After the QB Tom Brady injury, I wrote a column about WR Randy Moss fulfilling his role as a team captain. Just two weeks later, there are reports of Moss exhibiting the bad behavior that the Minnesota Vikings tired of and the Oakland Raiders wouldn't deal with.
Boy, that didn't take long. I know Moss is under constant scrutiny, but I thought he'd get the benefit of the doubt after last season. Nope, Randy Moss still is the media's curiosity, with every move, gesture, soundbite, and hair braiding scrutinized with the power of an electron microscope.
If Moss really is isolating himself, then did The Boston Globe make up the visual of Moss discussing preparations for the San Francisco 49ers with QB Matt Cassel in the locker room?
I get the feeling people are waiting for Moss to fail. I won't go as far as they want Randy to fail, but they do think when the going gets tough, Moss folds like a tent. They point to examples during the Miami game: There's Moss sitting all by himself, isolating himself from the team instead of trying to rally the troops. Look at Moss with his head down, obviously disappointed that he's not getting the ball. See that incompletion? It was a catch-able ball. That was because Moss didn't go after that pass.
I won't deny that it looked like Moss could had reached the pass on a quick slant. He also would had been blown up by the safety coming his way. It's not an excuse for Moss. He should had went after that pass. But otherwise I feel too much is being made out of his body language at this point.
I understand that old habits die hard. That's why people are expecting the old Randy to come back in a different uniform. But I think he's trying to change. He participated in all post-game press conferences so far and Moss working with Cassel is another sign of Randy trying to turn over a new leaf.
The loyalty he's been shown by this team will go a long way in Randy's effort to better control his demeanor. He really appreciated when Brady stuck up for him last year after Moss was accused of taking plays off. Head coach Bill Belichick is doing the same thing, saying Moss remains consistent in games, practice and preparation.
Are these tactics to buoy an emotionally sensitive player? Maybe, but Moss isn't the only one on the team (Hey guys bothered by booing!). As long as Moss feels confident the team and coaching staff has his back, then I expect Moss to make a strong effort to avoid falling back to his old habit of sulking.
It's been a long time since Moss dealt with a regular season loss. He needs to learn how to handle them. I'm willing to give him some time to learn.
Comments