Kickoffs of the first Sunday of the NFL season followed a nationwide recognition of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, that changed the face and mind-set of the United States. When it was time for football in Nashville, the Vikings, after needing a half to find their bearings against a frenetic Titans offense, stood tall in producing a satisfying victory for their fans.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) took the field on a day he would serve as backup to Shaun Hill (13). (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kyle Rudolph pulled down a Shaun Hill pass while being covered by the Titans’ Cody Riggs in the second quarter. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Vikings end Danielle Hunter sacked Marcus Mariota during a bumpy fourth-quarter comeback bid by Tennessee. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
![The a US flag covered the field during the National Anthem before the start of Sunday's game. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - September 11, 2016, Nashville, TN, Nissan Stadium, NFL, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/MICK23HHGMAGLTF7TVZREBEZSE.jpg?&w=1080)
![Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Sam Bradford (8) and Shaun Hill (13) ran out during team introductions. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - September 11, 2016, Nashville, TN, Nissan Stadium, NFL, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/34F7YNJCKUFRMY3FZDSUFT2LMQ.jpg?&w=1080)
![Kyle Rudolph caught a pass while defended by Cody Riggs (24) in the second quarter. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - September 11, 2016, Nashville, TN, Nissan Stadium, NFL, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JOTLCZXJ4CEI57H6N4N4TWQOWM.jpg?&w=1080)
![Danielle Hunter (99) sacked Marcus Mariota in the fourth quarter. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - September 11, 2016, Nashville, TN, Nissan Stadium, NFL, Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VVCF2RO5HFRVUIJPORBMSOVSOE.jpg?&w=1080)
