Riley Moss: The All-Star Safety Making Waves in the NFL

Introduction

In the realm of American football, the safety position has emerged as a critical element of defense. With the NFL's emphasis on passing attacks, safeties serve as the last line of defense, providing essential coverage and preventing big plays. Among the rising stars in the league is Riley Moss, a young and talented safety who has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Early Career and College Success

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Moss displayed a passion for football at an early age. During his time at Eden Prairie High School, he excelled as a quarterback, linebacker, and safety, demonstrating his versatility and exceptional athleticism. Moss's impressive performances earned him recognition as a four-star recruit and scholarship offers from several top Division I universities.

Ultimately, Moss chose to attend Iowa State University, where he quickly made an impact. As a true freshman in 2018, he started 11 games and recorded 43 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. In 2019, Moss established himself as one of the most promising safeties in the nation, accumulating 62 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups. He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors and was named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) All-American Team.

Professional Career with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Moss's impressive collegiate career culminated in his selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round (No. 69 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jaguars, who had struggled defensively in recent seasons, saw Moss as a potential difference-maker.

As a rookie in 2021, Moss started 15 games and made an immediate impact. He recorded 5 interceptions, which ranked second among all NFL safeties, along with 44 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 6 pass breakups. His interceptions included a game-sealing pick-six in a Week 17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Moss's exceptional play earned him the NFL's Pepsi Rookie of the Week honor in Week 17 and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

In 2022, Moss continued to shine, starting all 17 games and recording 49 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions (tied for eighth in the league), and 7 pass breakups. He was named the Jaguars' Defensive Player of the Year.

Strengths and Impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars

Moss's success in the NFL can be attributed to his combination of physical and mental attributes. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 196 pounds, Moss possesses excellent size and athleticism. His 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds is among the fastest for safeties in the league, allowing him to keep pace with speedy receivers.

Moss's exceptional instincts and football intelligence enable him to anticipate plays and make decisive decisions. He is a skilled tackler who can deliver hard hits at the point of contact. Moreover, Moss has a knack for creating turnovers, as evidenced by his impressive interception totals in both his rookie and sophomore seasons.

Moss's presence has been a significant factor in the Jaguars' improved defensive performance in recent years. In 2022, the Jaguars ranked 10th in the NFL in pass defense (208.4 yards allowed per game) and 18th in total defense (348.5 yards allowed per game). Moss's ability to cover receivers, make tackles, and create turnovers has been essential to the team's success.

Tips and Tricks for Playing Safety

Inspired by Riley Moss's exceptional play, aspiring safeties can benefit from the following tips and tricks:

• Develop your instincts and football intelligence. Understand offensive formations, tendencies, and play concepts to anticipate plays and make quick decisions.
• Work on your footwork and agility. Safeties must be able to change direction quickly and cover a lot of ground to defend against passes and run plays.
• Practice your tackling technique. Deliver hard hits and wrap up the ball securely to prevent further yards and turnovers.
• Study different coverages and assignments. Safeties often have to play different coverages depending on the situation, so it's crucial to master a variety of techniques.
• Communicate effectively with your teammates. Safeties need to work closely with cornerbacks, linebackers, and the rest of the defense to ensure that everyone is on the same page and covering their responsibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Safeties

To avoid common pitfalls and maximize your potential as a safety, steer clear of the following mistakes:

• Over-pursuing the ball. Stay disciplined and avoid taking unnecessary risks that could leave receivers open behind you.
• Biting on play-action. Don't be fooled by play-action fakes that can draw you out of position and create big plays.
• Failing to communicate with your teammates. Poor communication can lead to coverage breakdowns and allow offenses to capitalize on mismatches.
• Ignoring your responsibilities in run defense. Safeties must be prepared to tackle running backs and tight ends in the box in addition to covering receivers.
• Lacking physicality. Safeties must be willing to deliver hard hits and make tackles to be effective in the NFL.

FAQs about Riley Moss

Q: What is Riley Moss's height and weight?

A: 6-foot-2, 196 pounds

Q: Where did Riley Moss play college football?

A: Iowa State University

Q: How many interceptions did Riley Moss have in his rookie season?

A: 5

Q: What NFL team does Riley Moss play for?

A: Jacksonville Jaguars

Q: What is Riley Moss's jersey number?

A: 29

Q: What is Riley Moss's average tackles per game?

A: 4.2 (as of the end of the 2022 season)

Q: What is Riley Moss's Pro Football Focus grade?

A: 78.2 (as of the end of the 2022 season)

Q: What awards has Riley Moss won?

A: NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Week (Week 17, 2021), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021), Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Player of the Year (2022)

Conclusion

At just 24 years old, Riley Moss has already established himself as one of the most promising safeties in the NFL. With his combination of physical attributes, instincts, and playmaking ability, Moss has the potential to become one of the league's elite defensive players for years to come. As he continues to develop and improve, the Jacksonville Jaguars and their fans can expect great things from their rising star.