There’s good reason fans are hoping this new drug policy will get approved and it’s mainly because we need Orlando Scandrick back in the starting lineup. Morris Claiborne has been filling in while Scandrick completes his 4-game suspension, and he’s been what most of us have figured out.
Claiborne has been adequate at times, but he’s made some let up plays as well. Last week Claiborne’s unimpressive tackling of Delanie Walker led to a 61-yard touchdown burn.
Once Scandrick returns he’ll start opposite Brandon Carr, so where does this leave Claiborne? A few other’s are pondering this very subject:
Curious about if CB Sterling Moore’s strong play early could lead to less snaps for CB Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys could get Orlando Scandrick back Sunday for the game at St. Louis. But they haven’t missed Scandrick as much as you might have thought they would because SMU-ex Sterling Moore has played well the first two weeks in Scandrick’s nickel cornerback spot. I’m curious if Moore’ strong play early could eventually mean less snaps for CB Morris Claiborne. If Claiborne struggles, he could be the odd man out if the Cowboys decide to put Scandrick as an outside cornerback and use more in the nickel once Scandrick returns from his four-game suspension. The Cowboys are already using Moore over Claiborne on some snaps early this season when teams go with a power look and plan to run the football. (DMN, George)
And from JJT, ESPNDallas:
Sterling Moore is the kind of NFL player who’s not quite big enough, fast enough or quick enough to excite the coaching staff. But every time they have to use him, he does a pretty solid job. Jason Garrett wants us to believe it doesn’t matter where you came from or where you were drafted. Well, when Orlando Scandrick returns this week, it’ll be interesting to see how much they use Scandrick on the outside and Moore in the slot, while Claiborne heads to the bench when the Cowboys are in their nickel defense. (ESPND)
With Sterling Moore manning the slot corner, it’s hard to envision Claiborne bumping Moore from his spot as the #3 CB. Moore has played well in the slot, and played with some physicality, something Claiborne shys from in real game time action. He’s not a tackler, he makes more “business decisions” than any corner on the roster and he’s not even any good.
If the Cowboys want to field the best players on the field, and they want the best corners on the field then that means we should see Scandrick, Carr, and Moore on the field. Which would mean Claiborne would be mostly a reserve type cornerback, same level as Tyler Patmon, but at least he’ll play special teams.
The Morris Claiborne draft selection has been a colossal disappointment, a bust in truest definition. You don’t draft a CB #6 overall just to sit on the bench, I say we cut bait on this guy before the Oct. 28th trade deadline and see what we can get. Do a player for player trade or get a late round draft pick to fill the draft pick we’re going to the Ravens for Rolando McClain.
That 2012 draft class is not looking very good. Claiborne, Crawford, Wilber, and Hannah are all that remain. It can be argued that all of them are backups, not a bona fide starter in the bunch.
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