Tennessee Titans Lose to Minnesota Vikings, Continue Downward Spiral

Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

The Tennessee Titans watched their run game flounder again against the Minnesota Vikings as RB Chris Johnson was held to 24 yards and 15 carries. The game started off with a solid series for the Titans, but every other series was basically a 3-and-out.

The end score was Titans 7, Vikings 30.

The Minnesota Vikings struggled to get their run game going against a stout Titans front four, but as the game wore on and the Titans continued to be unsuccessful on the offensive side of the ball, the Viking wore down the Titans defense and broke off runs for big gains.

Titans RB Javon Ringer may be done for the season after sustaining what looked to be a very serious knee injury late in the 4th quarter. It’s sad to see that happen to such a nice and talented player. FS Michael Griffin was also temporarily sidelined, though he was able to return to the game.

QB Christian Ponder threw his first two picks of the season, one of which was Titans’ FS Robert Johnson’s first career pick. Ponder evaded Titans defenders all day, scrambling for 31 yards and only being sacked once.

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck wasn’t capable off breathing life into the Titans offense. It didn’t help any that their run game went back to the same, ineffective thing it’s been for the past year. Everyone wants to blame it on CJ, but I’m definitely leaning towards it being something to do with Palmer’s scheme. It just doesn’t make sense.

The Vikings continue to climb in the rankings, standing at 4-1 now.

Rookie WR Kendall Wright ended the day with 9 receptions for 66 yards. When the game was basically out of reach, he seemed to be the only player on offense still playing with heart out there. The Titans definitely have some work to do if they want to turn this season around. Things seem to be sliding the wrong way as the Titans fall to 1-4.

I wish I had more answers for why things are going so wrong, but I don’t.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart