I recently wrote about how I believe several unknown New Orleans Saints players will soon gain national acclaim if they continue to play as they have to date this season. In this article I want to pay special attention to WR Lance Moore, who I truly believe is the Saints’ Wes Welker and one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
While the Saints’ offense has worked well without him at times this season, I believe Moore brings additional balance to the team when healthy, as witnessed by last Sunday’s performance against the Giants. He has great hands and runs tight routes, which gives Drew Brees great confidence when he guards receivers. Combined with the short-yardage receiving threat posed by Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey, it’s no wonder Moore is able to find the spot for so many key third-down conversions.
Moore went undrafted in the 2005 draft, but was invited to try out for the Saints’ practice squad after being passed up by the Cleveland Browns. His story could have ended there, but as with several current Saints players who went undrafted, his determination and strength of character ensured that he would make the most of any opportunity that came his way. Such an opportunity presented itself in the 2007 season when he made his first professional start and scored on a 7-yard reverse play against the Seahawks. Since then he has proven himself as an accomplished team player time and time again.
No doubt because of these humble professional beginnings, coaches enjoy an ego-free zone when dealing with Moore. He’s not afraid to go up the middle and risk a big hit if he moves the Saints downfield. I like those players; in fact, I think the Saints are blessed to have found a group of wide receivers who prefer to talk on the field rather than in the press. Give me that kind of pro than a TO anytime.
So far this season, he has been hampered by injuries, as he said after the Giants game: “It’s been a long struggle for me this season because I’ve been injured. I felt great (today). It was amazing to be with my teammates and playing in front of this crowd. Hopefully I can stay healthy.”
To a national audience, his numbers won’t be on the radar, but for those of us who follow the Saints closely, there will be little surprise when Moore’s name is mentioned in dispatches come playoff time. When the game is on the line and you need successive 3rd down conversions in the 4th quarter, keep your eyes on the No. 16 Saint because he may remind you of a certain New England Patriot from years past.
Full name: Lance Andrew Moore
Date of birth: August 31, 1983
Birth: Columbus, Ohio
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 190 pounds
High School: South Westerville High School
Faculty: University of Toledo
Draft pick: Undrafted in 2005
Rookie Year: 2006
Breakout Year: 2008 = 79 Rec, 928 Yds, 10 TD