Sam Darnold will get a chance to solve turnover issues as the Vikings visit the Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Minnesota Vikings will get another chance to fix some offensive issues Sunday in their second of two straight road games against the dregs of the AFC South.

Sam Darnold has turned the ball over five times over the last two games, including three interceptions in last week’s 12-7 win at Jacksonville. Minnesota’s defense and kicker helped cover up Darnold’s mistakes.

Luckily, they visit the Tennessee Titans, whose offense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in points scored per game. The Titans perfectly match the 17.4 points allowed by Minnesota’s D under Brian Flores.

First-year Titans coach Brian Callahan credits Darnold and that defense for putting the Vikings (7-2) on Detroit’s heels in both the NFC and the North.

“It’s all working together for them, as we would like to work together as a team in all three phases, making the play and putting each other in position to be successful, and Sam has taken advantage of that,” Callahan said.

The Titans (2-7) are coming off a 27-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers where they got second-year quarterback Will Levis back on the field.

Tennessee has its own stingy defense and leads the NFL in both fewest yards and passing yards allowed per game. The Titans have allowed 200 or more passing yards just once this season, yet they have just three interceptions – all by safety Amani Hooker.

They are also near the bottom of the league in points allowed, conceding 26.7 per game. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell refused to get “into the weeds” of all those statistics.

“I just know what I see on the tape, it’s a good defense,” O’Connell said of the Titans.

Takeaway trend

The Vikings top the NFL in turnovers forced (20) and interceptions (15), a product of the organized chaos Flores sends at opponents with extra pass rushers coming from all over the field at any time and just as quickly take cover when it may seem like they are flashing.

Minnesota goes even further in the quest to take the ball away, with weekly presentations on forcing turnovers led by special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. The Vikings practice techniques in certain pass coverages to track the quarterback’s eyes, making it easier to snap on the ball.

“Our guys are taking the coaching and applying it,” Flores said. “We just keep working on it. It’s not something we take for granted at all.”

Can they do it again?

With how well the Vikings take the ball away, the Titans just played their first game this season without any turnovers. But they gave up seven sacks, with right tackle remaining an issue for Tennessee with three different starters at that position.

Levis said he can’t stop thinking about how he will be pressured and knows he has to respond and speed up his internal clock to help his linemen. This could be an opportunity for the Titans’ struggling passing game to get going, with the Vikings allowing 231.9 yards through the air.

“It will be up to me to feel it out and know when the opportunities arise to take that second or third hit or when the ball needs to be spit out a little faster,” Levis said.

Jefferson’s challenge

Titans cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had a chance to talk to three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson on the phone a few years ago. Now the rookie, who has started six straight games due to injuries to veterans L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, will face Jefferson.

“He actually told me he was going to work me when I get to the NFL,” Brownlee said of Jefferson. “So I think it’s going to be a tough, physical match. And I’m willing to take on the challenge and I’m ready to go.”

Memorable debut

Parker Romo went 4 for 4 on field goals for the Vikings last week, accounting for every point in his first NFL game in less than ideal conditions with high winds and a wet field. Romo was on the roster through the offseason and early training camp before being called up for a tryout last week after Will Reichard went on injured reserve with a strained quadriceps.

The 27-year-old had been to a few camps before, but his only meaningful experience before was in the XFL. After the win in Jacksonville, Romo got one of O’Connell’s game balls.

“I’ll try to be the best version of myself as long as I can be here,” Romo said.

___

AP Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell contributed to this report.