What most football writers don’t like about Randy Moss is that he has no time for them. His indifference toward them definitely influences their writing. Moss could care less about idle ####-chat in the locker room.
One of the problems in our society is that we generally don’t accept people for who they are. Moss is definitely different and he has his own football standards. It doesn’t mean we have to accept Moss’ actions, like his penchant to be lazy off the line when he knows he’s a decoy on a particular play. He’s been pretty much a front-runner as a receiver; great when the team is winning; lackadaisical at times when it is losing.
To me, it’s almost perfect that he will play in Boston, where the Red Sox employ talented Manny Ramirez, who smiles a lot more than Randy and also has a familiar quirk about taking a few days off. Last season, Manny pretty much ditched September, but the Fenway faithful still cheer him on.
While there is some dog in Moss, he usually worked hard and ran hard in the practices I have attended throughout his career. He wasn’t like Michael Irvin, but he definitely gave a quality effort. He was even busting his butt last summer in Napa, where the Raiders hold training camp, despite the most disconcerting offensive practices I have ever witnessed in almost 30 years. There were literally five minutes at times between plays; it looked like junior high football.
You could see frustration on the players’ faces. It was only August, but you could sense that the Raiders would be lucky to win a few games despite a pretty talented defense. The offense was a Tom Walsh mess and then head coach Art Shell was allowing it to happen. Plus, Moss knew that quarterback Aaron Brooks was the worst kind of leader.
Moss, who was generally hurt much of last season, basically threw up his arms, knowing he had better offensive training at Marshall in the late 1990s.
Does that condone his lack of effort? No, but it explains him a little.
To understand his thinking, consider this: If you had a choice between playing for a rookie head coach (Lane Kiffin) who wasn’t even the owner’s first choice or Bill Belichick, whom would you pick? If we polled every NFL player, the results would be above 90 percent for Belichick.
Hey, Kiffin might turn out to be pretty good. But Moss wants to win now. And I believe all he wants is some structure to his football existence.
Moss-Packers
Without question, Randy Moss preferred Tom Brady to Brett Favre and Belichick to Mike McCarthy. But if you were Packers GM Ted Thompson, and you really wanted Moss, plus you’ve known Oakland’s asking price, why would you play hardball with the receiver? I mean, don’t give him the same one-year salary deal he received in New England?
Better yet, Thompson should have given Moss a better deal than the one the Patriots were offering. That possibly would have tipped the scales in Green Bay’s favor. The bottom line is that Thompson and the Packers really didn’t want Moss, a receiver who has torched them for 14 of his 101 career receiving touchdowns.
Cleveland flashback
The Browns did very well in the draft when you consider they had Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn rated fourth overall on their draft board. They were able to pick him with the Cowboys’ 22nd overall pick. Granted, they surrendered next year’s first-round pick for Brady, but GM Phil Savage is hoping that it won’t be as high as the Browns' pick was this year.
Cleveland doesn’t get a free pass on Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas. Last year, Savage gave Atlanta tackle Kevin Shaffer a 6-year, $36 million contract to play left tackle. Thomas will eventually receive a contract more expensive than Shaffer’s and now the Browns are trying to unload Shaffer. The Giants, who are desperate for a left tackle with the release of Luke Petitgout, wouldn’t surrender a fourth-round pick for Shaffer.
So while Savage deserves credit for this year’s draft, he deserves low marks for signing Shaffer to such a huge contract.
Turner off the market
I don’t blame San Diego GM A.J. Smith for announcing he’s keeping Michael Turner as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup. The Chargers need every quality player they have in order to compete with the Patriots and Colts this season.
But I do find a lot of fault with Tennessee and Green Bay. Neither team was willing to trade a second-round pick for Turner, who is better than any running back currently on either team’s roster. Instead, the Titans may have wasted their second-round pick on Arizona running back Chris Henry, who started 10 games in college. Henry’s stock soared in the draft because he was a workout warrior.
Call him a steal
Who is the only NFL tight end to catch two touchdowns in the playoffs last season? If you guessed Indy’s Dallas Clark, you would be wrong.
Tampa Bay’s new tight end, Jerramy Stevens, did. He scored twice in Seattle’s wild-card victory over Dallas. Tony Gonzalez and Daniel Graham of the Patriots had one each.
Even though Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren highly recommended Stevens, the Panthers and Jets turned their noses up on him. Stevens is considered a bad guy even though he currently isn’t in the NFL drug program. His problem is alcohol, not illegal drugs. Of course, he recently was arrested for a DUI, so his standing could change. The Bucs signed him for $600,000 and that could prove to be a bargain.
Jerramy Stevens for only $600,000 is steal i think he could be as good as Gates of Tony G if he wasnt another knuckle head this is a major upgrade for the bucs cause stevens has the physical present and he is athletic enough to become one of the best recieving tight end in the league and he can cause alot of problems on the field
green bay missed out on one of the great recievers in the league the browns r idiots if they had shaffer they should have just picked up brady with the third pick and drafted another offensive tackle in the next round there was some good prospects in the second third round i think pickin up j thomas was good and gettin quinn later was a good idea intil i heard they already have a tackle who they r payin alot of money for so now they have to go though a big process which makes no sense titans should have picked up turner from the chargers instead they use it for a second pick. didnt they do that last year for Lendale
Just rename the Pats the Beast of the East right now. Moss was only worth a 4th rounder???
NE's free agent signings, draft and Moss make them the team to beat.
I hope I am wrong to be worried about this draft. As a Packers fan I felt as if the train left and the pack gave their tickets to someone else. Why would they trade down to get more picks and then not even draft anyone any good. They needed a running back but drafted one much higher than he should have gone and used their first round pick on a DT even though they are stocked. This draft was deep at WR but the Pack clearly weren't concerned about that. I can't remember the last time that a draft confused me more. I see draft grades rating the Pack a "C". Hardly, try a "F".
Way too many Egos in New England.
Stallworth was twice the problem in Philly that T.O. could ever be.
so lets follow that by bringing the Barry Bonds of football in as well(Moss)
and then to be sure everyone knows the truth that Billechick never had any morals and is Nothing without Cromell and Weis, let use our first pick on a thug who kicks people in the head and then calls it"defending my teammates" (Merriweather)
The Patriots are a joke and are trying to be like the Yankees by buying a Championship, with no regard to Values.
How does anyone figure that paying 3 times too much for a 30 yr old LB, signing every thug at WR they can find just because of speed, and reaching on just about every pick they drafted ....is a good thing???
Get off the wagon... Its gonna be a short ride to a not so bright futire for the Pats.
Texaschud you sound just like your greatest Cowboy player T.O....Talking out of your azze without know any facts. By the way what REAL FAN has 2 Favorite teams like you do with your Cowboys & Colts??? Everything you said is so wrong & unture..IT"S LAUGHABLE!! I'll help educate you.
1. In case you forgot Pats with Belichick have been in playoffs every year since departure of Weiss & Crennel(not Cromell) & were one first down away from being in Superbowl & winning their 4th Championship in 6yr).
2. It's hilarious that you call Stallworth a problem but T.O. is not? COME ON who are you trying to kid? Patriots have a nack of taking problem players anyways (i.e. Corey Dillon) & getting them to buy into system because if they don't fit in guess what they're gone. (Take a look @ what happened in 2003 with LAWYER MILOY, who didn't buy the "team" concept).
Players know that & come to New England to win & start over if had made previous bad decisions. In Moss' own words "I think Coach Belichick can motivate me, & the whole team to go out there & win. I mean, he has a proven track record so why not be happy? Why not be excited to play for this organization? (As he restructered his contract from getting 10million to taking $3 million to play for Pats).
3. And most ridiculosly about Pats "buying a championship" comment. ALL TEAMS HAVE THE SAME SALARY CAP & Last year Pats were $20million (yes 20MILLION) under the cap. Yes they did get many quality GREAT free-agents & players. (STALLWORTH, A. THOMAS, & MOSS). Who ALL chose Patriots for LESS MONEY because they wanted a chance to win.
Last edited by HOWCOULDYOUBESODUM on May 1st at 11:42 PM.
Texascudaguy - Does it hurt when you think? It must because apparantly you don't do much of it. As other commenters have said, the Pats have been to the playoffs without Charlie Weis and Romeo Crenell, and through shrewd salary cap management put themselves in the position of being able to get top flight players (either by free agency or trade). But the biggest point concerning your idiotic rant that you chose to forget is that the Pats DO dump players who are problems or who don't buy into the team first concept - Lawyer Malloy, Doug Gabriel, Ty Law (wanted to be the uberstar above all others), Deion Branch (same). Belichick will not hesitate to dump Moss and eat the loss of a 4th round pick the minute he might act up, which is what he'll do with Meriweather or anyone else. And how about Jerry "Steinbrenner" Jones - he fires the best coach since Landry in Jimmy Johnson because HE knows how to pick players and coaches - like Barry Switzer??? And T.O., the choirboy - we all know Parcells was the only thing keeping him in check and now he's gone. Michael Irvin and the rest of his cocaine eating, stripper bonking crew, yeah, Dallas is just FULL of class throughout the years. Buy a new tv, dude, because you'll be watching the Pats win the Super Bowl this year.
Texascud you need to quit listening to espn so much. When did Moss and Stallworth become thugs. I am so tired of the perception that if a player is not approachable he is a thug. Some players realize that the people reportin on sports are not that good and know nothing about the sports they cover. So please just watch the games and #### up. Its a game played by men that some are mature and some arent just like in civillian life,.
Steven's actually has a marijuana possession charge as well as a DUI charge if you read the police report linked below. Also in 2003 Steven's was convicted of reckless-driving and ended up being charged with a DUI. He was then clocked traveling 90 mph in a 60 mph zone, which gave him six infraction in an eight-month period. Steven's criminal record dates back to 1998 and he has been convicted of assault as well as hit and run property damage. So obviously he has more baggage than just "alcohol" as was stated in the blog and with commissioner Rogers new conduct policy he is probably looking at some kind of suspension once the season starts.
Is there even the remote possiblity that the Czar would ever fault Bill Belichik? Yes, he is head and shoulders above the rest of the coaches in the league, but the Czar`s love affair with all things Patriot is wearing mighty thin. Moss is a thug and a loser. He has gone nowhere with mountains of talent. As evidenced by the drafting of pistol--packing Meriweather and Meter Maid basher Moss, Belichik has lowered his standards and gone off the "character player" reservation. He will pay for it with a constant and disheartening battle to keep his team focused and off the local police rosters.
Ok, you heard it started here first!!! The Patriots need to dump another disgruntled DB Asante Samuel. $7.79 MILLION is not enough!?!?! Trade him to the Bears for Lance Briggs. Young pro-bowler for young pro-bowler. Da Bears need a corner and we all know how Bill values linebackers. Lock up a gamer like Briggs who aspires to be the man! And I'm just spitballing here, but I bet they can get him for cheaper than almost $8 Mil per year!
Hey "Czar"...how about you go back and check the facts and do a little bit of research. A little bit never hurt. Jerramy Stevens is a punk. I went to school with him in college and he is a straight punk. He would instigate fights, couldn't control his alchohol, verbally attack people. You didn't read about how Stevens ran his truck into a nursing home then ran from the scene did you? Oh, and that was in 2001. 6 YEARS AGO!! The guy has problems. The last thing is your dumb comment about it being alchohol and not illegal drugs. Research please....If you look at the police report his BAL was .200 (legal limit 0.08) and he had marijuana in the car. Last time I checked marijuana was illegal. Jerramy Stevens is a bad guy. If you read the facts you would have noticed this too. Good riddance 86. I hope you ruin Bucs fans' thoughts of you just like you did in Seattle.
Look texascudaguy, how can you say that the Pats are like the yankees buying championships? There is no cap in baseball and in football , every team has the same amount to spend on free agency and on players on their roster. It sounds like envy to me..I mean, BB an Paoli are brilliant at identifying talent and making sure that talent is right for their team. As far as Crommel (which is spelled Crennell) and Weis, they were a great part of the teams of the past but I assure you Tex, the Pats will make it back to the big game and will win it too, much to the dismay of the envious. You have to remember that without Weis and Crommel (which again, by the way is spelled Crennell) the Pats still had the lead going into the 4th qtr. in last years AFC championship game and that was without Weis and Crennell.
As far as the new guys the Pats have added.....its the Pats money and they can spend it as they see fit...too bad your team couldn't get em first , huh? Again, it sounds a lot like envy..A LOT!
Is anyone else hoping the whole Moss thing blows up in Chowdahead's face? The Raiders thought they were getting a bargain when they traded for him, and Moss was just as happy as could be when he left for Oakland....he cost them a valuable draft pick...killed them against the salary cap, then left town.
Over the time Bill has been coach we have seen many people come and go. He seems to have the ability to handle difficult personalities. Look at people like Corey Dillon. He was great for this team. I believe if Moss was on any of your teams you would appreciate him. Instead of being critical,watch what happens. I believe Moss will work hard and Tom Brady will enjoy having some receivers to throw too. It should be a fun year and I believe in regards to someones comments about the patriots being on their way out. They have two picks in the first round next year also. If you are not a patriots fan may I invite you to come on board. It is nice to have a team that is competative every year.
Moss doesn't have a SB ring and I'm sure that's what he is dying to have. He obviously doesn't care about money at this point and knows one of the only teams where he can have a great chance in winning is with New England.
Of course the Pats have taken "thugs" from other teams but let us call the Pats a "rehab center" for thugs. BB knows how to deal with trouble makers and turn them into humble champions.
TexasCudaguy, you obviously must have been hiding under a rock as your statements are all wrong. I don't have to explain more. Just read the previous responses. It tells you all.
Time to sell the Cuda and get a real ride.
Last edited by chrisguapo69 on May 4th at 2:17 AM.
I FORGOT THE BUCS HAVE THE YOUNG TIGHTEND PLAYER aLEX sMITH NOT THE QB BUT THE TIGHT END GUY WHO IS SUPPOSE TO BE REAL NICE TIGHT END RECIEVER AND HE IS BETTER THEN STEVENS BUT STEVENS IS REAL GOOD TO
The more apt analogy would be that the Pats are becoming the Lakers. I.e., Payton and Malone which both took pay cuts for the team. Good players on there way out trying to find validatoin for their pro careers by getting a ring. That worked out miserably, hopefully it works out the same for the Pats. More importantly who do they plan on getting to throw the ball to their newly acquired deep threats in Moss and Stallworth. Please don't say Brady because then you would show your ineptitude for the sport you blogging about. Brady CAN NOT throw the deep ball. Of course unless you consider winging the ball down field and letting your receivers run 15 yds off their pattern to retrieve the pass. More likely Moss and Stallworth are clever decoys for the 5 to 15 yd dink passes any high school qb could throw. How long do you think Moss will stay happy as a decoy. Furthermore the Pats fans on this blog sound as if they're simply bull horns for the prevoiusly aired nfl commentary, which by this time would have made BB and Brady saints and given each of them their own holiday. Fortunatly they can't.
Kane, it is apparent that you are not adept in the game of football. The game plan employs numerous key positions that function as a whole. Different routes are assigned each player to either break up a defense or open passing routes for others. It's an intricate system that I cannot totally explain to you unless I take up a whole page.
And how does throwing the ball deep make you win games?? It's not how far you can throw the ball that matters, but it's who you throw the ball to that's important. That's what Tom Brady is all about. He has no favorite reciever. He spreads the ball out to anyone that's open. If Moss is double team'd on a play designed for him, he's not gonna pass it to him since he know's that someone would be open. If Moss is a decoy but just happens to be open for the big play, then guess what?? It's not about being a decoy dude.
The Czar’s got it backwards. It’s not that we won’t accept players for what they are, it’s that some players won’t accept that the reason they’re paid what they are is that the NFL has promoted the “fan” concept to the hilt so that we fans feel like our favorite team is worth our loyalty and interest. Part of the “fan” concept is that their idols throw them a bone every once in a while. Randy Moss’s I-can’t-be-bothered-by-the-press breaks that unspoken bond.
If the Czar thinks it’s “idle ####-chat” why does he make such a big deal to point out when he personally interviews star athletes? It’s because he knows that it makes us fans feel one step closer to our heroes. When I was a varsity coach, I was thrilled when Hall of Fame DT Artie Donavan occasionally attended our county coaches meetings. I even snuck my father into a meeting so he could meet the man. Artie sat at our table, drank to excess with us and told us several Baltimore Colts stories too ####y to appear in his famous, humorous, football autobiography, “####” (read it – it’s great). For the rest of his life, my father said that was the greatest thing I ever did for him – and I’ve taken him on cross-country vacations.
The point is that without the fan-player interaction, sports would not be as supported as it is (look at the prices for tickets, “personal set licenses”, an “official” NFL jersey, hat, etc). And Randy Moss wouldn’t make the money he’s making if every player acted like him.
Chris, thanks for the quick lesson on football. Let me see if I understand the QB throws the ball to the open receiver. Which is fine as long as the receiver isn't more than, I'll be generous, 20 yds up the field in Brady's case. Which relegates both Moss and Stallworth to decoys. Which will make Moss unhappy.
Oh, wait I said this in my last blog. So get over the fact that I said Brady, contrary to the media's oppinion, has flaws in his game. Instead of me studying, how about you read what wrote again, maybe this time you'll comprehend it.
kane i still dont get want point ur makin and it doesnt matter how far u can throw its how u throw it so im no pats fan no moss fan but i have alot of respect 4 moss as a player and tha pats as a team people sound stuoid when they bring up negative things that have nothing to do wit the game. put it like this tom brady is one of the best qb in the league and moss is one of the best wr in the history of the game. and stallworth is also a problem
Kane, tell me who doesn't have a flaw and I'll bow down to my knees. Who cares what the media says. They're always wrong. Bottom line is Brady wins games. He has no TD records, no passing records, no deep throwing records, etc. If these are the flaws you're referring to then it's fine for us. Seeking individual records is not part of the Patriots integrity.
The more I read your comments the more I see your immaturity. You're presuming Moss and Stallworth will be relegated to decoys. You're presuming that with the new wideouts, Brady has to throw deep balls. And you're presuming Moss will be unhappy if not thrown the ball to. All assumptions, all presumptions. That's dangerous. If Moss want's to leave, the Pats can cut him easily and still be a formidable team. Heck they almost made the playoffs with a rag tag defense and less than stellar offense.
For the sake of argument, having decoys IS an integral part of every NFL team's game plan. Tell me which team is set on 1 single game plan without any options? This is the NFL, not backyard neighbor football.
To be safe, state facts next time. Not assumptions.
Have a nice day! :)
Last edited by chrisguapo69 on May 5th at 8:46 AM.
The cudaguy never had to endure the pains of TRUE fans-not just Patriot fans. From 1960 til...So he has the zero awareness of just what finally having a real team with promise means to REAL fans. Forgive him BB for he knows not what he says!!! The NY Fakees always had the cheese to build the superior team, however the Sox, if they never win another-overcame a 0-3 hole to beat them at their own game with far less to spend. The Pats have the same dollar figure the other 31 teams have-under BB and company they know how to spend it. So PLEASE go get on another band wagon.i.e. the Texans passing on Bush and Mr. Face Lift owner of the Dallas Fboys paying 3 mill signing bonus to your pair of shoes T.O. If you have nothing to do-don't do it here.
John Czarnecki, a former sportswriter with over 20 years experience covering the NFL, has been the editorial consultant for the Emmy Award-winning FOX NFL Sunday since its 1994 inception. Prior, he provided exclusive information to CBS Sports' The NFL Today program from 1991 to 1993, holding a similar position.
Prior to joining CBS Sports, Czarnecki was a pro football writer for The National Sports Daily (1989-91), The Dallas Morning News (1989), and The Los Angeles Herald-Examin er. An archive of work can be found here.
