(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing players' impact last season and how each fits into the team's 2012 plans. Today's Roster Rundown entry features cornerback Sterling Moore.)
Name: Sterling Moore
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 5-10/200
Experience: 2 seasons
College: SMU
Key stat: After signing with the Cowboys on Dec. 1, Moore had a three-game span beginning against the Bengals where he recorded exactly two tackles in each contest, also adding a combined two passes defended.
Contract Status: Signed through 2013.
2012 Impact: Moore was able to do something Jason Garrett called a first in his time in the NFL. He signed with the Cowboys on Friday evening and was able to play and contribute in the game Sunday night against the Eagles. That's quite a turnaround for Moore, who was in football shape since he was on the Patriots' practice squad. But to learn the system enough to play in the game two days later shows he is a fast-learner and has the skill to fit in. Imagine what he can do with a full offseason. Moore played in the last five games of the season, mostly in nickel and dime packages but had to play on the outside at corner at times. Against the Bengals, he lined up a few snaps against Pro Bowler A.J. Green when Morris Claiborne went out. He did the same against the Steelers the next week. Overall, he had just six tackles and two pass deflections.
Where He Fits:The thing the Cowboys liked the most about him was his versatility. He is a cornerback with some experience at safety and a grasp of special teams. Players like that are always valuable, especially on game day because he can be the fourth corner and safety at once, plus play special teams. But who knows if [embedded_ad] Moore can have a better role than that. The Cowboys were obviously in desperation mode when they signed him, but he does have experience with the Patriots and has played in the Super Bowl, something very few on this team can say. He'll likely go to training camp and compete for playing time right away.
Writers' Analysis: Rowan Kavner – Just a day after signing with the team, the Cowboys were comfortable throwing Moore out on the field. True, they didn't have much of a choice because of all the injuries at the position and throughout the defense. But Moore held up his end of the bargain about as well as any player could have after joining the team with only five games left in the season. Moore gave reason to believe he could be a contributor for years to come after arriving off the Patriots' practice squad. He was usually right on his man in coverage, and it typically took a nice play by a receiver or tight end to haul in the catch. Moore could very well be a fourth corner for this team next year, rotating in for more playing time to accommodate for injuries.
