Raiders were first to recognize Moore's talent and first to give up on it too.

Many members of Raider Nation were completely confused by many of the decisions made when the Raiders broke camp and cut the roster down to 53. Among the most troubling of all was the decision to cut promising rookie Sterling Moore for underachieving vet Joe Porter.

Porter parlayed a blocked kick in the preseason finale into a spot on the roster. Meanwhile Moore flashed all kinds of potential yet was shown the exit.

As inexplicable as that move was the Raiders went out and topped themselves. Initially they brought Moore back by adding him to the practice squad. As injuries in the secondary began to pile up you’d have thought he might get his shot at playing. Instead Oakland again parted ways with the Bay Area native choosing instead to bring in other options at DB. Eventually Porter was also released giving way for one of the many DBs that suited up in Silver and Black.

Well, it didn’t take long for another team desperate to add to a weakened defense to sign Moore. Just in case you checked out of the NFL once the Raiders’ season concluded then you missed that same Sterling Moore coming up big for the New England Patriots in the AFC title game.

Now before burying the Raiders for their lack of vision it is only right to offer an honest critique of Moore.
(more…)

Ironically enough, the man that is pitted with replacing the role Routt once occupied is also wearing #21.

As injuries continue to claim more and more Raiders, contributions are being expected from the most unusual of means.

Lito Sheppard was a Raider for all about two weeks during camp before he was cut on the final day. Two weeks ago he was reunited with the team and is now going to be playing opposite Routt tonight in Oakland’s biggest game to date.
(more…)

To the surprise of none Porter played poorly when he found himself in the mix due to injuries in the secondary. Even less surprising was that the Raiders released Porter. Aside from blocking a kick in the preseason finale Porter did next to nothing. During the regular season he was lost in coverage and didn’t make many plays on special teams.

Now Sheppard is back to claim what was rightfully his. Perhaps his poor play in the preseason could be attributed to rust. Joining a team halfway through camp – on the heels of a lockout no less – was not an easy chore. Safe to say his opportunity to impress went wanting.

All along the Raiders have needed another vet at corner yet never addressed the issue. Stanford Routt is the only player lining up on the island that isn’t a rookie these days. Chris Johnson hasn’t been healthy at all this season leaving Chimdi Chekwa and DeMarcus Van Dyke to fill the void. Both have impressed in some way yet are still learning on the job and thus are prone to rookie mistakes. With Chekwa nursing injuries of his own, Sheppard’s presence could prove vital if he can rediscover anything that resembles his better days.