Detroit Lions News: Top 5 Players to Watch vs. Oakland Raiders
Aug 30, 2012; Detroit, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Kellen Moore (17) drops back to pass in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire
1. Kellen Moore, QB
Without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest story to come out of the Lions win over the Browns last Saturday night was the play of third year quarterback, Kellen Moore.
“He’s one of those guys that can predict the movements of the receivers, his ball don’t seem like they have a lot of zip on them but they always find their place.” – Former teammate and Detroit Lion, Nate Burleson
Moore picked up right where he left off last preseason, continuing to play well when his team calls upon him. Moore lead the Lions down the field multiple times during the second half, but most importantly was the game winning drive he orchestrated with right around one minute remaining.
Moore would eventually connect with wide receiver Corey Fuller, who as we mentioned before, is out to prove himself this year as well.
Moore’s great play, not only this year, but last preseason as well has many Lions fans skeptical that Moore should be the guy to back up franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
Coach Caldwell says that Moore will continue to receive more playing time.
"“It’s something we’ll look at and just see,” head coach Jim Caldwell said when asked that question after the game. “He functioned pretty well, I think, in the situation that he was in. I think Dan (Orlovsky) did some decent things too. There were a couple of situations where they didn’t catch the ball for him so it looks like he maybe he didn’t move the ball as well as he was capable. “But, I think there were some extenuating circumstances there too. Both guys are smart guys that you can see they understand the offense and function within it fairly well.”"
Moore did his damage against the third-string defense, which shouldn’t be forgotten, but his play Saturday night could earn him an opportunity to see what he can do with the second unit, even if this is a small sample size in a large process.
“He’s cool as a cucumber,” starter Matthew Stafford said of Moore after the game. “That’s what he does.”