Moss, Belichick: Sense of Impending Doom

During seven Minnesota seasons, Randy Moss recorded 574 receptions, 9,142 yards, and 90 touchdowns. He also squirted referees with water, bumped a cop with his car, and mock mooned Green Bay Packers fans. Following the 2004 campaign, the Vikings traded Moss to the Oakland Raiders. As reciprocation, the Vikings received a first round selection (#7 overall), a seventh round selection, and linebacker Napoleon Harris (a former first round choice).

Moss’ dubious character aligned with Raiders’ tradition. However, he was unproductive. In two seasons, Moss tallied only 102 receptions, 1,558 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He also vocally frustrated coaches and teammates. On Sunday, the New England Patriots acquired Moss. As compensation, the Raiders received a fourth round selection.

Moss’ degeneration is obvious and pathetic. The decline is also self-inflicted. Moss’ talent is infinite. His self-control is non-existent. During college, Moss was arrested, violated probation, and was ejected from both Notre Dame and Florida State. This precipitated his NFL Draft descent. Finally, the Vikings selected him twenty-first. His football brilliance was evident. His social aptitude was vacant. Moss has alienated everyone for nine campaigns. Now, he joins New England.

Once, the Patriots decreed, “character counts.” For six seasons, their players have been robotic and colorless. Moss is truculent, problematic, and sans character. He is Terry Glenn immensely expanded. The Patriots have never attempted this transformation. One cannot argue Corey Dillon. Dillon was a locker room cancer. With that stated, he never exploded. He was never arrested and never abhorrent between the lines.

Bill Belichick is arrogant. His conceit equals Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells. Both believed they could convert Terrell Owens. Obviously, Belichick believes he can alter Moss. He cannot. Moss exemplifies trouble. If Parcells and Moss were akin to oil and water, Belichick and Moss are small children and nuclear weapons.