Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Interior Offensive Line Report Card
By Dean Holden
Dylan Gandy
Jul 30, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions guard Dylan Gandy (65) during training camp at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Production
Gandy hasn’t had to take a snap this season because the Sims/Raiola/Warford core has been healthy and effective. Not much to grade, but he’s nice to have available.
Grade: Incomplete
Impact
I’m tempted to give another “incomplete” grade here, but one thing sticks out to me: When the Lions lost Riley Reiff and Corey Hilliard to injuries against the Bengals, they found themselves out of tackles with only LaAdrian Waddle healthy. Gandy came into the game as an emergency tackle before Reiff decided to come back and play hurt.
Gandy at tackle may have been a total disaster; we’ll never know now. But he has to get some credit for having the versatility to even consider giving it a go.
Grade: C
Vs. Expectations
Gandy was expected to be a bench player, and that’s just what he is, and has been. No surprises here.
Grade: C
Overall
Gandy has been a mainstay on the Lions’ bench for years, but the Lions have managed to stay healthy in their offensive interior, so he hasn’t played much at all. He’s solid when he does play, but all he’s been this season is a solid insurance policy.
Grade: C