New Orleans has (in passing yards per game) the number one pass offense in the NFL. They are led by QB Drew Brees who is one of the best. WR Marques Colston and RB Reggie Bush were probably drafted in every fantasy league, and TE Jeremy Shockey probably was too. Yet their leading receiver this season is WR Lance Moore. I was amazed to find out that he hadn't been picked up in my fantasy league until November 12th. He even does a mean Rooney slide. Watch it here.
"Moore scratched and clawed his way through the NFL ranks as he began his career on the team's practice squad in 2005 with Jim Haslett still at the helm. He impressed Sean Payton enough for the then-new coach to keep Moore around for the practice squad. Moore made his way to the gameday roster four times but only caught one pass in 2006.
His impressive training camp in 2007 stamped his spot on the roster. He hauled in 32 passes for 302 yards and two scores last season...
McCarthy said Moore's numbers force coaches to pay attention and game plan for the Saints pass catcher.
"We prepare for everybody that's productive on film," McCarthy said. "That never changes and I think that's the beauty of the Saints offense. They do a very good job of utilizing their personnel and their progressions and their approach of how they go after your defense. We anticipate that will be the case on Monday night.""
They have to keep their eye on him. I was trying to find someone similar to Moore that the Packers have already faced this season, and the best I could come up with was Minnesota's WR Bobby Wade. Moore's listed at 5'9" and 190 lbs. which is about the same as Wade. And Wade is not some nobody. With 38 catches so far in 2008, he has more receptions than anyone else on Minnesota's roster. In two games against the Packers, Wade had 3 catches for 24 yards (all coming in the game at Minnesota). But, obviously, Bress is a much better QB than Gus Frerotte.