Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants drafted defensive end Damontre Moore from Texas A&M with the hope that he would be able to contribute down the road as a pass rusher who was able to use his speed off the edge and create havoc. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers last night, Moore was able to use his speed to announce himself to the NFL and the Giants’ coaching staff.
After the Steelers failed to move the ball on their first drive they were forced to punt. After a penalty that forced the Steelers to punt again Moore showcased his skills. He flew around the edge and the punt went right into his chest. Louis Murphy recovered the ball and took it down to the Steelers’ five-yard line.
Although the Giants failed to score a touchdown on their first series it was easy to see Moore might be something special. The very next series allowed him to show another aspect of his game, power, when he ran over the tight end and was able to get a hit on Ben Roethlisberger.
Moore’s box score doesn’t reflect the energy he displayed with hurrying the quarterback, contributing on special teams, nearly deflecting a couple of passes, Moore was everywhere. He was always in position to make a play and it showed he is more than just a physical specimen. He showed excellent awareness by being in the right place at the right time.
The Giants, a team who used to depend on their pass rush, is in need of some reinforcements at defensive end. Jason Pierre-Paul is recovering from back surgery. Osi Umenyiora is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Tuck has been banged up the past two seasons. The Giants needed help up front and have moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to the end after putting him out at linebacker the past couple of seasons. The Giants also saw fit to add Moore in the 2013 NFL Draft and Moore is looking more like a first round pick instead of a third rounder.
Yes, it is one game but this is exactly the start to his NFL career that Moore wanted and coach Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese wanted to see. If this is the kind of energy Moore brings to the game week in and week out the Giants could, once again, have an outstanding pass rush which should improve all other aspects of their defense. The Giants found out there is a reason his nickname in college was “Damonster.”
Chris is a Senior Writer as well as the Hiring and Recruiting Manager for Rant sports. Follow Chris on Twitter and “Like” his page on Facebook.
