Moore fills in admirably for injured Coleman

[atljbo]

Moore fills in admirably for injured Coleman

By Jeff Haws

For the AJC

When William Moore first walked onto the field on Arizona's first drive Sunday, the butterflies were there. He admitted it.

With only three games of NFL experience prior to moving into the starting lineup for injured safety Erik Coleman, the responsibility was big for the second-year player from Missouri.

"I was so nervous at the beginning of the game, very nervous" Moore said. "That's when you've got good teammates. They told me to relax and they took good care of me. That's what I did. The more I'm in there, the more I get comfortable."

It didn't take long for Moore to look like he belonged.

He nearly got his first career interception late in the first half, a ball bouncing off an Arizona receiver and hitting him in the chest. But shortly after that, he got the pick he was looking for.

On the second play of the second half, Arizona quarterback Derek Anderson overthrew 6-foot-5 Stephen Williams and Moore was there to grab it. He returned the ball to the Arizona 14-yard line, setting up a Brian Finneran touchdown catch that gave the Falcons a commanding 31-7 lead. Moore would have liked to cover those last 14 yards himself on the run-back, but the interception was what mattered.

"That's something I've been waiting on a long time," Moore said. "I got my first one out of the way. It was really a great opportunity. I had some great blocks, the seam was open, so I should have scored. But I think I'm going to get some more."

He credits some of his performance to the help of Coleman and fellow safety Thomas Decoud, who started opposite him Sunday. Once it appeared that Coleman's sore left knee would keep him out of the game, the two veterans began working with Moore during the week on details.

"We tried to get in a little extra meeting time," Decoud said. "It's all about building that trust. He's a great football player. I know that and we just have to keep building that chemistry with each other however long Erik's out."

The work paid off. Moore was a key part of a secondary that stifled the Arizona passing game, limiting big-play receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston to 83 and 10 yards, respectively. Anderson threw for just 161 yards on 17-of-31 passing and was visibly frustrated at times.

[ChocTheFalconFan]

Man I like Coleman alot but I think its Moore time! - A little rotation every now and then want hurt either!

[NZFalcon]

Good read and alot of positives came out of the game for Moore. Plus getting your first INT out of the way will make it easier on him, especially after the dropped one earlier

[Jonesy]

Great post, thanks. I'm really excited about Moore. Him and Decoud back there can turn out to be one of the best safety tandems in the league IMHO.

[harveybirdman]

Derek Anderson was "visibly frustrated" when Moore nearly cleaved him in twain.

[FireDawg85]

(09-19-2010 06:24 PM)NZFalcon Wrote:  Good read and alot of positives came out of the game for Moore. Plus getting your first INT out of the way will make it easier on him, especially after the dropped one earlier

Mizzou represented today in the dome. Spoon got his first sack and Mo got his first INT.

[bF™]

I really want Moore to start from here on out because I think he's the all around better player, but Coleman has a lot more exp.

If decoud can hold up against the aints in his 2nd year, maybe Moore can too.

I wonder if Coleman would become a trade chip this offseason...

[JKH5785]

Moore finally showed his value to this organization....you cannot ask for more in this guy's first game.

[Beef]

Spoon lead the team in tackles, got the sack, & I'm pretty sure I saw him with an awesome pass defense that saved a 1st down & caused a punt. I couldn't tell everything that happened as I was at the game. Going to watch the DVR shortly.

[cnasty]

I was at the game today and all I can say is wow. Our defensive unit is absolutely solid. Dunta showed me why we are paying him that $, sugar nips was rowdy all day, Moore seemed to be all over the field, DeCoud was Decoud, Owens, Franks, the list just goes on. We were getting constant pressure, our LBs are playing lights out.... as we continue to gel over the season I think the Pitt loss will be nothing but a distant memory. It appears that we have a bunch of ball hawks and hard hitters everywhere. Outside of the Hightower rush, there werent really any substantial mental breakdowns. Now, I know I probably didnt get to see the game like those of you watching from t.v. but ima tell you right now, we are FAST. Our D just gravitates to the ball. I lost my voice today as I suspected I may. Words cant describe the excitement I experienced today. Do yourself a favor and get to the dome.