Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) runs after the catch against the San Diego Chargers during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Oakland Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Former Oakland Raiders receiver Denarius Moore found and new team and a familiar face today. He signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals and reunited with offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who coached him in Oakland in 2011. Moore looked like he was going to be a superstar after averaging 18.7 yards per catch in his rookie year.
But every since Jackson was fired after the 2011 season, Moore seemed to have lost his way. Dennis Allen became the head coach and both of his offensive coordinator hires were West Coast offense guys. So instead of the deep balls that he had fast become known for, he was asked to go over the middle and run five-yard routes.
This ruined Moore, who isn’t good at such things, often dropping passes from hearing footsteps. Many say he fell out of favor during his final season in Oakland but from the minute the new regime got there, he was never in favor. The Raiders were asking Moore to do things that he simply wasn’t good and benched him when he couldn’t do them.
The worst coaching staff ever assembled as a whole has been cleared out as the Raiders move forward. The players that suffered through it like Moore and running back Darren McFadden are gone too. They now get a chance to take their talents to new places to re-claim their careers.
At 26, and still fast, Moore gives the Bengals another deep threat who will add depth to a unit that includes A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Jones missed all of last season with ankle and foot injuries. So while Moore re-connects with Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, one is left to wonder about how much playing time he’ll get there.
I wish Moore and McFadden the best.