The Tennessee Titans lost their first preseason game 29-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Brian Callahan did not exit that contest as displeased the score may indicate. The first-team offense flashed promise. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward played just two offensive possessions, leading a 65-yard touchdown drive before exiting.
Most encouraging of all, Ward had ample time to scan the field behind the first-string offensive line. General manager Mike Borgonzi poured premium resources into fixing the offensive line this offseason. With three guaranteed starters in protection, Ward was not pressured or sacked by the Buccaneers.
Offensive tackle Dan Moore was Borgonzi's big offseason gamble. Many critics disagreed with the Titans' decision to sign Moore to a sizable four-year, $82 million contract in free agency. After one preseason game, it looks like Borgonzi's decision could pay massive dividends this season.
Titans OT Dan Moore shines in preseason Week 1 game versus Buccaneers
Moore played 14 offensive snaps alongside the majority of the Titans' starting offensive line. Moore did not allow a single pressure, quarterback hit, or hurry. Pro Football Focus assigned him an excellent grade of 74.4 in pass protection. Peter Skoronski (81.7) and Corey Levin (78.2) were the only starters who scored better in pass pro.
It was the continuation of what Moore has displayed at training camp so far. Occasionally, there's been a lackluster rep, but Titans reporters have rarely called out his name at practice. Moore has quietly gone about his business in an effective manner.
A stellar showing in the exhibition opener doesn't guarantee Moore's performance for the season, but it was awfully encouraging. To state the obvious, the Buccaneers didn't have all their first-choice pass rushers available. The Denver Broncos, Tennessee's upcoming Week 1 opponent, are a difficult matchup after posting a league-high 63 sacks last season. As the Titans continue preparing for that challenge, Moore is looking like a high-quality offseason addition.