Friday, November 11, 2011

Patriot DB gets another shot on active roster

It’s no secret that the New England Patriots are having some serious problems in their defensive secondary.

They’re ranked dead last in pass defense, and there really isn’t an answer anywhere in sight. Well, at least not yet.

But after promoting defensive back Sterling Moore to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, New England is certainly hoping he will become part of the solution.

Moore, who was added to the 53-man roster for the second time this season (he played in the win vs. Dallas in Week 6), was originally signed by the Oakland Raiders as a rookie free agent but was released after training camp there and added to New England’s practice squad on Oct. 5.

The 21-year-old Moore, who played ball at Southern Methodist University in Texas, played mostly cornerback there, but has also played in dime and nickel packages and used a variety of different ways since, and he said he’d be comfortable with whatever his role is in the secondary with the Pats.

“I’m not quite sure what my role is going to be yet, but I’m just trying to play my best in any role,” Moore told the Boston Herald after being promoted. “I just (have) a knack for getting to the ball. I think that’s something I really pride myself on, making plays on the ball, so that’s something I’m going to try to bring.”

The addition of Moore comes after the Patriots announced safety Josh Barnett, who played in five game with New England this season, was going on the injured-reserve list with a calf injury. And, with a banged-up secondary that includes safety Patrick Chung (foot) and cornerback Kyle Arrington (foot) — as well as the recently released veteran Leigh Bodden (and we can’t forget the release of two-time Pro Bowler Brandon Meriweather just before the regular season started) — the Patriots need to figure out how to improve their secondary. And fast.

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