DB Moore eager to jump into the defense
Third-year player earned accolades for physical style on special teams
A.J. Moore launched his body into the air, twisting his torso for an acrobatic, diving interception.
The moment reinforced how Moore is emerging as much more than a specialteams player.
Known for his speed and how he busts through blocks to be the first man downfield while covering kickoffs and punts, Moore has expanded his repertoire on defense. During a scrimmage, Moore recorded a sack and two pass breakups to go with his interception.
Moore earned the third safety job behind starters Justin Reid and Eric Murray, meaning Moore will see a significant amount of playing time as the primary replacement for veteran Jahleel Addae, who wasn’t resigned.
Moore is expected to operate as the Texans’ dime defensive back, a versatile role that will include everything from covering tight ends, blitzing and providing run support.
Moore, who is entering his third season in the NFL, tied for fifth in the league with 13 special-teams tackles last season. Although he only played 20 defensive snaps (two percent of defensive snaps) last season, the Texans are confident in Moore’s skills. They watched him disrupt passing lanes, shadow receivers and intercept passes throughout training camp.
“A.J. Moore will absolutely have a role,” Texans defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “He is a major contributor for us on special teams, but on defense there is absolutely a place for him.
“He can play safety. You can play him at Money (dime back). You can play him at multiple spots and we’re going to utilize his skill set to do that. You can’t help but notice him.”
It’s a heady climb for Moore, who was overlooked in the draft after his senior year at Mississippi and was claimed off waivers by the Texans after being cut by New England two years ago.
“It means a lot,” Moore said. “Of course, I made my role on special teams first, but I’ve just been trying to continue to get better and better at safety, and that’s what I’ve done.
“That’s just been my main focus. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I’ve been able to make a couple plays for the team, and that’s what I’m here for.”
Moore’s confidence is growing to the point where his energy is infectious at practice. Teammates are feeding off of his enthusiasm, including quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“His confidence,” Watson said when asked what he’s seen from Moore. “He’s a complete player. He’s been able to play so many different roles and do so many different things. Regardless if he makes a play or don’t make a play, he’s always getting up with a great positive energy, positive attitude and always competing regardless of what the situation is or how he’s feeling that day.”
During his first season with the Texans in 2018, Moore led the team with 11 tackles on special teams and recovered one fumble.
Moore loves special teams, embracing the physical aspects.
“I just feel like I get to use my best attributes,” he said. “I get to run fast and hit people, and that’s what I like to do, just playing fast and physical. Special teams fits that perfect.
“I would put it all on just who I am. My twin brother (Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Moore) and I, in high school, Ole Miss, we’re just all about just bringing positive energy to the team, just being great team players, and just having juice.”
Moore plays the game with a blue-collar style matching his upbringing in rural Mississippi. Moore is from Bassfield, a town in Jefferson Davis County with roughly 217 residents.
Moore grew up on his family’s chicken farm, learning the value of hard work.
“Hardest part about the chickens would have to be cleaning the chicken trays because it gets kind of nasty and putting out chicken feed just because there’s so much feed to put out for so many chickens,” Moore said. “We have over 150,000, so it’s a bunch of feed to be put out.”
When deadly tornadoes ravaged his Mississippi hometown this year, Moore’s mother narrowly survived. She was in a friend’s home where other people were killed. She broke her foot and suffered cuts and bruises. Her car was parked outside and was flipped on its roof.
Four people died in Bassfield, which is also the hometown of Texans corner Cornell Armstrong. During the tornado, Armstrong’s father was hospitalized with a fractured ankle, and underwent ankle surgery, broken ribs and a nasty cut that stretched from the top of his head to his ears along with internal bleeding.
Moore was two miles away when the tornadoes touched down as debris was thrown four to five miles into the air.
“It just missed us,” Moore said. “We were lucky.”
The Moore twins and Armstrong mobilized to help Bassfield recover and rebuild from the tornado. They distributed supply boxes at a local high school to aid those impacted by the storm.
“I just want to say Bassfield, we stick together there, man, no matter what happens,” Moore said. “Of course, with the two tornadoes, it was horrific. We stayed together.
“My parents are doing better, my mom. Cornell’s dad is doing better. We’re rebuilding and we have pride there, man, and that’s what we’re all about.”
Watching the Texans’ defense last year from the sideline, Moore took notes and absorbed knowledge with mental reps.
Now, the Texans expect a lot out of Moore in all phases of the game.
“A.J. Moore has been shining,” Reid said. “He’s been making plays. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about A.J. You can already expect the energy he’s going to bring.”