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ReFo: Vikings @ Titans, Preseason Week 4

REFO-PREWK4-MIN@TENAnd it ended as it begun. With us waiting for the regular season to get here.

The preseason finale for the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans wasn’t the kind of can’t-miss theatre of explosive plays I personally hoped for, but it did give both teams some extra information as they prepare to trim their rosters for the regular season.

What kind of extra information? Well let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy performances.

Minnesota Vikings – Performances of Note

Corey Wootton, DE: +4.5

Breakdown: Was there ever any doubt Wootton would make the roster? He had himself a nice outing that primed him to be the premier backup to Eversen Griffen, able to play end in base and kick inside in the nickel.

Signature Play: Q2, 4.15 to go. The most obvious play, but any strip sack is worth noting, with Wootton getting around Byron Stingily, knocking the ball loose in the throwing motion and then catching the fumble.

Josh Robinson, CB: -2.1

Breakdown: Could Robinson, a third-round pick from a couple of years ago, be enduring a nervous night worrying about his roster spot? He hasn’t exactly lit it up in previous years and didn’t enjoy the best of preseason games here giving up a penalty and getting beat for a long first down because he failed to locate the ball. Pedigree probably ensures he’s safe, but he has to start delivering on potential.

Signature Stat: Only managed 32 preseason snaps.

Austin Wentworth, OL: +2.6

Breakdown: A nice bounce-back game for Wentworth after a tough day at the office against the Chiefs. Switching between left and right tackle (as well as a stint at guard) this can be classed a solid audition for a swing tackle or practice squad role.

Signature Stat: Flawless in pass protection.

Tennessee Titans – Performances of Note

Daimion Stafford, S: +2.4

Breakdown: With Bernard Pollard and Michael Griffin in town it’s not likely Stafford will unseat either man for a starting spot. But with Ray Horton calling the shots you can expect there to be sub-package opportunities for him. He did his chances of an expanded role after 13 regular season snaps no harm with a three-defensive stop display.

Signature Play: With 6.28 to go in Q2 Stafford comes up quickly to make a stop on Joe Banyard for 2 yards.

Karl Klug, DE: +1.3

Breakdown: It will be interesting to see how the Titans use Klug going forward because he does have a knack for getting pressure, and that’s a handy knack to have. He’s seems an ideal candidate for a sub-package role and with three more hurries I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Signature Stat: Led the Titans with seven preseason quarterback disruptions.

Zach Mettenberger, QB: -0.2

Breakdown: Tough conditions didn’t help with the biggest play of the day by Mettenberger (on the stat sheet at least) owing more to the brilliance of Justin Hunter than anything else. Still it was the kind of solid showing that makes you see why the team will want to develop his talents over the coming years.

Signature Stat: Completed four balls when under pressure on seven drop-backs, but did take three sacks.

PFF Game Ball

It’s hard to light up a preseason finale but credit to Corey Wootton for doing his best.

 

Follow Khaled on Twitter: @PFF_Khaled

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