No Moss

As I was watching the end of the World Series of poker, the ESPN news ticker was scrolling across the screen. To my astonishment, I saw a report I could not believe. It read that the Patriots were in trade talks with the Minnesota Vikings for Wide Receiver Randy Moss. There had been multiple reports on multiple channels that Moss would be traded to the Vikings, because he was not happy with the Patriots.

Since day one of the season, Moss said that this probably was his last year with the Patriots. He felt no one respected him or wanted him in New England. I know I personally enjoy Moss on the Patriots, especially with Tom Brady at quarterback. I felt these reports were nothing to worry about--just "trade talk." As I watched SportsCenter, the show led off with the reports of Moss possibly being traded. At first, reports were not official, so I fell asleep.

The first thing I saw when I turned on the TV today was the report that Randy Moss was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round draft pick. I honestly thought it was a joke, but after a minute or so of watching the TV, I suddenly started to get sick and depressed.

How could this guy not be happy with the Patriots?

I was astonished. He had been complaining since the first game against the Bengals. He talked about how he felt unwanted and unappreciated. He is one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game and is exciting to watch. The people in New England love him.

How can he feel this way?



Randy Moss has broken many records in his time with many more ready to be broken. He has a few years left to play and could have had another four-to-five years to play with one of the greatest quarterbacks to finish out his career. He was also on one of the greatest teams any pro football player could play for, and he just did not realize that.

He brought much excitement to the team, and he was great to watch. I remember Brady throwing deep passes and Moss making one-handed catches. On the other hand, internally with the organization, he was causing problems and did not agree with the entire scheme of things.

My thought is he is as rich as can be already. How much money does he need to make? How can you possibly make this guy happy?

Maybe the Patriots are better off, and hopefully Coach Bill Belichick knows what he is doing. It has been years since the Pats last Superbowl. I am sure that in order to get another one, something drastic like this needs to be done to gain the focus and attention of the team.

The Patriots did not make Moss an offer for an extension yet, and from his perspective, I guess I can see how he might be upset. Brady got his extension, yes, but Brady also brought three Superbowl titles to the Patriots. Brady has been consistent and is two years removed from an injury. Brady wanted Moss here, but Moss was being impatient and was worrying about himself rather than winning for the team.

Randy Moss put himself before his team when he should have just kept his mouth shut and played out his final year. He should have played out his contract with Pats, and he should have played his ass off. If he had listened to the coaching staff and kept his eye on what was most important, I am sure he would have been taken care of.

Moss says he wants to win? His best chance was with Brady and the Patriots. Now, he will find out just how good he had it. I will truly miss the excitment of Brady's long, deep passes to Randy Moss. The excitement was somethig to look forward to.