Moss On The Bubble?

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 2:19 pm

MOSS ON THE BUBBLE?

There's talk among some league insiders that the New England Patriots are considering whether to release receiver Randy Moss.

Seriously.

We scoffed when we heard it, but then a source explained that the question the Pats are believed to be pondering is whether Moss will become a problem if he is not a focal point of the offense -- or if he isn't in the opening-day starting lineup.

And we agree that this sounds crazy. Exactly as crazy as, say, any rumors that would have been making the rounds on Friday morning that the Jaguars were planning to part ways with Byron Leftwich.

Moss currently is listed as one of the starters at receiver, along with Donte' Stallworth. But Moss suffered a pulled hamstring several weeks ago and has seen only limited duty since then, opening the door for other wideouts to show what they can do.

If this rumor is true, the only logical explanation is that the Pats are wrestling with whether Moss is a luxury that they don't need in order to be successful -- and whether his presence could actually keep them from their goals if he is unhappy with his role.

As we see it, however, it would be easy enough to dump him if he turns out to be a problem. The only financial risk would be his $2.5 million base salary, which becomes guaranteed if he's on the roster when the regular season begins (if he is released and chooses to take the rest of the money as his one-time termination pay).

Then again, maybe coach Bill Belichick doesn't want to divert his attention from getting the team ready to play by monitoring whether a grown man is behaving like one.

The situation bears watching as Saturday unfolds. Even if Moss stays, there's sure to be plenty of upheaval at the receiver position as final cuts are made, given that ten receivers are still on the roster, including Moss, Stallworth, Wes Welker, Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, Kelley Washington, Bam Childress, Kelvin Kight, Chris Dunlap, and C.J. Jones. (Chad Jackson and Troy Brown are still on the PUP list.)

PFT

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 3:09 pm

This is hilarious. I think its a joke.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 3:20 pm

They do have 10 other WRs that have actually took part in the pre-season. The Jags let Byron go because they didn't think he would have the right attitude to play behind someone he felt he was better than. Moss won't want to play behind anyone, and is a lot more volatile than Lefty could ever be. The Pats know this about Moss and they may not want to take a chance of how he will act playing second fiddle.

It is rather funny that it's come to this, with that GREAT F.O. and coaching staff that's the toast of that dislike the Skins setup.

Deadskins · Post by **Deadskins** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 3:59 pm

1niksder wrote:They do have 10 other WRs that have actually took part in the pre-season. The Jags let Byron go because they didn't think he would have the right attitude to play behind someone he felt he was better than. Moss won't want to play behind anyone, and is a lot more volatile than Lefty could ever be. The Pats know this about Moss and they may not want to take a chance of how he will act playing second fiddle.

It is rather funny that it's come to this, with that GREAT F.O. and coaching staff that's the toast of that dislike the Skins setup.

I wouldn't mind having having a Moss Tandem at WR. Of course, he would have to have a total ego-ectomy to get in the door.

LOSTHOG · Post by **LOSTHOG** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 4:38 pm

Now if they don't cut him, he will hear of these rumors and become a problem. From all of the Pats sources he has been a model citizen. Not after he hears they thought of cutting him.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:38 pm

The New England Patriots have made their mandatory reduction to 53 players. Receiver Randy Moss has made the cut, for now. Earlier on Saturday, we reported on rumors in league circles that the Pats were wrestling with whether to let Moss go, due to concerns that he might not react well if he isn't the focal point of the offense.

They didn't cut him but they have 6 WR on the roster and two more on the PUP list (for 6 weeks min.)

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 1:22 pm

MOSS RUMORS DON'T DIE

We are hearing more -- not less -- of those rumors that the Patriots might pull the plug prematurely on the Randy Moss experiment.

The talk is intensifying in the media, and among league insiders. One league source tells us that Moss is "bitching quietly" about his perceived role in the offense. A media source says that "where there's smoke there's fire" on this story.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald mentions the rumors, and reports that Tim DiPiero, who represents Moss, had not heard of any potential issues with the former Pro Bowler whose arrival in New England has helped to push expectations higher than ever.

Though Moss was not released on Saturday, the team could still dump him prior to next weekend and avoid responsibility for his $2.5 million salary. As we mentioned on Saturday night, the Pats currently have six receivers on the roster -- Moss, Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and Kelley Washington. (Troy Brown and Chad Jackson are on the PUP list.)

Notably absent are any youngsters who would try to earn reps with the offense in the future through heavy involvement in special teams. As the roster is currently configured, guys like Gaffney and Caldwell (both starters in 2006) and Washington would be used for punt/kick coverage/return teams.

Could it be that the Pats will try to shop Moss to someone like the Packers or the Vikings before cutting him? Though Minnesota coach and former Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress surely has no interest in acquiring another potential T.O., owner Zygi Wilf might conclude that a return by Randy could be the way to sell out all of the seats for 2007.

May be it's just be but: the Patriots off season this year was strange compared to how they've done things in the past. It's not so strange how the media reports on the Pats are so different than they would be if this was the Redskins a week from opening day.

This Moss thing is more than likely PFT trying to boost readership, but had it been the Redskins and a player that they just signed it would have been picked up by everyone and be all over the web and the 4-letter network's Bottomline crawler as breaking news. However the talk about this is coming from PFT, they don't seem to want to let it go. :shock:

The Skins would be a laughing stock for bringing in a guy that everyone says would be a problem. If the Skins did the same things the Pats did thisoff-season they would all be saying "the Danny" is trying to buy a Super Bowl. You already hear about the fact that only 2 draft picks made the Redskins roster and that's due to the lack of picks. New England had twice as many picks as the Skins and they only had 2 draft picks make the final roster but you don't hear about that.

ChocolateMilk · Post by **ChocolateMilk** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 1:29 pm

you make the bed you sleep in... to get respect you have to earn it. and the patriots have earned it

LOSTHOG · Post by **LOSTHOG** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:34 pm

"bitching quietly"

I love it, if only my ex wife would have.....

does this mean none of this :moon:

in New England this year

skinsfan#33 · Post by **skinsfan#33** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:01 pm

do these guys really count as WRs: Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and Kelley Washington!

They might be better than our 5th guy, whats-his-name, OK a good chance they are, but do they still count!

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 11:20 pm

skinsfan#33 wrote:do these guys really count as WRs: Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and Kelley Washington!

They might be better than our 5th guy, whats-his-name, OK a good chance they are, but do they still count!

They made to the post season with that group last year, I'd have to say they count as WRs. Does mean they're great but they made the roster again this year after NE went out to upgrade the position.

Paralis · Post by **Paralis** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 1:01 am

1niksder wrote:MOSS RUMORS DON'T DIE
[If the Skins did the same things the Pats did thisoff-season they would all be saying "the Danny" is trying to buy a Super Bowl. You already hear about the fact that only 2 draft picks made the Redskins roster and that's due to the lack of picks. New England had twice as many picks as the Skins and they only had 2 draft picks make the final roster but you don't hear about that.

Two things to consider here:

1. Randy Moss got no signing bonus when he reduced his salary to join the Patriots. None. If the Patriots cut him before opening day, they get $3M back under their cap and are out a 4th-round pick. This compared to, say, Brandon Lloyd, who was much more expensive and is uncuttable. Nobody laughs at the Patriots' offseason moves because they tend to buy cheap, and play it safe. This too why there wasn't outrage or ridicule at the Pete Kendall trade.

2. The Patriots only had two draft picks make their roster, but it's because they traded away their second and third round picks. They're going into the 2008 draft with two 1sts and two 3rds.

The Skins are on the right track, but it's going to be a long couple of years before they can get out from under last years' FA mess and be able to afford another mistake. One only hopes getting out from underneath one terrible contract a year (Coles, Arrington, Archuleta) will be fast enough.

skinsfan#33 · Post by **skinsfan#33** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 8:56 pm

1niksder wrote:
skinsfan#33 wrote:do these guys really count as WRs: Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and Kelley Washington!

They might be better than our 5th guy, whats-his-name, OK a good chance they are, but do they still count!

They made to the post season with that group last year, I'd have to say they count as WRs. Does mean they're great but they made the roster again this year after NE went out to upgrade the position.

Yeah, and Philly made it to the NFC Championship game 3 years in a row with just Thrash, Pinkston, and Mitchell. All that proves is, give Tom Brady (or any HOF QB) time and any WR can look good.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:09 pm

If this is true good. I want Moss to destroy the Patriots from within. Then it will clear the way for us to become the next dynasty. :twisted:

TincoSkin · Post by **TincoSkin** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:39 pm

this is all part of the belichek PR machine. hes so good at this... moss wont play, he has a hammy pull so on and so on. hes gonna play and hes gonna kill.

Irn-Bru · Post by **Irn-Bru** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:42 pm

I'm glad these rumors have passed overhead. Since Moss is my only real fantasy WR threat, I was holding my breath, but I think things are looking much better now.

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:52 pm

Irn-Bru wrote:I'm glad these rumors have passed overhead. Since Moss is my only real fantasy WR threat, I was holding my breath, but I think things are looking much better now.

You do some amazing work sans oxygen

Irn-Bru · Post by **Irn-Bru** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:54 pm

Fios wrote:
Irn-Bru wrote:I'm glad these rumors have passed overhead. Since Moss is my only real fantasy WR threat, I was holding my breath, but I think things are looking much better now.

You do some amazing work sans oxygen

My wife says it's indicative of the state of my brain. . .whatever the hell "indicative" means. . .