Seattle Seahawks wide receiver David Moore, one of the most talked about players in training camp, was quiet through three quarters on Friday night against the Vikings. Then, with just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Moore caught a pass from rookie quarterback Alex McGough, ripped away from his defender and waltzed past safety George Iloka for a go ahead 36-yard touchdown.
Less than one minute later, Moore was in the end zone again – this time returning a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The play was unfortunately negated by a holding penalty, but Moore had already sent a very clear message – he’s ready to be a part of the 53-man roster.
“When David gets a chance to get the ball in his hands he can do something special,” coach Pete Carroll commented after the game. “The punt return looked easy for him.”
Moore has impressed everyone at practice, and had a pair of highlight reel catches last week against the Chargers. In a crowded wide receiver picture, Moore has stepped up and virtually demanded a roster spot. Moore’s ability to return punts only furthers his cause. With J.D. McKissic out for 4-6 weeks, Moore will likely be the No. 2 punt returner behind Tyler Lockett.
“It just shows the kind of dynamic player that he is,” Carroll continued. “He’s had a fantastic preseason.”
With fellow second-year receiver Amara Darboh unable to suit up once again, Moore has almost certainly passed him on the depth chart. If Seattle decides to keep just five receivers, Moore would likely grab a spot alongside Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Jaron Brown and Brandon Marshall.
If he keeps making plays like he has in preseason, Moore will not only make the team but he will have a regular role in the offense and on the special teams.
