No Morris Claiborne? No Problem!
By Reid Hanson
Sep 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) celebrates with defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) after intercepting a pass during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Rams 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Morris Claiborne left Sunday night’s game with an apparent knee injury; the kind of injury that will end the former first round pick’s season. It has been confirmed only moments ago that Mo tore his patellar tendon and will be placed on IR…And it couldn’t matter less for the Dallas Cowboy.
The best prospect since Deion Sanders has been nothing short of a complete bust for the Dallas Cowboys since being picked #6 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Claiborne battled injuries most of his NFL career. He failed to be a full participant in any training camp and never seemed to fully grasp responsibilities and techniques.
Mo’s occasional flashes of dazzling ball skills and athleticism teased the Cowboys staff and fans everywhere. It was clear he had the “skills” to be a top CB but he wasn’t remotely close to applying those “skills”.
Lack of personal accountability only made matters worse for Claiborne. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Claiborne considered himself top player in the NFL. He made excuses, never took responsibility, and never matured or progressed. He was lost and it was damaging to the defense and to the team.
The Cowboy’s enormous investment (1st and 2nd round draft picks) in the LSU product was the only thing justifying his substantial playing time. But this week he became a massive distraction in addition to a massive disappointment. After being replaced in the starting lineup by much better cornerback, Orlando Scandrick, Morris had an old fashioned hissy fit and went home to pout.
He returned to the team the next day but the damage was done. Even his biggest supporters had given up on the disappointing excuse-maker. He returned to the field Sunday to serve as the 3rd CB (although he was clearly nothing more than the 4th best corner) and after playing 4 snaps, he fell to a catastrophic knee injury.
Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back Sterling Moore (26) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New Orleans 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sterling Moore
Mo is done for the year and in his place is versatile DB, Sterling Moore. Moore filled in for Claiborne for 46 snaps (40 of which were in coverage) and graded out as one of the top players on Sunday against the Saints.
Moore is big and strong, capable of covering slot receivers, outside receivers, and TEs alike. He can cover, tackle, and rush the passer. Moore is a high-effort player that embodies the Cowboy’s 2014 spirit.
Currently grading out as the 3rd best cornerback in the NFL, Sterling Moore is playing amazing ball (Pro Football Focus). With more playing time and more exposure, Moore will most likely slip in the ratings, but with his ability and work ethic you can expect him to maintain his high level of play.
With Claiborne rated as the 95th CB in the NFL it won’t be difficult to consider the move an improvement. Although under contract through next season, Mo has possibly played his last game in a Cowboy’s uniform…and it couldn’t matter less.
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