One of the more documented storylines of the 2022 New York Jets has been the usage of talented second-year wide receiver, Elijah Moore.
The Jets 34th overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft concluded his rookie year by showing so much promise. In his last six games a season ago, Moore posted a total of 494 yards (459 receiving) and five touchdowns (all receiving). Heading into year two, the expectations for Moore as a young 22-year-old in this Jets offense were sky-high.
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Moore has made a minimal impact through the first nine games of 2022. In eight games played, Moore has gotten 30 targets (3.8 per game), catching only 16 passes for 203 yards without a touchdown.
His lack of opportunities led to some public frustration and having a personal day, which inevitably led to his trade request. Following the request, Moore’s role has been less than what it was even in his first six games. He was made inactive right after asking for the trade, then played just 10 snaps with one target, and last week played only 27 snaps without a target.
It has only led to further speculation. The Jets, whether it be Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh, or Mike LaFleur, have all spoken glowingly about Moore when asked about him publicly. His role within the offense lately has been equivalent to nothing, however.
New York Jets HC Robert Saleh states WR Elijah Moore will now play in the slot:
In an interview with Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Saleh was asked about Moore and stated the following.
“We’re trying to find him more opportunities in the slot. I think he had 27 plays last week. Elijah is a great football player. He’s going to be a big reason why we win here for a very long time. Obviously, it’s on coaches to continue to find ways to get him the ball, find ways to get him opportunities. It’s a new position, because we’ve been playing him outside for the most part, so we’re trying to find ways to utilize all of his strengths and all of that stuff. To his credit, I know there was the trade request, but he’s been great. He’s got a great attitude. He is a great teammate. His teammates love him.”
Specifically, on Moore’s trade request, Saleh provided this.
“It’s one thing to ask for a trade because you’re a bad character individual. Like, this dude works his tail off. He works his tail off. He is one of the first ones in, last ones out… Puts in all the work… With Elijah, he’s a fantastic competitor and all he wants to do is help this football team. So, I think it’s different when you’re asking for a trade because you’re being a baby versus when you’re asking for a trade because you feel like you could be doing more. And be more of an asset because he wants more. And for that, I commend him. I think he’s awesome. It’s why he’s here. And it’s why we think he’s gonna be very, very successful in this league.”
Saleh also said that as the year progresses, people will start to see him be more of a “fixture” in the offense with “a role specifically designed for him.”
Obviously, moving Moore to the slot to get the football more has been a topic of conversation, and now we are getting it. Hopefully, it leads to more of an impact in terms of production, as Moore can be a premium asset to the Jets’ offense and help this football team make the playoffs.