By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer
Determination is a strong trait found in those who are willing to kick back in the face of adversity even when the odds are stacked against them.
It was never in short supply for Giants rookie defensive back Aaron Ross when hobbled with a right shoulder injury versus the Cowboys last Sunday.
Having already checked out of the game during the first half of the playoff contest in order to get x-rays on his bruised shoulder, the San Antonio, Texas native went out there again in the third quarter and put his season on the line when pursuing hard-charging running back Marion Barber in the third quarter. The Cowboy Brahma bull had broken loose by finding an outside lane which had game-breaking play written all over it…until Ross went low and leveled Barber with what could’ve been a game-saving stop.
Ross aggravated the balky shoulder in the process, but his determination drove him to take one for the team.
It was that same single-minded pursuit that allowed the patient 17-year-old to wait two years before becoming a Texas Longhorn in 2001.
A high school transcript mix-up forced Ross to make up for a missing credit and take a ninth-grade course which wasn’t offered every term.
With the support of his mother, Cheryl, and girlfriend, Sanya Richards (the world’s top-ranked 400-meter runner), the gifted athlete bided his time by working odd jobs and discovering his love of poetry before finally strapping on the shoulder pads in 2003.
A standout defensive back, running back and wide receiver during his days at John Tyler High School, Ross became a full-time cornerback with Texas and it didn’t take him long to showcase his extraordinary ability despite playing behind Nathan Vasher at left corner.
The 6’0 ½” 193-pound phenom went on to record 27 tackles (23 solos), one stop for a loss and two pass break-ups in limited duty.
In addition to showing one-of-a-kind plant and drive skills when coming out of his breaks in coverage, Ross also proved to be an electrifying playmaker with the ball in his hands both on punt and interception returns.
As a junior in 2004, he ranked tenth in the nation with a 14.7-yard average on 34 punt returns---two of which went for touchdowns.
Ross was none too shabby on the defensive end, recording three interceptions and nine pass break-ups. The rising star also had 62 tackles (35 solos) along with two stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Aside from his on-field exploits, Ross possessed a winning character which molded him into a very diligent worker on the collegiate level. It was his team-first character that enabled him to sit still and wait for his opportunity to finally earn a starting position in the Longhorn defensive backfield as a senior.
“The most impressive thing about Aaron is that he has a great heart and he wants to do what’s right,” said Texas head coach Mack Brown. “He’s been so passionate about trying to do what’s right to be successful. He’s not sensitive. He doesn’t get his feelings hurt easily when you try to coach him.”
Coming off a senior season in which he was unanimously voted in as an All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection, Ross was also the recipient of the Jim Thorpe award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
Even while battling a broken toe, the future NFL playmaker ranked third on his team with 80 tackles (59 solos), while also recording 19 pass deflections, one sack, three forced fumbles and six interceptions.
Ranked among the top five first round-caliber cornerbacks turning pro in 2007 by the NFL Draft Bible, Ross was chosen 20th overall by the New York Giants.
At first glance, several NFL talent evaluators were impressed with Ross’s fluid hips and remarkable second gear when tracking the ball. His one glaring blemish, however, was his lack of upper body strength which sometimes compromised his ability to slow down wide outs when trying to jam them at the line of scrimmage.
The minor deficiency could easily be solved by the fact that the 24-year-old Texan is blessed with a lean and athletic frame which would easily permit him to add ten pounds of muscle without affecting his 4.4 speed or quickness.
Following a disastrous 1-2 start to the season in which Big Blue’s defense surrendered 97 points, Ross was called upon to replace an ineffective Cory Webster in the starting lineup.
Under the tutelage of veterans Sam Madison and R. W. McQuarters, the rookie corner made immediate strides by producing two of the biggest plays of the Giants’ 35-24 rout over the rival New York Jets in week five.
Ross intercepted quarterback Chad Pennington twice, the second coming with 3:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the G-men hanging on to a four-point lead.
Number 31 stepped in front of Pennington’s pass intended for Jerricho Cotchery and accelerated down the left sideline for a 43-yard game-sealing score.
Ross punctuated his fine play a week later by picking off Atlanta’s Joey Harrington as the Falcons tried to narrow New York’s 21-10 lead before the end of the first half.
Despite being outmuscled by some of the league’s top receivers and the occasional missed tackle, Ross has given his coaches reason to believe that he will not only be a competent starter, but one of the better performers at his position.
On the season, the former Longhorn finished third on the team in interceptions (three) and passes defended (nine) along with making 53 tackles.
Ross’s determination and true Texas grit should make him a fan favorite for many years to come.
If and when the Giants make it to Super Bowl XLII, New York Giant diehards will perhaps look back at Ross’s spectacular tackle of Marion Barber as a season-defining play.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Rookie Report: LaRon Landry (WAS-S)
By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer
The untimely death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was just as devastating to the psyches of his teammates as it was to the squad’s defensive backfield which lost not only an All Pro caliber performer, but a true leader as well.
On the field, no other player was as deeply affected by Taylor’s demise than fellow safety LaRon Landry who, upon being drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2007 Draft, was expected to follow in the one-time Miami Hurricane’s footsteps and become the type of hard-hitting, impact safety that would eventually play a key role in turning the Redskins into a perennial contender.
The younger half of this dynamic duo no longer had the luxury of leaning on his mentor for guidance and in-game advice. It was now up to Landry and the rest of the Redskins family to rally the troops and break free from the chains of a mediocre 5-6 record. In the process of winning four out of their last five games, Washington not only wrote their own ticket to the playoffs, but also proved how tragedy can unite and empower the human spirit.
Faced with these circumstances, the former LSU standout showed no signs of inexperience and turned into an omnipresent force, seemingly having a hand in every tackle. Landry’s 95 tackles and seven passes defensed, while impressive, don’t show just how much the 6’ 2” 213-pound powerhouse developed throughout the year.
Ranked as the third most valuable player entering the league by the NFL Draft Bible last April, the Metairie, Louisiana native was a rare blend of top-end speed, range, coverage skills, tackling and pure hitting ability at his free safety position.
Landry’s physical gifts were undeniable from the first time he set foot on the practice field for LSU. The freshman starter quickly became a vital cog in head coach Nick Saban’s defensive scheme and helped propel the Tigers to a national championship.
Over his next three years at Baton Rouge, Landry developed a reputation for delivering several borderline hits that earned him the nickname “Dirty-Dirty”.
This heat-seeking missile would often turn to his brother Dawan for pointers on the mental aspects of the game. His elder by two years, Dawan was a promising safety in his own right for Georgia Tech and eventually wound up being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.
LaRon admired his older sibling’s study habits and adopted his routine of constantly watching film to gain the upper hand on his upcoming opponents.
Though LaRon mirrored his brother from a mental aspect, there was no doubt over who was the more physically talented Landry.
Former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini spared no superlatives when describing his prized safety by calling him “the total package.”
“I expect to see him some day playing in Hawaii,” he said. Pelini also provided a rave review of the youngster’s personal makeup by adding, “He’s a tremendous character kid with a great family background. He receives tremendous support from his family, and it shows.”
Landry’s most memorable performances as a Tiger came against some of the nation’s better programs. In games versus border rival Arkansas, the young playmaker collected four interceptions, including two key fourth quarter picks.
Landry wrapped up his collegiate career starting 48 of 52 games and recorded 12 interceptions--tied for third all-time in school history. He also led LSU in tackles in three of his four seasons and finished with a total of 315.
The 23-year-old carried his warrior mentality into the professional ranks and hasn’t been shy about using it against longtime veteran receivers, such as Chicago’s Mushin Muhammad, who was drilled by the rookie with a late hit. This hard-hitting style has raised the ire of reporters who’ve labeled Landry, “a great hitter”, but not yet a good player.
Former NFL receiver and current TV color man Cris Collinsworth even suggested that Landry would much rather knock his adversary on his back than intercept a pass.
Teammate Reed Doughty had a firsthand view of how Landry whips himself up into a rage before every game, noticing that the rookie would neatly print the words “Suicide Mission” across his chest with a magic marker.
The Ronnie Lott clone had no qualms about playing out of position at strong safety at the start of the season and went on to make a key hit against Philadelphia in week two, nailing Eagles wide out Kevin Curtis on a fourth and six play with 1:10 remaining in the game. Landry separated the ball from the receiver and secured Washington’s 20-12 Monday night victory.
Landry was moved back to free safety following Taylor’s death and finally showcased his ball-hawking skills in Washington’s Wildcard playoff loss to Seattle.
In that game, the hard-hitting defender twice picked off a struggling Matt Hasselbeck who began forcing throws downfield before Seattle regrouped and finished off the Redskins in the second half by a 35-14 score.
While Landry may not be as spectacular as some other well known defensive backs, his range and instincts allow him to play both the pass and run with equal efficiency. His on-field smarts and will to succeed can only accelerate his path to filling the leadership role left vacant by number 21.
The untimely death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was just as devastating to the psyches of his teammates as it was to the squad’s defensive backfield which lost not only an All Pro caliber performer, but a true leader as well.
On the field, no other player was as deeply affected by Taylor’s demise than fellow safety LaRon Landry who, upon being drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2007 Draft, was expected to follow in the one-time Miami Hurricane’s footsteps and become the type of hard-hitting, impact safety that would eventually play a key role in turning the Redskins into a perennial contender.
The younger half of this dynamic duo no longer had the luxury of leaning on his mentor for guidance and in-game advice. It was now up to Landry and the rest of the Redskins family to rally the troops and break free from the chains of a mediocre 5-6 record. In the process of winning four out of their last five games, Washington not only wrote their own ticket to the playoffs, but also proved how tragedy can unite and empower the human spirit.
Faced with these circumstances, the former LSU standout showed no signs of inexperience and turned into an omnipresent force, seemingly having a hand in every tackle. Landry’s 95 tackles and seven passes defensed, while impressive, don’t show just how much the 6’ 2” 213-pound powerhouse developed throughout the year.
Ranked as the third most valuable player entering the league by the NFL Draft Bible last April, the Metairie, Louisiana native was a rare blend of top-end speed, range, coverage skills, tackling and pure hitting ability at his free safety position.
Landry’s physical gifts were undeniable from the first time he set foot on the practice field for LSU. The freshman starter quickly became a vital cog in head coach Nick Saban’s defensive scheme and helped propel the Tigers to a national championship.
Over his next three years at Baton Rouge, Landry developed a reputation for delivering several borderline hits that earned him the nickname “Dirty-Dirty”.
This heat-seeking missile would often turn to his brother Dawan for pointers on the mental aspects of the game. His elder by two years, Dawan was a promising safety in his own right for Georgia Tech and eventually wound up being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.
LaRon admired his older sibling’s study habits and adopted his routine of constantly watching film to gain the upper hand on his upcoming opponents.
Though LaRon mirrored his brother from a mental aspect, there was no doubt over who was the more physically talented Landry.
Former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini spared no superlatives when describing his prized safety by calling him “the total package.”
“I expect to see him some day playing in Hawaii,” he said. Pelini also provided a rave review of the youngster’s personal makeup by adding, “He’s a tremendous character kid with a great family background. He receives tremendous support from his family, and it shows.”
Landry’s most memorable performances as a Tiger came against some of the nation’s better programs. In games versus border rival Arkansas, the young playmaker collected four interceptions, including two key fourth quarter picks.
Landry wrapped up his collegiate career starting 48 of 52 games and recorded 12 interceptions--tied for third all-time in school history. He also led LSU in tackles in three of his four seasons and finished with a total of 315.
The 23-year-old carried his warrior mentality into the professional ranks and hasn’t been shy about using it against longtime veteran receivers, such as Chicago’s Mushin Muhammad, who was drilled by the rookie with a late hit. This hard-hitting style has raised the ire of reporters who’ve labeled Landry, “a great hitter”, but not yet a good player.
Former NFL receiver and current TV color man Cris Collinsworth even suggested that Landry would much rather knock his adversary on his back than intercept a pass.
Teammate Reed Doughty had a firsthand view of how Landry whips himself up into a rage before every game, noticing that the rookie would neatly print the words “Suicide Mission” across his chest with a magic marker.
The Ronnie Lott clone had no qualms about playing out of position at strong safety at the start of the season and went on to make a key hit against Philadelphia in week two, nailing Eagles wide out Kevin Curtis on a fourth and six play with 1:10 remaining in the game. Landry separated the ball from the receiver and secured Washington’s 20-12 Monday night victory.
Landry was moved back to free safety following Taylor’s death and finally showcased his ball-hawking skills in Washington’s Wildcard playoff loss to Seattle.
In that game, the hard-hitting defender twice picked off a struggling Matt Hasselbeck who began forcing throws downfield before Seattle regrouped and finished off the Redskins in the second half by a 35-14 score.
While Landry may not be as spectacular as some other well known defensive backs, his range and instincts allow him to play both the pass and run with equal efficiency. His on-field smarts and will to succeed can only accelerate his path to filling the leadership role left vacant by number 21.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
IMPACT ROOKIE- MATT MOORE (CAROLINA PANTHERS - QB)
By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer
Jake Delhomme’s week three elbow injury not only marked the end of the road for the seven-year NFL veteran’s 2007 campaign, it was also the death knell for Panthers head coach John Fox in his season-long struggle to find the right signal caller to right the ship of a punchless offense gone astray.
Second stringer David Carr was flat out disastrous in his feeble attempt to lead Carolina as he went on to average a paltry 4.3 yards per pass attempt. The ageless 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde proved to be much more effective, but found it rather difficult to make back-to-back starts due to his inability to bounce back from weekly bumps and bruises.
With the season already in shambles, Fox finally decided to see what he had in undrafted rookie quarterback Matt Moore who had the unenviable task of trying to penetrate a playmaking Seattle Seahawks defense in week 15.
Coming off an embarrassing 37-6 drubbing at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars the week prior, most Panthers fans had every right to expect a similar fate against Mike Holmgren’s pass-happy crew.
Moore, however, had other plans. The Van Nuys, California native put together an efficient, mistake-free performance, completing 19-of-27 passes for 208 yards in spearheading his team to a stunning 13-10 victory.
In addition to avoiding turnovers despite treacherous winds which kept the game scoreless during the first three quarters, Moore successfully put the ball in the hands of game-breaking wide out Steve Smith who recorded six receptions for 72 yards.
“I just couldn’t get the play out of my mouth…Guys were like, ‘Come on! Come on!’” said Moore while describing how he panicked and froze while calling a play in the huddle at the end of the first half.
The 23-year-old’s brief moment of trepidation could easily be understood, considering he was nothing more than a training camp long-shot in his short-lived, pre-season audition for the Dallas Cowboys.
The rookie free agent showed positive signs as a member of America’s Team and completed 21-of-29 passes for 182 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. But despite that, Dallas released Moore on Sept. 1.
How ironic that Moore would end up facing off against his former team in his second professional start--a Dallas team also led by an un-drafted triggerman in first-time All Pro Tony Romo.
Although Moore did toss an interception and was sacked five times, he also threw his first NFL touchdown--an 11-yard strike to Smith. Hefollowed that up with a 57-yard pass play to Smith, which put kicker John Kasay in position to connect on a 25-yard field goal, as Carolina cut the Cowboy lead to seven points late in their 20-13 loss.
Projected as a day-two selection by the NFL Draft Bible, the lanky 6’ 3” 195-pound passer has the ability to throw deep, as well as the mental acumen to masterfully go through his progressions and often throw very catchable balls to his receivers.
Moore showed further evidence of his physical gifts in week 17 by exhibiting the poise of a 10-year veteran, hooking up with his targets on 15-of-24 pass attempts for 174 yards with two scores and one interception.
With the offense in the hands of youngsters Moore and running back DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers finally began showing some promise as they went on to outscore the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-23.
While Moore’s late-season heroics don’t in any way guarantee him the starting quarterback role in 2008, one can be sure that the resilient field general will not be intimidated by the prospect of having to compete with the 33-year-old Jake Delhomme for the number one spot on the depth chart.
The gritty rookie faced much bleaker options when suffering a leg injury during his sophomore season at UCLA in 2003. In his absence, Moore’s starting position given to Drew Olsen. After taking a year off from football, the strong-armed multi-sport athlete enrolled at Oregon State where he established himself as the unquestioned leader of coach Mike Riley’s high-octane attack, and capped of his college career by throwing for 3,022 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2006.
Named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for December, Moore has all the makings of the next Carolina quarterback to one day return the Panthers to the big game.
Jake Delhomme’s week three elbow injury not only marked the end of the road for the seven-year NFL veteran’s 2007 campaign, it was also the death knell for Panthers head coach John Fox in his season-long struggle to find the right signal caller to right the ship of a punchless offense gone astray.
Second stringer David Carr was flat out disastrous in his feeble attempt to lead Carolina as he went on to average a paltry 4.3 yards per pass attempt. The ageless 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde proved to be much more effective, but found it rather difficult to make back-to-back starts due to his inability to bounce back from weekly bumps and bruises.
With the season already in shambles, Fox finally decided to see what he had in undrafted rookie quarterback Matt Moore who had the unenviable task of trying to penetrate a playmaking Seattle Seahawks defense in week 15.
Coming off an embarrassing 37-6 drubbing at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars the week prior, most Panthers fans had every right to expect a similar fate against Mike Holmgren’s pass-happy crew.
Moore, however, had other plans. The Van Nuys, California native put together an efficient, mistake-free performance, completing 19-of-27 passes for 208 yards in spearheading his team to a stunning 13-10 victory.
In addition to avoiding turnovers despite treacherous winds which kept the game scoreless during the first three quarters, Moore successfully put the ball in the hands of game-breaking wide out Steve Smith who recorded six receptions for 72 yards.
“I just couldn’t get the play out of my mouth…Guys were like, ‘Come on! Come on!’” said Moore while describing how he panicked and froze while calling a play in the huddle at the end of the first half.
The 23-year-old’s brief moment of trepidation could easily be understood, considering he was nothing more than a training camp long-shot in his short-lived, pre-season audition for the Dallas Cowboys.
The rookie free agent showed positive signs as a member of America’s Team and completed 21-of-29 passes for 182 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. But despite that, Dallas released Moore on Sept. 1.
How ironic that Moore would end up facing off against his former team in his second professional start--a Dallas team also led by an un-drafted triggerman in first-time All Pro Tony Romo.
Although Moore did toss an interception and was sacked five times, he also threw his first NFL touchdown--an 11-yard strike to Smith. Hefollowed that up with a 57-yard pass play to Smith, which put kicker John Kasay in position to connect on a 25-yard field goal, as Carolina cut the Cowboy lead to seven points late in their 20-13 loss.
Projected as a day-two selection by the NFL Draft Bible, the lanky 6’ 3” 195-pound passer has the ability to throw deep, as well as the mental acumen to masterfully go through his progressions and often throw very catchable balls to his receivers.
Moore showed further evidence of his physical gifts in week 17 by exhibiting the poise of a 10-year veteran, hooking up with his targets on 15-of-24 pass attempts for 174 yards with two scores and one interception.
With the offense in the hands of youngsters Moore and running back DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers finally began showing some promise as they went on to outscore the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-23.
While Moore’s late-season heroics don’t in any way guarantee him the starting quarterback role in 2008, one can be sure that the resilient field general will not be intimidated by the prospect of having to compete with the 33-year-old Jake Delhomme for the number one spot on the depth chart.
The gritty rookie faced much bleaker options when suffering a leg injury during his sophomore season at UCLA in 2003. In his absence, Moore’s starting position given to Drew Olsen. After taking a year off from football, the strong-armed multi-sport athlete enrolled at Oregon State where he established himself as the unquestioned leader of coach Mike Riley’s high-octane attack, and capped of his college career by throwing for 3,022 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2006.
Named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for December, Moore has all the makings of the next Carolina quarterback to one day return the Panthers to the big game.
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