 180 attempts. With Brian Asamoah dealing with an injury, Pace had the opportunity to prove his fit in the team's defense, making a positive impression for Week 1.

Turning our attention to the offensive line, Justin Murray of the Titans had an outstanding performance in preseason Week 1 as the right guard. He displayed his prowess by earning an impressive 85.9 pass-blocking grade without allowing a single pressure. Murray's strong showing is a testament to his skill and reliability in protecting the quarterback.

Overall, the Titans' running backs, led by Tyjae Spears, played a crucial role in securing the team's victory against the Vikings. Sheldon Day stood out on the defensive line, showcasing his potential as an impact player. Ivan Pace Jr. impressed as a rookie linebacker, making a strong case for a spot on the roster. Finally, Justin Murray demonstrated his excellence on the offensive line with a standout performance. These players' contributions highlight the depth and talent within the Titans and Vikings teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

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