Mickles: Saints like Moore's joy, TD dances

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Oct 5, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The New Orleans Saints could get used to watching the touchdown dance of third-year wide receiver Lance Moore, who scored twice in a 31-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

Moore, a 5-foot-9, 190-pounder, is quickly becoming a fan favorite for his ability to get open and catch the ball. But he’s also becoming popular for his wild dance moves after getting to the end zone.

After fans saw it only once in the Superdome last season, they got a double-dose last week when Moore scored on catches from Drew Brees. Moore did a dance he called “The Ducky” in the second quarter, then laid in the snow angel position before breaking into a dance after his second score.

“It felt good,” Moore said of his TD celebrations. “You have to give the crowd something after you score. Hopefully, they’ll see a lot more.”

“If you want to know about Lance, take a look at his celebrations,” he said. “I sat there and laughed my head off every touchdown, watching Lance. As long as he’s getting first downs and touchdowns, he can jump all he wants.”

After winning their first two home games over Tampa Bay and San Francisco, the Saints will try to accomplish a rare feat Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Saints have won two straight in the Superdome only three times during Sean Payton’s two-plus seasons and a victory Monday night would stretch the streak to three for only the third time since 1999.

It happened in 2002, in Jim Haslett’s third year as coach, and again in Payton’s first season in 2006.

Overall, the Saints have just one winning season at home since 1992 — in 2003. They are 37-45 in regular-season play in the Superdome since the start of the 1997 season.

When the Houston Texans play the Indianapolis Colts in Reliant Stadium today, it will be the home opener for the 0-3 Texans. Hurricane Ike inflicted severe damage to the roof and other parts of the stadium, postponing their Sept. 14 home opener.