Has James Sanders Taken Over For William Moore?

by Dave Choate on Dec 7, 2011 7:30 AM EST in Falcons News

The 2011 Falcons: Your source for Wally Pipping.

It appears that Sam Baker lost his job to Will Svitek, an opportunity spurred by an injury. Now William Moore, who took Erik Coleman's job after an injury last year, may have lost his job to James Sanders.

That's not official, of course. Officially, Moore is just hurt and still recovering. It's entirely possible that it's that simple, and I'm usually to loath to go against Occam's Razor. He's really struggled with injuries this season, after all.

Maybe it's not that simple, though. Moore's been active on game days for the last two weeks. Sanders has started over him and played well, nearly coming up with a touchdown versus the Texans and piling up ten tackles. The Falcons have said the same thing about Baker's injuries, and he's sat in favor of Svitek for three weeks running now. At some point, you're really stretching that injured tag to save guys' feelings.

I'll open it up for discussion at this point. Has Sanders taken the starting strong safety job? Will Moore get his job back before the end of the season?

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Hate to say it...

because I’m a Willy Mo fan if only on the strength of him reminding me of Stringer Bell at times. But Sanders has seemed to bring a little something extra to the secondary. Don’t know what it is, and true enough Moore was a great safety in my book. It just seems like Sanders is making just as many plays as Moore did and then some…Still think Moore is the guy long term though.

by MJN on Dec 7, 2011 7:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Like a 40 degree day

I know where the bodies are buried.....I buried some of them myself. - David Stern

by a hooter's baby on Dec 7, 2011 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

maybe

He could’ve taken over, I’m not sure or maybe they’re not rushing in as long as sanders continue his fine play

by jgreedy on Dec 7, 2011 8:20 AM EST via mobile reply actions

sorry guys

But i still haven’t got over that Houston lost. Sunday can’t get here fast enough!!!

by jgreedy on Dec 7, 2011 8:23 AM EST via mobile reply actions

The non-touchdown

When I saw you crediting Sanders for that non-touchdown against Houston my first thought was “well, all he did was pick up the ball and jog down the field—anybody could’ve done that.” But I just watched the play again and, though none of the cameras are focused on him, you can see Sanders sprinting to the ball from like 20 yards away while everyone else is just standing around. No hesitation. So for that alone—being more aware than anyone else on either team, sidelines and coaching staffs included—he definitely deserves some praise.

by James13 on Dec 7, 2011 8:42 AM EST reply actions

He's one of those guys playing incredibly hard for a job

I like to give that props, definitely.

by Dave Choate on Dec 7, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

I hope not!!!

If he should take anyones spot its the bum on the other side (decoud) aka toast who is always bustin out the Murtin Hanks. I hope they replace Decoud

by Bigru3 on Dec 7, 2011 9:32 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Ya know..

I hate to say it, but I agree with that.

by TheSpectr on Dec 7, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

I'm surprised that Sanders would replace Moore

instead of DeCoud, unless DeCoud is considered to be better in pass coverage. If that’s the case then go with 5 DB’s with three of those being Moore, Sanders and DeCoud.

by mwalex on Dec 7, 2011 9:47 AM EST reply actions

This.

Decoud has been mediocre to average all season. Willy Mo not only has a dynamic to change games, but his hits also leave a lingering feeling on opposing recievers and backs as they may have second thoughts about going over the middle.

"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox

by DopeFalcons on Dec 7, 2011 11:56 AM EST up reply actions

It is odd that the players we drafted are being replaced with FA talent.

Svitek over Baker, Sanders over Moore (maybe), and Hayden over Owens. However, the Sanders move isn’t due to the lack of talent. That, I believe, is really injury related. I wouldn’t mind if both Hayden and Sanders stay with the team for a few more years.

by Fear Me on Dec 7, 2011 9:59 AM EST reply actions

Not at all.

Sanders has not played well enough to overtake Moore, or Decoud for those of you wishing for that. Decoud has had two of his best games of the season over the last two weeks, and Sanders has been serviceable, though not spectacular. Moore has a higher upside than Sanders and I’m confident he’ll be playing once 100%. I’d really begin questioning the coaches personnel eval if Moore wasn’t a starter again this season.

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 10:05 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

You don't think he's played better than Decoud either?

by mr92687!!! on Dec 7, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

No

Decoud misses assignments occasionally and of course everyone sees them b/c they go for long TDs. That happens to every S. He made some HUGE tackles last week that kept the Texans from going on long runs.

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Occasionally misses assignments?

If occasionally is every game sometimes multiple times a game, then I hope I occasionally win next year when I go to Vegas again.

by mr92687!!! on Dec 7, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

sorry

stats just don’t back that up, nor, really, does the eye test.

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 6:39 PM EST up reply actions

I remember Graham beating him twice in the NO game

Well, not beating him, just not being picked up by him when the underneath coverage went to pass him off.

by FLA_Falcon on Dec 7, 2011 6:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

okay...

so one of the best TEs (and players) in the league beat him twice…

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

I mean DeCoud and Nicholas were within 3 yards of each other

And Graham just jogged deeper and deeper until the ball landed unchallenged in his hands. I’m fine with a guy getting beat but to just let a guy go by you, unchallenged, when your a SAFETY, the “last line of defense” isn’t cool.

I understand it may have been someone else’s blown assignment so my anger may bs misplaced but somebody besides the opponent has to figure out our coverage schemes.

by FLA_Falcon on Dec 7, 2011 8:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

DeCoud has been dreadful this year in my opinion

I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB

by qthaballa on Dec 8, 2011 6:20 PM EST up reply actions

Decoud is....wait for it....

Garbage!! He constantly lets receivers get behind him in coverage. Anybody remember Decoud getting trucked 2 games ago. He is too light in the butt(190lbs) to bring wood in the box and is terrible in coverage, this guy actually lost 15 lbs since he was drafted. I can only assume he lost the weight on purpose and the purpose was to be quicker in coverage and it has not worked because he’s an athlete not a football player and does not have a feel for where he should be. Every time he guards a guy the guy gets a TD or a 1st down. Moore is healing a quad and a groin at the same time if you have ever had these injuries at the same time you have an idea of how difficult it can be. Moore is the starter at SS. What you really should consider is if Moore was 100% right now would Decoud even be on the field? Decoud has been benched once already this season and coach did not bother to associate an injury to that benching. Sanders was not even totally comfortable in the D at that time so now that he is up to speed I expect Sanders to move to FS once Moore gets healthy. Oh and by the way Decoud is in the final year of his contract. Whenever a guy gets benched for games in the final year of his contract its usually not a good sign for their future as a starter for that team.

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:12 AM EST reply actions

50 caliber

Keep Sanders Get rid of DeCoud he is the only falcon I can’t stand, he dances aroud like an idiot every time he makes a simple play and never looks bothered by giving up big plays, it drives me crazy.

by 50 CALIBER on Dec 7, 2011 11:16 AM EST reply actions

A picture is worth a thousand words. LOL

http://do-while.com/img/fun/awkward/awkward11.jpg

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:20 AM EST reply actions

LMAO

Is that REALLY HIM in this pic? Is it real or photoshopped? Thats hilarious.

by TheSpectr on Dec 7, 2011 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

Clearly...

THE gayest picture I have ever seen a college football player take.

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:21 AM EST reply actions

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions

LMAO I hope this is fake...

by mr92687!!! on Dec 7, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

lol

this ain’t right

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Dec 7, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

by FLA_Falcon on Dec 7, 2011 5:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I'm speechless

Decoud? He can’t? He didn’t? WTF?

by Falconzfan284 on Dec 9, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry to disappoint but...

this is as real as they come.

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:32 AM EST reply actions

LOL he looks sooo HAPPY!

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:33 AM EST reply actions

No, no, no, what's that other word for happy?

It rhymes with gray…

by mr92687!!! on Dec 7, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions

ROTFLMAO. I'm crying laughing right now!!

by TheSpectr on Dec 7, 2011 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

I'm a little teapot Short and stout Here is my handle Here is my spout When I get all steamed up Hear me shout "Tip me over and pour me out!"

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 11:38 AM EST reply actions

See that reply link up there? They are really convenient.

I know this is crazy, but I like Decoud because of his originality and he could give a _ what ‘real’ football players are supposed to look like or say. Lemme guess, you’re a guy who thinks all those ‘MAN UP’ commercials by Miller Lite are hilarious?

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

LOL

No need to hammer the man. That pic is a bit over the top, but it may have been taken as a freshman prank or something of the matter.

"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox

by DopeFalcons on Dec 7, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Well excuse me girlfriend

I did not mean to offend you or your lifestyle choices. Decoud took the pic I did not force him to. And no it is not crazy for you to “like” Decoud for his “originality” you have the right to “like” any man you see fit to. I won’t ask if you don’t tell…deal?

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

Let's stop this line of conversation right here

by Dave Choate on Dec 7, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

And one more thing sister girl

I don’t watch much tele but let me guess you’re a umm… person who thinks all those “MAN UP” commercials by Miller Lire are offensive?

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

Enough

by Dave Choate on Dec 7, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

LOL

I wish this came with audio!
I’m imagining a deep, sturn, Lion King, James Earl Jones voice…..“You have deliberately disobeyed Simba”.

by mr92687!!! on Dec 7, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Lol. ^ this ^

by TheSpectr on Dec 7, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

wait

they’re not hilarious?

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Dec 7, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

La fin

by Kushion on Dec 7, 2011 1:07 PM EST reply actions

Link to ATL Def Adv NFL stats page

Here!

Only Grimey is rating ahead of Decoud in our secondary. You’ll also see that Sanders is performing well, but not on the same level as Moore. Maybe that’s a result of being new to the system, but regardless it seems like Moore is the better play.

by KMarch on Dec 7, 2011 1:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

when smitty was asked this question in his press conference

He said since is nursing a quad and groin they are being careful in bringing him back but when he is fully ready they will have to evaluate who will start. I like Moore but healthy competition never hurts

by jmpecker on Dec 7, 2011 1:40 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Decoud would be

A better player if he stops all that dam dancing. I can’t stand it. He reminds me of deangelo hall, he was also a good player but all that dancing makes it seem like that should be alot better

by jgreedy on Dec 7, 2011 2:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions

With BVG

I’d say we should stick with Sanders. William Moore is better IMO but Sanders has better ball hawk skills and that is what BVG needs.

by Falconzfan284 on Dec 7, 2011 4:20 PM EST reply actions

Would you please explain

why you said Sanders has better ball hawking skills than Moore? Do you mean INT’s? If so then Sanders is not more of a ball hawk than Moore. So far Moore had 1 INT while Sanders has none. Last year Sanders had 3 INT’s and Moore had 5.

by mwalex on Dec 7, 2011 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Personal Opinion

William Moore is a much better tackler and he usually makes more plays up front but Sanders isn’t as big, I assumed he was faster but I could be wrong, and since Moore got hurt we are giving up right around 230 passing yards per game with Sanders in as opposed to the 275 yards per game we were giving up with Moore starting. And btw Moore’s pick came off a tipped pass vs the bucs that was just a lucky play, right spot right time.

by Falconzfan284 on Dec 7, 2011 7:16 PM EST up reply actions

Then it's not based on what happens on the field, sorry

Part of being a ball hawk is being in the right place at right time, as with the TB example.

I will guarantee you that Moore is not accountable for the 45 yards per game difference. Did you look at the teams we’ve played since Moore was hurt. For the most part, with the exception of NO, none have good passing games. That is the difference.

by mwalex on Dec 8, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of interceptions...

Anybody notice it’s been a while since we’ve had a legitimate turnover on defense? ( Doesn’t include Yates “fumble” or Peterson’s pick last week that was taken away thanks to Dunta’s stupid ass) We had 20 something in a row and now haven’t had one in last 4-5 games. It’s got me a little worried.. just sayin…..

by diRtybiRds on Dec 7, 2011 6:22 PM EST reply actions