Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis

Titans’ winners and losers from preseason Week 2

With the Tennessee Titans’ preseason Week 2 in the books following a 24-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, it’s time to take a look at the team’s winners and losers from Saturday night.

It was an up-and-down performance from the offense, which saw some struggles through the air but dominance on the ground. Meanwhile, the defense was solid, which was a far cry from what we saw in the first preseason contest last week.

Buy Titans Tickets

While there were no doubt some standout individual performances, we also have some shout outs to give to entire units that performed well against the Vikings.

Without further ado, the winners and losers from preseason Week 2.

In between: QB Malik Willis

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

While Willis certainly wasn’t great on Saturday night — and he wasn’t better than he was in preseason Week 1 — he didn’t implode, either. However, he didn’t do what he needed to in order to create more separation between himself and rookie signal-caller Will Levis for the backup job.

Winner: RB Tyjae Spears

Syndication: The Tennessean

Spears once again flashed his dynamic playmaking ability with a sick hurdle over a Vikings defender on a 33-yard touchdown run. There’s no doubt Spears has the tools to be special and he should be the No. 2 back.

In between: The kickers

Syndication: The Tennessean

While there were no major hiccups from Caleb Shudak or Trey Wolff, neither had much of an opportunity to show their stuff, either. Only Wolff received a field goal attempt, but the make was from 22 yards. Both players made their extra points but Wolff doinked one of his through.

I was really hoping to feel better about at least one of these guys after a shaky preseason Week 1 for both, but that did not happen.

Winner: RB Julius Chestnut

Syndication: The Tennessean

Chestnut was sensational on Saturday night, racking up close to 100 rushing yards — including an explosive 55-yard scamper — and two touchdowns. He cemented himself as RB3 and both Hassan Haskins and Jonathan Ward will be fighting for the RB4 spot (if there is one) moving forward.

Loser: TE Chig Okonkwo

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Willis’ numbers could’ve been better if not for a pair of drops by Okonkwo. Thankfully, it’s only preseason, but let’s hope this doesn’t become a trend once the games count.

Winner: WR Mason Kinsey

Syndication: The Tennessean

While much of the talk has been about guys like Racey McMath, Reggie Roberson, Tre’Shaun Harrison and Kearis Jackson, all three were mostly quiet on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Kinsey led the team in receiving yards one week after he had the second-most. Adding to that, an injury to Kyle Philips could open the door for him to grab a roster spot if it proves to be a multi-week issue.

Winner: OLB Caleb Murphy

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Murphy notched a pair of sacks on Saturday night, giving him three through two preseason games. I think he’s solidified his spot as the fourth EDGE on this roster.

Winner: DL Teair Tart

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

After getting booted from practice during the week, Tart played more than expected and was an absolute menace. The Titans defensive lineman tallied a tackle for loss, one pass defensed and a QB hit on Saturday night.

Winner: CB Eric Garror

David Berding/Getty Images

While multiple defensive backs made plays, Garror once again stood out the most with four tackles and a pass defensed. The UDFA seems to always be around the football and is chipping in as a returner, which will further help his cause.

Winner: Backup O-linemen

Syndication: The Tennessean

While the unit certainly wasn’t perfect, the backup offensive linemen were better than they were last week. Willis was only sacked twice and there was ample room to run. It’s hard not to feel better about this group after seeing an improvement on Saturday night.

Winner: Backup defense

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

After a rough preseason Week 1, Tennessee’s depth options on defense played much better in preseason Week 2. The Vikings scored just one touchdown, which came late in the fourth quarter, and Minnesota tallied just 262 total yards.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.