Willy Mo is back.
He announced it before, during and after the Falcons’ much-needed 29-18 victory over the Cardinals Sunday.
The Falcons’ starting strong safety, also known as William Moore, said he addressed the team pregame with a simple message. No matter what the record says, the Falcons are in first place. Play like it.
“Absolutely, I stated to the team that we are number one (in the division),” Moore said. “No matter how it happened, no matter what the record is, let’s get some confidence. Let’s play like we are number one.”
The Falcons improved to 5-7 with the win and remain atop the NFC South standings by keeping pace with the Saints.
Moore played in his first game in eight weeks after missing seven games with a separated right shoulder suffered against the Vikings on Sept. 28. The undeniable leader of the defense was placed on short-term injured reserve and watch as the Falcons went 2-5 in his absence.
He declared his return on the field early. With the Falcons holding a 17-7 second-quarter lead, the Cardinals were driving when Michael Floyd caught a pass and was running at the 31-yard line. Then he met Moore.
The safety stripped the ball and the fumble was recovered by Desmond Trufant to end the drive and kill any momentum the Cardinals had built after returning a Matt Ryan interception 88 yards for a touchdown. It was one of three turnovers caused by the Falcons on the day.
“I work on it all week in practice,” Moore said. “I just tried to take advantage of the opportunity I had. He wasn’t looking. It was too late when he did look.”
Moore also delivered a bone-crushing hit on Cardinals receiver Jaron Brown with two minutes left in the game.
“We missed him,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He’s a damn good football player. He attacks the ball. When there is contact there is usually somebody going backward.”
No doubt the beleaguered Falcons defense got a boost from Moore’s return. They entered the game with dismal statistics. The unit was last in the NFL in defense (409.9) and passing (284.1) yards allowed per game, second to last in yards per play (6.1) and 22nd in points allowed (25.5).
In handing the conference-leading Cardinals (9-3) their second straight loss, the Falcons limited them to 329 yards of offense, 35 yards rushing and just 10 offensive points. The lone trip into the end zone by the offense was a meaningless touchdown with 1:05 remaining and the outcome long decided.
The Falcons also intercepted Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton twice - one each by Dwight Lowery and Josh Wilson.
“It’s definitely an inspiration,” Lowery said of Moore’s return. “That guy is a great leader on this team, not just the defense but the whole team as well. As you see, he brings a certain intensity to the team. I think he came back at the right time. Hopefully he provides a big boost for us.”
Moore stood at his locker following the game and smiled when asked about his return to action – especially getting the chance to hit for the first time in two months. He declared the win a team effort. He quickly added that the Falcons next opponent, the Packers, are the next focus.
“I feel excellent,” Moore said. “It’s great to be back. This is what I do. It’s great to do it. Sitting on the sidelines for eight weeks, it was kind of difficult, especially to watch the team go through what we’ve been through.”
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