NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vikings closed the 2015 preseason with a 24-17 loss against the Titans at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night.
Head Coach Mike Zimmer opted to keep almost every starter in the garage in the team's fifth exhibition.
Gerald Hodges made his second consecutive start at middle linebacker, and safety Robert Blanton also started, but the nine others that took the field on the opening series of defense were reserves.
The first series ended quickly. The Vikings didn't stay with Harry Douglas on a crossing route, and Douglas caught an easy one from second-overall pick Marcus Mariota, turned up field and ran past a diving attempt by Andrew Sendejo for a 59-yard touchdown.
Minnesota had a penalty on the ensuing kickoff return and was backed up to its own six. The possession ended after just three plays when Stefon Diggs fumbled while trying to fight for a first down. The fumble was forced by Blidi Wreh-Wilson and recovered by Michael Griffin at the Vikings 20.
The Titans took advantage of the short field, capping the possession with a 3-yard toss from Zach Mettenberger to Rico Richardson.
Taylor Heinicke got the start at quarterback as Teddy Bridgewater and Shaun Hill observed from the sidelines. The undrafted rookie handled being backed up near his end zone with a 16-yard completion to Diggs, and successfully managed the two-minute drive at the end of the first half that led to a 33-yard field goal by Blair Walsh.
He also built on that momentum in leading the offense on a touchdown drive to open the second half. Dominique Williams capped the possession with an amazing one-handed catch without breaking stride.
Heinicke finished the night 27-of-41 passing for 279 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Bridgewater finished the preseason 29-of-35 passing for 295 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions and a passer rating of 111.3. Hill went 25-of-34 passing for 236 yards with three TDs and two INTs.
Minnesota had a penalty on the ensuing kickoff return and was backed up to its own six. The possession ended after just three plays when Stefon Diggs fumbled while trying to fight for a first down. The fumble was forced by Blidi Wreh-Wilson and recovered by Michael Griffin at the Vikings 20.
The Titans took advantage of the short field, capping the possession with a 3-yard toss from Zach Mettenberger to Rico Richardson.
MyCole Pruitt returned to action from an injury that had sidelined him since Aug. 15. He was targeted four times and caught two passes for 33 yards during the two-minute drive before halftime. The drive ended with a 33-yard field goal by Blair Walsh.
Tyrus Thompson started at left guard but left the game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a head injury. He was replaced by Bob Vardaro.
