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.
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
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
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.
HE GONE 🏃♂️💨@tyjae22 with a 33-yard touchdown run
📺: Watch #TENvsCHI on @WKRN / NFL+ pic.twitter.com/APo0AL1HI5
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 20, 2023
In between: The kickers
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
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.
JULIUS CHESTNUT BREAKS LOOSE!
📺: Watch #TENvsMIN on @WKRN / NFL+ pic.twitter.com/hAaxUauUA1
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 20, 2023
Loser: TE Chig Okonkwo
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
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
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.
From DII to the NFL, Caleb Murphy with his second sack of the preseason 💪
📺: Watch #TENvsMIN on @WKRN / NFL+ pic.twitter.com/JAmQZx8bNv
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 20, 2023
Winner: DL Teair Tart
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.
Mini Teair Tart 1Q highlight reel #TENvsMIN pic.twitter.com/bBC6OTa3xW
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 20, 2023
Winner: CB Eric Garror
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
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
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.
