NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vikings closed the 2018 preseason with a 13-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
Daniel Carlson booted field goals of 39 and 22 yards, and Brandon Zylstra caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Sloter on a night when backups started on both sides of the ball for each team.
Zylstra led the Vikings with 54 yards on four receptions.
Sloter replaced Trevor Siemian at halftime and completed 11 of 15 passes for 130 yards with a passer rating of 121.5. Siemian was 6-of-11 passing for 55 yards.
Mike Boone led the Vikings with 56 yards rushing on 15 carries. He also added 53 yards on two receptions, bringing his yards from scrimmage for the preseason to 284.
Kobe McCrary added 18 rushing yards. Roc Thomas caught two passes for 15 yards but left the game with an injury.
The Vikings starting offensive line combination was LT Aviante Collins, LG Brett Jones, C Danny Isidora, RG Colby Gossett and RT Brian O'Neill.
Minnesota began working Isidora at center during practice this week after acquiring Jones in a trade with the New York Giants. Isidora's first snaps ever at center occurred this week at practice.
In the second half, Minnesota went with LT Storm Norton, LG Collins, C Jones, RG Isidora and O'Neill.
On the Zylstra touchdown, the Vikings had the combination of LT Norton, LG J.P. Quinn, Jones, Gossett and O'Neill.
On defense, the Vikings started Stephen Weatherly and Tashawn Bower at defensive end; Jaleel Johnson and David Parry at defensive tackle; Eric Wilson, Kentrell Brothers and Antwione Williams at linebacker; Horace Richardson and Holton Hill at cornerback; and Anthony Harris and Jayron Kearse at safety.
First-round pick Mike Hughes subbed in quickly when the Vikings went to their nickel package. He logged valuable reps after missing Minnesota's third preseason game last week against Seattle.
Minnesota outgained Tennessee 267 to 165.
Jalyn Holmes led the Vikings with 1.5 sacks, sharing one with Jonathan Wynn. Stephen Weatherly and Garret Dooley also recorded sacks.
The game was a final opportunity for players to make their case for a coveted roster spot. All teams must reduce their rosters from 90 players to 53 by 3 p.m. (CT) Saturday, and there can't be very many up for grabs in Minnesota. The defending NFC North Champions retained 10 of 11 starters from the 2017 squad that led the NFL in yards allowed and points allowed.
Scoring summary
Q1, 2:00 remaining
Titans 3, Vikings 0
Ryan Succop kicks a 24-yard field goal [16 plays, 69 yards, 9:31]
Triple conversions: The Titans converted three third downs during the drive, taking advantage of a penalty that changed a third-and-7 to third-and-2. Tennessee also converted a third-and-8 with a 12-yard pass play and a third-and-9 with 13-yard pass play.
Q2, 1:55 remaining
Titans 3, Vikings 3
Daniel Carlson kicks a 39-yard field goal [13 plays, 69 yards, 6:36]
Going for it: Minnesota's longest offensive play of the first half was a 20-yard completion from Trevor Siemian to Brandon Zylstra after Zimmer went for it on fourth-and-5.
Q3, 7:05 remaining
Vikings 6, Titans 3
Carlson kicks a 22-yard field goal [15 plays, 48 yards, 7:55]
Short field: The drive was set up by a 53-yard kickoff return by Holton Hill.
Q4, 7:18 remaining
Vikings 13, Titans 3
Brandon Zylstra catches a 24-yard pass from Kyle Sloter [4 plays, 55 yards, 1:33]
Taking a shot: Sloter found Zylstra deep down the sideline a play after a roughing the passer penalty against Tennessee.
