Will Miami Kick The Tires On Randy Moss?
By Matt Patrick
On his 35th birthday, Randy Moss announced he is coming out of retirement to play in the National Football League in 2012. His agent, Joel Segal, reported that teams have been calling him with questions showing interest in Moss. However, can he still play at a competitive level? Most importantly, would Miami be a team to pursue him?
Statistically, Moss ranks as one of the best receivers in NFL history. He is ninth in receptions with 954 and fifth in yards with 14,858. Not to mention he is tied for second all time with 153 touchdowns. During his 13 years in the NFL, his elite speed and 6’4” frame allowed him to be one of the most prolific deep threats the game has ever seen. He does hold the single season record for catching 23 touchdowns in 2007 with the Patriots. No one will deny his “past” playmaking ability. But, does he have any gas left in the tank and can he be a team player? Moss seemed to have thrown in the towel near the end of his last season in the league.
His 2010 season was definitely one to forget. Just after four games, the Patriots traded Moss back to the team who originally drafted him in 1998, the Minnesota Vikings. After overstaying his welcome, he was released just after four games as well. He would finish out the year with the Tennessee Titans and had a very subpar season, recording just 28 catches for 393 yards. He was labeled a washed up “quiter” who could no longer perform. Despite all that, Moss claims to be a changed man who is physically ready to play in the NFL.
According to his old teammate and former Miami Dolphin, Heath Evans, Moss told him he can still run a 4.35 to 4.38 forty yard dash. If this is true, which I highly doubt, then I can see why “some” teams have been showing interest. Evans and others close to Moss claim he has one of the most intense and rigorous training regimes in the league. They went on to say that several other NFL players, especially the rookies, could not keep up with Moss and his training program.
Those who have played with Moss felt that his only motivation was playing on winning teams. This is the main reason why he was so productive and lethal in New England. The downside is Moss tends to lose interest and motivation when he is surrounded by losing and poor quarterback play. This character flaw gave him the label of being a “cancer” in the locker room. In my opinion, for this reason alone, I would not support him joining the Dolphins.
Upgrading the Dolphins’ receivers is a hot topic for debate not only among fans, but also for the local media who closely cover the team. Many are content with the production of the current personnel; Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, and Clyde Gates. Others argue that we are not getting enough out of these guys and the Dolphins need a “true number two” receiver that can reap the benefits from lining up next to one of the league’s most explosive receivers, Brandon Marshall. You can play devil’s advocate to both sides of this argument on the receivers, but I don’t plan on poking around this hornet’s nest.
At this time, no one knows if the Dolphins will show interest and pursue Moss. I learned a long time ago to never say never in this league. After all, Miami did try out a beat-up Clinton Portis last year and even brought in a run-down Larry Johnson for a short stint. No one saw that coming. So what would stop them from kicking the tires on Moss? In your opinion, is the juice worth the squeeze?