Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints WR

I wrote recently about how I believe a number of unheralded New Orleans Saints players will soon find national acclaim if they continue playing as they have to date this season.  In this post I want to pay particular attention to WR Lance Moore who I truly believe to be the Wes Welker of the Saints and one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

Whilst the Saints offence has functioned well without him at times this season I believe Moore brings added balance to the team when healthy, as witnessed by the display on Sunday last against the Giants.  He has excellent hands and runs strict routes which gives Drew Brees great confidence when checking off receivers.  Combined with the short yardage receiving threat posed by Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey it's no wonder that Moore is able to find the slot for so many key third down conversions.

No Lance Moore in NFL draft 2005

Moore went undrafted in 2005 but was invited to try out for the Saints practise squad after being passed up by the Cleveland Browns.  His story could have ended there but as with a number of current undrafted Saints players his determination and strength of character ensured that he would make the most of any opportunity that came his way.  Such an opportunity came about in the 2007 season when he made his first pro start and scored on a reverse play from 7 yards out against the Seahawks.  From there on in he has proved his worth as a consummate team player time and again.

No doubt because of such humble pro beginnings coaches enjoy an ego free zone when dealing with Moore.  He is not afraid to go up over the middle and risk the big hit if it advances the Saints downfield.  I like such players; in fact I think the Saints are blessed to have found a group of wide receivers who prefer to do their talking on the field rather than in the press.  Give me that kind of pro than a T.O. any time.

So far this season he has been hampered by injury as he stated after the Giants game: "It has been a long struggle for me this season because I have been injured. It felt great (today). It was awesome being with my teammates and playing in front of this crowd. Hopefully, I am able to stay healthy".

For a national audience his numbers will not be on the radar but for those of us who follow the Saints closely there will be few surprises 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 Saint number 16 for he may just remind you of a certain New England Patriot of recent years.

Full name: Lance Andrew Moore
DOB: August 31, 1983
Born: Columbus, Ohio
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 190lbs
High School: Westerville South High School
College:  University of Toledo
Draft pick: Undrafted in 2005
Rookie year:  2006
Standout year:  2008 = 79 Rec, 928 Yards, 10 TD's