When S Tony Adams sustained an injury that sidelined him during a Week 2 game against the Bills, rookie S Malachi Moore didn't hesitate.
After playing just one defensive snap during Week 1, the fourth-round draft selection embraced the opportunity to take on a much larger role in Week 2, taking the field for 48 defensive snaps (64%). The young player contributed 5 total tackles in a performance that was not surprising to DC Steve Wilks.
"I've said it from day one when you guys asked me about him, Malachi's going to be a good football player for us," Wilks told reporters Thursday. "Again, very highly intelligent, can play multiple positions, understands the game from analyzing and looking at the offense and being able to anticipate certain things. So, if he's in there this week, I don't have a problem that he's going to be able to get his job done."
Moore could see a heavy workload again this week with several members of the Jets' secondary battling back from injuries. Adams did not practice Wednesday, and while he took the field for warmups during Thursday's session, his status for Week 3 against Tampa Bay has yet to be determined. HC Aaron Glenn was pleased with what he saw from Moore in his first significant game action and is confident he will continue to improve with more reps.
"I think he did a pretty good job," Glenn said. "Listen, it's tough for a rookie to come in as a secondary player -- especially if you're not with the ones on a play-to-play basis -- to make sure that you're intact with everything that is going on. But I thought he did a really good job. Listen, he's a smart player, so it doesn't surprise me at all. But again, now that he was with our ones, man, he has to make sure that -- and we all have to make sure that -- the communication between the back end is on point."
Shortly after Moore was selected by the Jets, Glenn expressed his confidence in the former Alabama captain's leadership qualities and his versatility. Moore played nickel, corner and safety while at Alabama, but he has also been a contributor on special teams for the Jets through the first two weeks of the season. He played 20 (65%) and 23 (82%) special teams' snaps in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively.
And while Moore said taking on his first defensive responsibilities is something he "definitely will remember," his focus has now shifted to facing an explosive Buccaneers offense that features several weapons, including QB Baker Mayfield and WRs Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka.
"He's very slippery in the pocket," Moore said of Mayfield. "He tends to extend a lot of plays. So, when we're in coverage, whatever coverage we're in, we have to make sure we pass him when he does get out and just up front, trying to contain him in the pocket.
He added: "Mike Evans is definitely very established in this league. … We always know that we have to be aware of where No. 13 is."
Moore said the defense has brought a sense of urgency to its preparation this week, and the focus has been on "attacking the football, helping in run support and creating those takeaways however we can get them."
As the unit diligently prepares for its next challenge, Moore will aim for another standout performance if called upon this weekend.
"Little details and doing my job," Moore said of how he hopes to improve. "Making sure I have elite pad level all the time and make sure I'm breaking on the ball, make sure my eyes are on the right key so I can be successful."
