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ALAMEDA – Raiders linebacker Sio Moore has been a major point of discussion over the last week. Precious little of it revolves around his play.
Maybe it should.
Moore’s post-play jawing with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and subsequent Instagram post has been a focal point. A few weeks ago, it was an elongated sack dance on the wrong side the line of scrimmage.
[RELATED: Sparano reacts to Moore calling out Kaepernick on Instagram]
Let’s ignore all that for a second and focus on what’s been routinely ignored: Sio Moore’s having one heck of a season. Moore has 90 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a pass defensed this season.
Raiders coaches have seen significant improvement over his rookie year, that’s particularly strong praise considering this is Moore’s first professional season on the weak side.
“The biggest improvement I’ve seen from Sio this season is the way that he’s reacted and responded to some of the different reads that he’s seen,” interim head coach Tony Sparano said. “I think he’s pulled the trigger a lot faster right now than he did a year ago.”
That was evident on 49ers’ second play from scrimmage. Kaepernick rolled out on a designed run, and Moore recognized what was happening right away. Moore was already blitzing, and he made a beeline for Kaepernick, corralled the speedy QB and brought him down for a seven-yard loss.
[BAIR: Raiders pass rush rattles 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick]
Moore made those plays last year, too, but he’s ready shown moxie playing off the ball in coverage.
“He’s done a really good job with different pattern matches and the different things in the underneath coverages,” Sparano said. “…He’s getting better at and he needs to continue to improve in those areas. Sio knows that, but he’s making really good progress that way. It’s allowing him to play faster.”
[RELATED: Raiders LB Sio Moore thrives on playing with passion]
Quick reads have allowed Moore to use his physical gifts more effectively, and the Raiders are impressed with his progression. It must continue for Moore to realize his vast potential.
“A lot of times those are correct, and then every once in a while there might be one that he misses,” Tarver said. “What’s great, is that he learns.”
