Edwards says he 'absolutely' could coach Vikings' Moss

[1niksder]

Edwards says he 'absolutely' could coach Vikings' MossBY KEN BERGER
STAFF WRITER

February 11, 2005


In his second public appearance in as many days, Jets coach Herman Edwards let his guard down a little on the subject of Randy Moss yesterday. When asked if he could coach the controversial Vikings receiver, he responded, "Absolutely."

"I would think if any player's going to play for us, at the end of the day, they're going to know how to conduct themselves with touchdowns and those type of celebrations," Edwards said in an interview on WFAN during a promotional event on the Upper West Side. "That's just part of the process if you're going to play for us."

Asked if he could deal with Moss' theatrics, Edwards said: "Yeah. I've got no problem with that. I've dealt with harder guys than that in my life."

Reminded that Moss is a handful, Edwards responded, "There's some guys on our team right now that are handfuls and it never comes out."

Vikings owner Red McCombs has given the front office and coach Mike Tice permission to trade Moss. The Jets have expressed interest in Moss in the past, and quarterback Chad Pennington played with him for two seasons at Marshall.

A day earlier, Edwards deflected questions about Moss as he participated in a school nutrition event in the Bronx. When asked about Moss on Wednesday, Edwards said: "He ain't available yet. He ain't a free agent. Let's just say he's a Viking right now and leave it at that."

In a mild surprise, Edwards also said yesterday that kicker Doug Brien, who missed two potential winning kicks in the fourth quarter of the Jets' 20-17 overtime loss to the Steelers in the divisional playoffs, will be back in 2005.

"I feel very confident [in Brien]," Edwards said. "Absolutely. Two bad kicks? He's coming back at this point."

Edwards also addressed the team's decision to place the franchise tag on defensive end John Abraham, who missed the final four regular-season games and two playoff games with a knee injury. "It's too early to give up on a guy like that," Edwards said. "He'll come back healthy. He'll be part of our program. But we've got to keep him healthy, at the end of the day."

Far more surprising were Edwards' statements about backup quarterback Quincy Carter, who has checked himself into rehab. Because of Carter's personal problems and mediocre play - he went 2-1 with Pennington out, but it was plain to see that the Jets won in spite of him - most observers have assumed that he is out of the Jets' plans. Not so.

Edwards said he spoke with Carter on Wednesday night and told him if he can't get a starting job somewhere, he "can sure come back to us." Added Edwards, "I'd give him a chance."

Notes & quotes: One of the more interesting decisions the Jets have to make before March 1 involves WR Wayne Chrebet, who said after the season that he is contemplating retirement. Don't bet on Chrebet going quietly, but keeping him around will be costly. Chrebet is owed a $250,000 roster bonus March 1 and another $150,000 June 1. Chrebet's agent, Art Weiss, declined comment.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ ... jets-print

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

I think Herm Edwards is right. His steady resolve and "non-nonsense" demeanor will keep Moss in check.

I think Moss has increased his "antics" to speed up his trade from the Vikings.

With that in mind...the JETS could be nasty with Moss on offense.

[Redskin in Canada]

With that in mind...the JETS could be nasty with Moss on offense.

No, they will not. Pennington would have to throw the ball long enough passed the line in the first place...