Unsung heroes can swing a game's momentum. That’s exactly what Chris Moore did in the Baltimore Ravens’ Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and it may have earned him a 53-man roster spot.
Moore was Baltimore’s primary kick returner in the season opener, and he excelled. He returned four kicks for 121 yards, averaging a very efficient 30.3 yards per return and a long of 42. He rightfully earned a game ball from head coach Jesse Minter for that showing.
It wasn’t just on special teams either. Moore caught one pass in this one, and it was a beauty. The veteran wide receiver’s lone reception went for 53 yards, setting up the Ravens’ fifth touchdown of the day. That’s 174 all-purpose yards from Moore.
Every time the ball touched Moore’s hands, it turned to gold.
Baltimore should want more of that.
Baltimore Ravens should look to sign Chris Moore to the 53-man roster
Looking back now, it’s easy to see why Chris Moore was a practice squad elevation for Week 1. I’m not sure many expected him to make the impact he did, but man did the Ravens need it.
After the Colts moved effortlessly down the field for a touchdown on their first drive, Baltimore faced some adversity within the first five minutes of the Jesse Minter era. Moore quickly shifted the tone.
Moore’s ensuing return went for 49 yards, setting up Declan Doyle’s offense in outstanding field position. Doyle and company quickly took advantage, finding the end zone just two minutes later.
Additionally, Moore was a factor on special teams coverage. Following the Ravens’ opening touchdown, he kept the outstanding start to his day rolling with a tackle on Indianapolis running back Seth McGowan on a kickoff.
Clearly, Moore is the special teams guy this team needs.
Minter also gave him a shout-out in his postgame press conference.
“Major shoutout to Chris Moore,” Minter said. “We decided to activate him for the game, and he had a career-high 174 all-purpose yards…I thought both Chris and Carl [Jones] from the activation list did some really nice things.”
The Ravens can continue to elevate Moore from the practice squad, but they can only do that two more times. After that, they’ll have to sign him to the 53-man roster if they want him on the field on game days.
It’s only been one game, but the easy decision is, heck yes, they should sign him to the active roster. Again, did you see what he did this past weekend?
That decision might get even easier, too. Rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane reportedly suffered a fractured wrist, which will keep him out for a while. Depending on the severity, he may even hit IR, potentially opening up a spot for Moore. If that happens, Moore should be the easy choice to replace Lane for the time being.
It didn’t matter where; Moore was impacting the game in almost every way imaginable. He clearly played with a chip on his shoulder, and when you’re a practice squad player, you really have nothing to lose. He put it all on the line and was a huge reason the Ravens won.
Moore may have done just enough to earn a full-time roster gig. If not, he’s put himself in a great position to be elevated again and earn it next week.
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