dodge Ram oil filter

Just did an oil change on my 97 5.9 dodge ram a few days ago. Today was in town and the oil pressure gauge was bouncing. Its leaking oil around the filter. I pulled the filter and there was some kind of plate or adapter or something behind the filter that was loose what is this? I did tighten it I could spin it by hand then put the filter back on and tightened it. Is this a common issue or and i looking for another problem? Sorry to post here but I know alot of you drive rams and the truck forums arent very populated.