Cowboys CB Sterling Moore Deserves More Opportunities
By Reid Hanson
One of the most impressive parts of Sunday’s game in Nashville was the performance of nickel cornerback, Sterling Moore. Moore, an undrafted free agent from SMU, has quickly established himself this season as one of the more physical defensive backs on the team.
Against Tennessee he boldly stood out on film, causing the fumble (recovered by TEN), breaking up 2 passes, and logging 5 tackles. Moore primarily manned the inside, facing off against the Titans’ slot receivers, but he also drew coverage responsibilities on TE Delanie Walker (who proved to be a massively difficult assignment).
Covering from the slot takes strength and athletic ability because it requires covering receivers of varying sizes and speeds, and is without the benefit of a nearby sideline to aid in coverage. Moore was able to jam at the line and run with his assignments down the field in stride. Only once was it clear that he tripped up after the jam and subsequently allowed the big play.
His physical play was quickly contagious as his defensive counterparts fed off his energy and confidence. Both Carr and Claiborne turned in one of their better performances in recent memory, and the tone Moore set, seemed to help play a part. As did QB Jake Lockers wildly inaccurate passing.
On running downs Sterling Moore moved outside in place of Morris Claiborne. Claiborne’s injury history and current injury status make him a liability against the run, and Moore being one of the better DB tacklers, make him the obvious substitution.
Said Moore,
"“They kind of joke with me that I’m our biggest corner as far in the weight room and all that stuff, so I kind of have to live up to that when I get on the field. I definitely pride myself in being the most physical corner we have.”"
Moore, 5’ 10”/205lbs, has position versatility and a very physical nature to his game. In previous seasons he has played both outside corner spots as well as the slot. But it’s his safety play that may be his ticket onto the field.
Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back Sterling Moore (26) and cornerback Brandon Carr (39) celebrate an interception in the second quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Scandrick is soon-to-return and Sterling Moore has proven to be too valuable to get lost in the shuffle. The Cowboys MUST find a way to keep him on the field and safety may be his best way on.
The Cowboys are fairly committed to Morris Claiborne this season. They desperately need him to become a player for this team, and health permitting; he will hold a starting role. Carr is getting paid the big bucks and won’t be losing his job anytime soon and Scandrick has been the top ranked corner last season, in training camp, and in preseason.
If everyone is eligible and healthy Moore will need to bump J.J. Wilcox to get significant playing time. Wilcox, the 2nd year safety, has played strong in the box but has struggled in coverage and playing deep. Fellow starting safety Barry Church is also better suited close to the line of scrimmage and he certainly isn’t losing his spot.
Whether it’s situation-specific or just on a trial basis, Sterling Moore needs to be tried at deep safety. He can move in to cover man to man or sit back to handle zone. He’s a sure tackler and well-rounded in coverage.
Sep 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) catches a pass against Dallas Cowboys strong safety J.J. Wilcox (27) in an attempt to score a touchdown during the second half at LP Field. Dallas won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Wilcox still has potential so the Cowboys can’t give up on him completely but he just hasn’t progressed the way we hoped he would. He’s been terrible this season and seems to be losing confidence as a result. Moore, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations and deserves a shot at the very least.
Who knows, maybe he stinks at safety and moves back to just filling in at corner. Maybe he takes Claiborne’s job after all. Jason Garrett is coaching for his job in 2014 so if he thinks Moore is the better man, you’d think he’d pull the trigger, wouldn’t you?
This much is clear- the Cowboys need to find a way to get Sterling Moore on the field. He’s a hard worker, extremely versatile, and performing at a high level so he’s done his part. Let’s see the Cowboys do theirs.
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