New York Jets’ captain Brandon Moore came to the team as an unheralded free agent in 2002. Since then Moore has steadily risen to become one of the best guards in the NFL. Moore agreed to talk to rolling out about the Jets’ upcoming season, Sanchez and Tim Tebow.
What was the transition like from defensive lineman at Illinois to offensive lineman with Jets?
It was a rough transition. [It] definitely took a lot of game reps in NFL Europe during the 2002 and 2003 season. Defensive lineman [are] told to get off the o-lineman and make plays, while [the] o line is [told] the exact opposite. I’ve had great coaches that have helped me along the way and have been patient.
What’s been your most memorable moment in the NFL?
The playoff runs we had in ’09 and ’10. Those are the seasons I think about where I had a lot of fun even though it didn’t end in a Super Bowl. We beat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning and that’s what you play for to make the playoffs and try to win a trophy.
How do you like Rex Ryan’s coaching style?
Love his coaching style. He’s a coach that a lot of players around the league want to play for, especially his former players in Baltimore. He’s all they talk about. He’s a motivator, keeps it real for the guys, and gets us ready to play. As far as the bold predictions, it’s just his style so it’s up to us to live up to the prediction. Couldn’t ask for a better coach.
Expectations for next season in the tough AFC East?
Dealing with Tom Brady and the Patriots [will be] tough, especially with the Dolphins and Bills improving. If we take it one game at a time starting with the Bills week 1, we can win the division, but we definitely have the tools necessary to compete. [We] just have to perform more [consistently] to try and beat New England. Looking forward to it.
Tebow and Sanchez QB battle?
I think it looks good. Both guys add an interesting dynamic to the team. Mark with the traditional offense and Tim adding the “Wildcat” formation. Teams are going to have to prepare for not only our traditional offense, but the “Wildcat” with Tebow as well, which takes away the time they could be practicing something else. I don’t foresee any problems … I see it as a positive to help our offense score touchdowns.
