Dallas Cowboys: Can Damontre Moore turn into ‘DaMonster’ again?

Damontre Moore was once considered one of the most promising pass rushers in the nation. Can he become “DaMonster” again playing for the Dallas Cowboys?

Once upon a time there lived a ridiculously talented pass rusher named Damontre. It didn’t matter what scheme Damontre played – outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or defensive end in a 4-3 defense – young Damontre could handle it.

At 6’4”, 250lbs, 34.75 inch reach, and 10.25 inch hands, Damontre was a man amongst boys, even if his birth certificate indicated otherwise. Such dominance on the field earned Damontre Moore the nickname, “DaMonster”.

Age did ultimately prove to be a factor in his career trajectory. More specifically, maturity played a factor. While his skillset indicated Moore would be a top-15 pick following his breakout junior year campaign that netted 85 tackles, 21 for loss, and 12.5 sacks, a series of behavioral issues poisoned his stock.

Finally selected in the third round, 81^st overall, the New York Giants felt they just snagged the steal of draft. Instead they got more of the same behavioral issues and gave up on the young phenom midway through his third season.

After bouncing from team to team, Damontre Moore now finds himself seemingly on his last chance. Joining the best team in his home state, Moore and the Dallas Cowboys hope this will be the breakout year everyone’s been waiting for.

"“I look at it as my last chance, Moore said. “Nothing’s promised in the game we play. You can be there today and see you later tomorrow. You’ve got to take every snap, every rep, every practice like this is your last opportunity to prove yourself.”"

Moore, entering his fifth NFL season, is somehow just 24-years-old. To think he can still reach his potential isn’t absurd because he’s yet to even hit his physical prime. Since his early days he’s changed his diet, his workout routine, and his dedication to the craft.

As long as he doesn’t see his sins from the past (a winter DUI that led to his release from Seattle) catch up with him in the form of league penalty, he could play a huge role on the Dallas Cowboys. And without clearly defined roles on the edge, the sky is the limit for Moore.

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Best Fit?

In coming days and weeks we’ll start to match players with the position that best fits their skillset. Moore is an obvious match at the right defensive end position. If he can prove to be a complete player against both the run and pass, he could be the primary starter. If he’s being utilized specifically for his pass-rush ability (something Dallas is starved for) then maybe just the nickel right defensive end.

Return of “DaMonster”

In his early days back at Texas A&M Damontre Moore was known as “DaMonster” for his monster-like ability to rush the passer.

Since then he’s been anything but monstrous on the field. Now armed with passion, desperation, and seasoning Damontre may be primed to finally become DaMonster once again.

Next: Who will be this season's surprise pass-rusher for the Cowboys?

Demontre Moore is likely on his last chance this season and has an excellent opportunity to finally reach some of that massive potential that’s been eluding him for years. Let’s make Demontre “DaMonster” again.