The Tennessee Titans took a sizable risk in the offseason when they signed offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year contract worth $82 million in free agency. The Titans had a recurring problem at tackle, and Moore was the best available solution. General manager Mike Borgonzi was willing to overpay for a Band-Aid fix.
The early returns weren't promising. Moore struggled mightily in Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing four pressures in his debut, with a pass-blocking grade of 26.4. He was also whistled for two penalties. Next Gen Stats was even less generous, claiming Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto generated seven pressures against Moore.
Moore entered the Week 2 contest versus the Los Angeles Rams under the microscope. Titans fans were ready to analyze his performance, with some even ready to claim victory on dubbing him an offseason mistake. Moore responded with a stellar showing against a stout Rams pass rush.
Titans LT Dan Moore Jr. bounced back in Week 2 vs. Rams
The Rams feature two ascending pass rushers in Byron Young and Jared Verse. Despite the challenge, Moore was credited with allowing just one sack and two pressures. He was whistled for a holding penalty on the same rep he gave up a sack on to Rams rookie Josaiah Stewart. Moore's pass-blocking grade was a much-improved 60.1 despite actually playing more snaps in pass protection (43) than he did in Week 1 (36).
Moore was hardly noticeable against the Rams. That's a legitimate compliment to pay an offensive tackle. When they're invisible, they're usually executing their assignments effectively.
The Broncos and Rams possess two of the strongest pass-rushing units in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts represent a challenge in Week 3, though they've compiled a disappointing three sacks through two contests. Moore must continuously improve to justify the lucrative price tag.