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

Famous New Orleans Saints players of the future

I have a feeling that when all is said and done we are going to end up with a number of newly famous New Orleans Saints players at the end of this season. 

At present the Saints roster is full of unassuming team players who do not get national recognition at their position.  That is sure to change if they continue to play in the same vein of form that has taken the Saints to 5 and 0.

Chief among them are the receiving corps, running backs and the totally unheralded Offensive line.  So I hereby present to you my soon to be famous New Orleans Saints players.  I only pray we can keep hold of them come years end:

1.  Lance Moore - the Wes Welker of our receivers, the slot guy and 3rd down specialist.  I've watched Moore's progress with great interest over the past year and a half more out of disbelief that the Saints scouts had unearthed yet another unheralded gem.  I really like his selfless team play, a coach's dream.

2.  Pierre Thomas - the undrafted 2007 free agent has been a real find and has helped balance the offence by powering the running game.  An excellent inside runner he also has the speed to turn the corner and is another team first player.

3.  Robert Meachem/Marques Colston - both have already posted good numbers in previous seasons so there is some level of awareness out there but I believe they will both end up with stellar numbers this season.  Both are tall, strong and quick with good hands.  Like the rest of the team they are more interested in doing their talking on the field than the media, a blessing for any cohesive play off bound contenders.

Needless to say I have left Drew Brees off this list as he already has some nationwide recognition.  That said I still do not think that he gets the credit he deserves and a stellar season could see him widely accepted as the best QB in the league, a title he more than deserves in my wholly biased eyes.

Finally a big shout out to Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin and Jon Stinchcomb, the offensive line who make it all happen around them.  The way they handled the Giants front 7 on Sunday goes to show what a unit they have become.  The pass protection has been flawless and they have helped establish the Saints as one of the leagues best running teams.  Sadly these guys are never going to find the fame attached to the likes of Bush, Brees and Co. but if they continue playing as they have they could help make this the most famous New Orleans Saints team of all time.  Here's hoping!

Sunday Night Football - Bears Vs Falcons game summary

After the Saints storming win in the early game the question heading into last night was whether the Bears could steal a tough win on the road against a well balanced Falcons team on Sunday night football.

The game was close from the outset with both defences imposing themselves on the game and both Quarterbacks blowing hot and cold on possessions.  Matt Ryan seemed to have the edge early on as he continued to impress with his maturity.  He has a canny ability to avoid the sack whilst also not forcing too many plays which makes him a dangerous foe for years to come.  Jay Cutler on the other side was having problems under pressure as the Bears struggled to establish the running game.

The contest was littered with penalties and some surprising mistakes by the Bears special teams.  Coach Dave Toub will be having nightmares after this one.  They managed to get away with a huge mistake late on where they fielded 12 players and kept a late Falcons drive alive.  Luckily the Defence stepped in and picked Ryan on the next play giving the ball back to the Bears deep in their own territory with just 3 minutes left on the game clock, trailing 21 to 14.

Cutler was able to drive down to the red zone in part thanks to a great open field move by Devin Hester but ultimately they were unable to convert on 4th and 7 and blew what would have been a perfect Sunday in my household.

The Falcons next up face the Cowboys before heading to the Super Dome for a division showdown with the Saints. It's a mouth watering clash in prospect. 

The Falcons may be without Jerius Norwood who limped out injured in the first half of this game.  Without him the Falcons will rely on Michael Turner to carry the ball even more than they do at present.  Turner is more effective with Norwood in the game as the change of styles offered by the two RB's keep defences guessing.  His recovery from injury in time for the Saints clash could be an important factor in the eventual outcome.