How Former Eagles Fared With Their New Teams in Week 1

Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Andre Dillard

You really can’t blame Andre Dillard for leaving. He was a great depth option on the Eagles’ offensive line, but we never wanted him to be a full-time starter. And for a career athlete, that usually won’t cut it. These guys want to prove themselves. They want to start games. It’s what they love.

The Tennessee Titans gave him that chance, plus about $29 million more reasons to move over to the AFC. And he got to start right from the jump.

Things didn’t go as Dillard had probably dreamed of in his debut, though. He struggled mightily as the starting blindside tackle, particularly in pass protection.

He didn’t give up any sacks, but Dillard got burned to allow 3 hits on Ryan Tannehill as part of 6 pressures conceded across 43 pass-blocking snaps.

This really made Dillard the weak link in the pass protection too, as the Titans’ O-line as a whole ranked No. 11 in Pro Football Focus’ pass block grade.

Dillard himself? No. 69 among the 75 tackles that PFF graded.

He did redeem himself in his 20 run-blocking snaps, but even for a Titans offense that wants to feature Derrick Henry as much as possible, that’s just not a performance you want from your left tackle.

Titans fans are already talking about replacing Dillard in the starting lineup, and his contract could be one they’re regretting in Tennessee for a while.