CINCINNATI — Once an 11-year-old quarterback idolizing Joe Flacco’s Super Bowl triumph with the Ravens in 2012, Malachi Moore now finds himself on the opposite side of the field, aiming to intercept passes from the seasoned quarterback.

This spring’s fourth-round draft choice, Moore, recently ascended to a starting safety position with the New York Jets two weeks ago. Since then, he has impressed with his performance and now stands ready to face off against one of the players he admired in his youth.

“It’s surreal,” Moore shared. “Back in my little league days as a quarterback, I used to watch Joe Flacco’s highlights with the Ravens. It’s pretty wild to now be in a position to play against him and witness the longevity of his career.”

The 24-year-old Moore has smoothly transitioned from playing at Alabama to making a significant impact in the NFL. His presence has been a stabilizing force for a Jets defense that struggled in its initial five games.

“Things have been progressing well,” Moore remarked. “The more I play, the more at ease I feel. The game is beginning to slow down for me, making everything clearer.”

Moore will be part of the Jets’ plan to slow down Bengals star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

“They’re playmakers,” Moore said. “They trust them to make plays whether they’re covered or they create separation. Those two guys are definitely a huge part of their offense.”

Jets coach Aaron Glenn has liked what he’s seen from Moore early in his career.

“Malachi Moore, he’s a guy that we identified in the draft that can do a number of things,” Glenn said. “He can play safety, he can play nickel. I’ve said this before, he reminds me of a guy, Brian Branch, that I had, and you see those traits on the field. You see the play that he made on the deep ball which was a critical play for us and he has the ability to be able to do that. I’m proud of where he’s at. He’s still an ascending player for us.”

The Jets activated LB Quincy Williams off of injured reserve for Sunday’s game.

They placed WR Josh Reynolds (hip) and LB Cam Jones (hip) on IR, meaning they will miss at least four games.

They signed WR Brandon Smith to the active roster. They elevated QB Brady Cook and DL Payton Page from the practice squad. … G John Simpson was fined $11,593 for a facemask penalty against the Panthers.