Lost beneath the euphoria over Derek Carr's preseason performance during the Oakland Raiders' 41-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks was Denarius Moore's resurrection.
The former starting receiver has been buried on the Raiders' depth chart, well behind Rod Streater and James Jones. One reason Moore was even on the field Thursday was because he was on the chopping block.
Then, on Thursday the 25-year-old exploded.
Not only did Moore likely secure a roster spot -- he did it in emphatic fashion, catching three passes for 58 yards and two scores.
Those three catches weren't run-of-the-mill, either. The first was a beautiful adjustment and snag on a back-shoulder throw that set up a touchdown. On the second he displayed speed, blowing by a defensive back for a 36-yard touchdown. The final catch was another back-shoulder catch and tip-toe for an 11-yard score.
Perhaps the most telling part of Moore's performance was his obvious chemistry with the rookie quarterback.
"D-Mo's a good receiver," Carr said after the game, per the team's official website. "He's obviously fast. He ran that go-route right by that guy. He's someone that I trust and someone that I feel good going to."
The fourth-year receiver hasn't displayed the consistency the Raiders need from a player the team once viewed as a No. 1 receiver -- hence his chopping-block status.
The Carr-Moore combination Thursday looked explosive early against the Seahawks' first-team defense. If the rookie takes the starting gig -- as we believe he should -- he'll need help, which means Moore's job should be safe once again.
On the latest "Around The NFL Podcast," the heroes preview the entire NFC and chat with Giants linebacker Jon Beason.
