Arden Key vs. Andre Dillard: New Titans standing out for different reasons
Tennessee Titans newcomers Andre Dillard and Arden Key have been getting well acquainted with one another in early training camp practices. With Dillard stationed at left tackle and Key flying off the edge, these two are usually matched up during the live team period of practice. The Dillard-Key matchup was a real spectacle on Friday, mainly […]
Tennessee Titans newcomers Andre Dillard and Arden Key have been getting well acquainted with one another in early training camp practices. With Dillard stationed at left tackle and Key flying off the edge, these two are usually matched up during the live team period of practice.
The Dillard-Key matchup was a real spectacle on Friday, mainly due to Key getting into the backfield on what felt like every play. I noted a solid four play sequence at one point that consisted of a sack, two holds, and a false start against Dillard.
I asked Key how many sacks he had after practice, to which he responded "I think had about seven today.” Shockingly, that's only a minor exaggeration.
Both Key and Dillard stood out on Friday, but for completely different reasons. That can be taken either as a real compliment to the Titans' new pass rusher or a serious indictment of their new left tackle. Realistically, it's probably somewhere in between.
While Key has been an athletic force and the "energizer bunny" he promised to be for Tennessee's defense, Dillard has yet to show he is capable of being a starting left tackle this fall. (Granted, the pads have yet to come on and camp is just beginning).
When I asked how Dillard has been handling the left tackle duties this far, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized how much Dillard stands to improve from going against Key in practice.
"I mean, we're two days in. I think if he keeps working against Arden then he'll be just fine," said Vrabel. "Arden has offered a lot of impact over there in a short time. We don't have pads on, we're not sacking the quarterback, but I know that Arden is able to make some moves so [Dillard] is getting multiple moves and different looks."
When the Titans signed Dillard to a three-year, $29 million contract this offseason, they knew he was no sure thing. In fact, Dillard's lack of in-game experience with Philadelphia made him one of the biggest unknowns of training camp. With early returns leaving more questions than answers, both offensive tackles are now a point of worry.
Tennessee's receiving corps has enough star power to make big plays, the running back room is dynamic and balanced, and the starting quarterback is more than capable of leading a winning team. But if the Titans can't figure out left tackle, it could be a detriment to their offense for a second straight season.
DeAndre Hopkins’ contract breakdown and what it means for the Titans in 2024
Full details of the Hopkins, Titans contract
