DP's Thoughts On Randy Moss

I'm not going to sit here and fondle Randy Moss's sack like BMack did yesterday. Randy Moss retiring is just another case of him being in asshole and a diva. He may have all of the accolades and stats, but the guy is a straight asshole. He basically retired because the 2 teams he wanted to go to the Jets and Patriots took care of their wide receiver issues.

Let's be honest here Randy, you're not retired and you're doing this to be a baby. Randy would come out of retirement today if the Washington Redskins offered him a 2 year, 10 million dollar deal.

People shouldn't look at his legacy as a Hall of Famer, they should look at his career as a giant let down and waste of talent. He has great numbers but imagine all his numbers if he was motivated and didn't quit on every team he played for. He would still be on the Patriots this year if he just kept his mouth shut and played. He would probably have a 3 year deal if he didn't quit on the 3 teams he played for last year, and the fact he was expecting a 3 year deal is head scratching too.

I can't stand you Randy and you are no better than all the other media whore, attention grabbing players.

Breaking News: Randy Moss Retires

Randy Moss has decided to retire, and I couldn't be happier. I didn't want to see him go to the Jets, and to be honest I just didn't want to see him on another team other then the Patriots. I know he left on terrible terms, but that year when him and Brady broke seemingly broke every record was incredible and I will always remember it.

We will always look at Moss and think what might have been if his head was screwed on right, but even with his stupid ways he is a Hall of Famer and one of the best WRs I have ever seen.

Good luck to you Randy.

I Wonder What The Going Rate Of Randy Moss Will Be

Yesterday Randy Moss's agent came out and said that he was in freakishly good shape. I don't know if that means anything, because I believe he was probably in freakishly good shape last year, it's just his head wasn't.

But Randy Moss is a pretty good question mark going into next season. He's 34, just had a year in which he was on 3 different teams, 2 of them being disasters and had statistically his worst season of his career.

There are rumors that the Jets might be the team that signs him because they have WR issues with 3 of their top 4 receivers are free agents (Brad Smith, Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards) So it would make sense to them to let Edwards go and save money for some of their defensive free agents. I think Holmes and Moss will probably be with the Jets where he will most likely thrive because there is no way someone goes from putting up such gaudy numbers to shit like he did last year.

Jets Interested In Randy Moss

Finally we get to write a football post that isn't about the lockout of an arrest. There are rumors flying around the internet that the Jets are seriously interested in signing Randy Moss. The Jets have Holmes and Edwards are free agents this year, and although their top priority is to resign Holmes there is a good chance that they let Edwards walk. This could open the door for Randy Moss to stroll in. If there is any team in the NFL that would bring him in it would be the Jets. They have no problem taking on "personalities", and it actually worked out for them pretty well last year. Still, there is no chance this works. Moss is all done, and has once again given up. I actually don't even believe anyone will sign him, and I think we have seen the last of Randy Moss in ANY NFL uniform.

Moss Fits the Titans

I have no idea how Randy Moss will work out for the Titans. But it's likely to work out better than his tenure with the Vikings.

When Moss was traded to Minnesota, everyone thought it was a great deal for them. Even I, who defended Belichick's decision to trade Moss, felt like the Vikings would also benefit from the deal. How could we have been so dumb?

Moss was walking into a situation that was already tumultuous. The Vikings were 1-2, had a quarterback embroiled in an off-the-field sexting scandal, and one of the most dunderheaded head coaches in the League. They went 1-3 with Moss, and it was mostly the fault of their QB and their coach.

But Moss would also be sharing targets with the likes of Harvin and Shiancoe. And Randy, like most diva WRs, does not share well.

The Titans, on the other hand, don't need Moss to dazzle. They just need him to play. Even with Kenny Britt healthy, Moss would be their #1 target. The Titans haven't quite figured out their QB situation, but that's much better than having a prima donna under center. Then there's Jeff Fisher, one of the most respected coaches in the game. The Vikings were a constant tug-of-war between QB and coach. The Titans are Jeff Fisher's team. No doubt about it.

If Randy misses New England, he's in a slightly more similar location now. The Titans are contenders. At 5-3 they're 1/2 game behind the Colts for 1st, and would be a playoff team if the season ended today. The Titans also have the best point differential in the NFL.

In Minnesota, Moss was a fire on a sinking ship. He was the broken windshield wiper on a car with no brakes. Disaster was imminent with or without him, but he didn't help things either.

In Tennessee, he can contribute, be productive, get catches, make plays, and possibly earn a contract. And if he doesn't, the Titans lose absolutely nothing by cutting him loose.

The Patriots didn't need Randy Moss, and were unwilling to risk his antics. They got rid of the tumor before it became a tumor. He could only hurt the Patriots.

And the Vikings were a complete mess with or without Moss, who was just another clown in a circus out there. He couldn't help the Vikings.

But the Titans have room for improvement. They could use Randy Moss, but they still don't need him. They have direction, leadership, a team identity. He can only help the Titans.

-The Commodore

Titans Claim Moss, Bills Claim Merriman

The Tennessee Titans were the only team to claim Randy Moss of the waivers, and you know what, it could work beautifully. Randy Moss is Randy Moss, that won't change, but will change is that order will be restored in Tennessee. Moss yelled at a guy, didn't fit in in Minnesota, blah, blah, blah, who cares.

Randy Moss is the perfect receiver to help Chris Johnson. With CJ not putting up CJ numbers Moss will do nothing but help everyone around him. Neither Vince Young nor Kerry Collins has the arm strength of a Brett Favre or Tom Brady, but that's OK, Moss demands a couple people focusing on him rather than the runningback. Also, with Kenny Britt out a little bit Moss can void his role until he comes back. Unlike the Vikings, I believe he will work out well in Tennessee.

Oh yea,

The Buffalo Bills claimed Shawne Merriman. Merriman had previously been regarded as one of the NFL's most feared players. He's a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In 60 career games, he has 43½ sacks -- but only four in his past three seasons.

Hey if T.O. did it, I guess he can too.

Titans Claim Randy Moss

The Titans have claimed Randy Moss off waivers. I think it's a great signing, they recently lost Kenny Britt and they have been looking for a big time WR for a long time. If Moss decides he wants to play this could really open things up for this offense, and since they already have the best RB in the league this team suddenly became very, very dangerous.

Once again IF Moss feels like playing.

More tomorrow.

Moss Meets With Jets (UPDATED)

"Wide receiver Randy Moss was in New Jersey meeting with members of the Jets on Tuesday morning, according to New York's WFAN Radio. Host Craig Carton, citing unidentified sources, said Wednesday morning that Moss was meeting, “at the same spot Mark Sanchez likes to frequent near his home.” Moss was placed on waivers by the Vikings on Tuesday, and teams have 24 hours to claim the wide receiver, with the team that has the worst record getting first crack at landing him. The Patriots, who at 6-1 have the best record in the NFL, will have the last chance to claim him (WEEI)."

I would hate if they happened, because I just can't stand the Jets, but most likely this would be just to block the Patriots (not that they want him back anyways). My thinking is that he'll get picked up before the Jets get a chance to put in their waiver claim, so I'm not all that worried about it.


***UPDATE***

Guess we don't need to worry about that anymore...

"According to a New York Daily News report, the Jets will not put in a claim for Randy Moss by Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline. Gary Myers writes that a league source indicated the team will not attempt to claim Moss nor Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Earlier Wednesday, the team denied a radio report of a meeting between Moss and the Jets in New Jersey. "There has been no contact with Moss or his agent," a team spokesman said. "Zero (WEEI)."

Brad Childress' Grave Only Gets Deeper

Brad Childress waived Randy Moss. Whether that is right or wrong is something that can be debated, but when you make a bold move like this you may any to check in with the guys who sign your checks, because now there are reports that the front office is not very happy about the decisions Childress has been making.

Maybe if the Vikings were 5-2 instead of 2-5 they would've trusted him, but in recent weeks he has thrown his QB under the bus, traded away a 3rd round pick for Moss, then waived him, so you figure the least he could do is give the guys on top a quick heads up about the bold move he was about to do.

I just can't see them keeping Childress around after this year, but if they Vikings choose to get rid of him it won't come without a price, as Childress just signed an extension last year.

Oh by the way the deadline to put in a waiver claim on Randy Moss is 4pm today.

Where Does Moss Go Next?

So, by now you have all heard Moss is no longer a Viking and now will have to go through waivers to see if anyone claims him. Waivers go by the worst record team has the first chance, and best record has the last chance. So, basically if the Bills claimed him, he can't go to another team.

I'm with DP, I don't think he is coming to the Patriots, but let's go team by team, and see where he would fit. Here is the current waiver order, so you can see where your team is, plus my thoughts on the chance of them signing Moss.

1. Buffalo Bills - Out of the playoffs no reason to waste $3 million
2. Carolina Panthers - same
3. Dallas Cowboys - Jerry Jones says they won't claim him.
4. San Francisco 49ers - Small chance, they always seem to think they are still in it, but I don't see Moss and Singletary getting along.
5. Denver Broncos - A little interesting because McDaniels is trying to keep his job.
6. Detroit Lions - Young team that doesn't need his personality.
7. Minnesota Vikings - No.
8. Cincinnati Bengals - Moss, Ochocinco, Owens??? Wow, that would be awesome, but the last thing they need is another diva WR that doesn't go over the middle.
9. Cleveland Browns - They could use the offense, but they know they are building for the future.
10. San Diego Chargers - This could make a lot of sense. They could use that #1 WR.
11. Arizona Cardinals - They suck, why waste $3 million.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars - Maybe then someone would go to their games, but I doubt it.
13. St. Louis Rams - Makes a ton of sense. They have lost their top 3 WRs, but would you want to risk Moss presence with a young QB and team? This is very interesting decision.
14. Oakland Raiders - They've been down that road, but Al Davis is always a wild card.
15. Washington Redskins - Really where he should go (along with the Titans). Their Wrs are terrible, and McNabb needs someone to throw to (haha or Grossman I guess).
16. Seattle Seahawks - They could, but they shouldn't. They are young and they are just getting their feet wet.
17. Chicago Bears - The poor mans Favre would love this, and it would give them a big time receiver. Could make a lot of sense.
18. Miami Dolphins - I don't see them dealing with him.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Another team with injuries, but they had to deal with Owens, and they didn't seem to enjoy that very much.
20. Green Bay Packers - I would fucking love it, and Driver/Jennings/Moss would be sick, but I very much doubt it.
21. New Orleans Saints - Hahaha, would be awesome, but no they don't take guys like this in their locker room (exception: Shockey)
22. Tennessee Titans - Britt could be out for awhile and Fisher is already saying they would accept him with open arms.
23. Houston Texans - Wow that would be a great 1-2 punch, but I doubt it gets past the Titans.
24. Indianapolis Colts - Colts don't deal with these kinds of things, but man that would be terrifying.
25. Kansas City Chiefs - Cassel had success with him before. Could make sense, but it's another young team and like I said won't get past Titans.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Won't get this far.
27. New York Giants - Won't get this far.
28. Baltimore Ravens - Won't get this far.
29. Atlanta Falcons - Won't get this far.
30. New York Jets - Won't get this far, and said to have no interest.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Won't get this far.
32. New England Patriots - Won't get this far.

So, yes there are a lot of teams that you can make a case for, but the teams that I think are most likely are in this order.
1. Bears
2. Titans
3. Redskins
4. Rams

Randy Moss Is Stupid

Like Antoine Dodson said: "You're so dumb, you're really dumb."

Randy Moss had an opportunity in Minnesota to get a long term contract and change his run out of New England image, however, he will be getting T.O. contracts( 1 year deals) for the rest of his career in the NFL.

No matter what team he goes to now, he will be unhappy. I love how everyone in New England expects Randy Moss to come back to the Patriots and everything be fine and dandy (including myself yesterday), but know one has asked themselves "Do the Patriots even want him back?"

I think it's most likely a resounding, No. He is a hell of a talent, but that's where it stops. He doesn't fit the Patriot mold, he gives up on plays (see the pass interference call where he gave up on a ball that landed a foot from him last week) and I don't believe he cares anymore. It wouldn't surprise me if the next thing we heard from Randy Moss is that he is on a Terrell Owens suicide watch.

This will be a big black mark on the Vikings history, but a necessary move. Football is all about the team aspect, and loyalty. Since they already have a circus surrounding Brett Favre, they had to squash Moss. It's a tough bullet to bite, but even though I originally thought this was an owner move, this is a ballsy (yet must do) move.

You also have to applaud Bill Belichick. I bashed him and dragged him through the mud once this move was made, but the Patriots weathered the storm and came out with a 3rd round draft pick. Genius, I can't argue with it.

My prediction is Tennessee Titans.

I needed an excuse to use this clip

Vikings Waive Randy Moss

Randy Moss as been waived by the Vikings. You would have to think this has to do with his comments after the game in which he said he missed his old team, and questioned his head coach. We will give you more details when they are made available, but this is hilarious and Brett Favre has to be pissed.

More Later.

NFL Teams Showing True Colors

I noticed one thing when watching NFL games yesterday. There is one glaring reason why teams like the Cowboys and Vikings fail, while other don't....

It's called being a "team".

After the Vikings fell to 2-5 at the hands of the Patriots, Favre took the stage to talk about the game. Except he really didn't, he talked about himself and how tough he was instead...

"Taking a seat at the end of the game is new for me," Favre said. "Like I have said all along, it has been so long since I haven't played that I expect to play. I don't expect to get eight stitches in my chin -- that is a first time.

"I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't expect to get hurt but when I do, I expect to bounce back."

"Going into the tunnel on the cart, I thought to myself for a brief second, `What in the world am I doing?"' Favre admitted. "But there is nothing like competing. But, then again, there is nothing worse than losing (AP)."

During his 15 min post game news conference Favre never really talks about his teammates, except for in one part when he said he hopes they don't give up on their season.

This is the leader of your fucking team, and all he thinks about is his legacy. Brett Favre didn't care that the Vikings lost, just that he came out and proved everyone wrong by playing through the pain and playing pretty well.

Then we move on to Moss' self interview...

"I just want to be able to tell the guys, I miss the hell out of them, every last helmet in that locker room. I mean, Deion Branch came up to me after the game. I've never had a chance to meet Deion Branch, but it was definitely a pleasure to meet him. Coach [Bill] Belichick, he gave me an opportunity to be a part of something special. That's something I really take to heart. I actually salute coach Belichick and his team and the success they've had before me, during me and after me. So I'm actually stuck for words, just because of the fact that, man, this is just, a lot of memories here. To the New England Patriots fans, that ovation at the end of the game, that really felt heart-warming. I think I actually shedded a tear for that. Like I said, it's been an emotional roller coaster all week."

"Tried to prepare, tried to talk to the players and coaches about how this game was going to be played, couple tendencies here and a couple tendencies here. The bad part about it, is you have six days to prepare for a team, and on the seventh day, that Sunday, meaning today, I guess they come over and say, 'Dag Moss, I guess you was right about a couple plays and a couple schemes they were going to run.' And it hurts as a player, that you put a lot of hard work in during the week, and at the end of the week, Sunday, when you get on the field, that's when they acknowledge about the hard work that you put in throughout the week. That's actually a disappointment."

I'll stop it there, but he goes on and on about how awesome the Patriots are, and how much he misses them. Once again, very little about his own team, except for taking shots at his coach for not kicking a field goal before the half, and not listening to him about the Patriots offense. These are the things you don't want from your team. Moss doesn't care that they lost, instead he just noticed he should never have asked out of New England, and none of that is going to help the Vikings.

On the other side of things you just don't see Patriots players/coaches do this, and if they do they don't last long. Same goes for real "teams" like the Steelers, Colts, Saints, Ravens, and so on. You do here this kind of stuff from teams like the Bengals, Cowboys, Vikings, and so on. These teams are more interested in making headlines about themselves rather then for how their team actually played.

You can have all the talent in the world (like the Cowboys/Vikings), but if you're not playing as a "team" you're not going anywhere. Here is a perfect example...

Steelers losing Big Ben in the beginning of the season. Their was off the field problems, terrible backup QBs, loss of a Super Bowl MVP, and a questionable offensive line. Yet, here they are. Why? Because they rallied as a "team".

This is the same reason why that Patriots trade of Moss is starting to look better. The second he starting thinking about his contract instead of what he was going to do next Sunday he had to go.

At the end of the day all teams are going to go through some kind of controversy, and there are 2 ways it will turn out. You either come together as a "team", or you become the Cowboys/Vikings.

Patriots 23, Ravens 20 (OT)

Fun fact, the tickets for yesterday's Patriots games, which were mailed to season-ticket holders many months ago, featured an image of Randy Moss.

It was hard not to have flashbacks of 2003 and 2004 yesterday. Looking back at the Pats' historic (and still unmatched) 21 game win streak, you see lots of weird scores. 9-3, 12-0, even a 23-20 overtime win at Houston.

It wasn't pretty. Then again, we've been bitching about this team falling short in the 4th quarter. So let's enjoy them dominating the final phase of the game. The Pats held the Ravens to 31 yards in the 4th.

The Patriots' offense also wasn't pretty. Neither was it ugly. Danny Woodhead amassed 115 yards of offense. Deion Branch caught 9 passes for 98 yards and a score. While that was going on, BJG Ellis had a Maroneylike 20 yards on 10 carries. Brady's numbers were also unimpressive.

The defense came up with the big plays. Unlike the last 20 or 30 games, they were able to stop the opposing offense on 3rd downs. Baltimore only converted 5 of 16 3rd downs. The Ravens were held to 99 yards on the ground (2.9 per carry).



There were shades of 03-04, as the big defensive plays came from random guys like Jermaine Cunningham. That being said, the Ravens' offense is hardly dynamic. The Ravens run, and not amazingly so. Their passing offense is mediocre and simple. Even the Pats' secondary can handle it.

Also, the Patriots were at home, where they haven't lost a regular season game since 2008. Also, the Patriots were coming out of a bye week. 2002 was the last time they lost after a bye week. They had two weeks to prepare for Baltimore. The Ravens only had a week, and all their film of the Pats' offense was less relevant, as the gameplan would be much different without Moss.

But I look at the NFL standings, and the Patriots are right at the top. They have the 2nd best record in a League loaded with mediocrity. 12 teams are either at .500, or one game above or below. These games, and ultimately the season, will be decided by the slimmest of margins. The teams that can make big plays, avoid stupid penalties (Meriweather, that's you), will be the team that goes the furthest.

Patriots at the 2-4 Chargers next week.



-The Commodore

Patriots Branch Out

The Patriots sent a 4th round pick to Seattle for the services of Deion Branch. And everyone who bought a discount Branch jersey from the Pro Shop feels great about it. Although, he'll likely have to wear a different number, as Welker currently owns his old digits.

The critics/haters/morons-who-think-they're-smart out there will deride this deal. "You replace Moss with Branch, just to move up 30 picks in the draft?"

Yes. Because how many problems has Branch created in his career? Branch and the Patriots didn't part on great terms after '05, but there wasn't much animosity. And unlike Moss, there's no wake of destruction left behind him.

Branch is no Randy Moss. He's 7 inches shorter, has never had a 1,000 yard season (had 998 in '05), has never averaged over 15 yards per catch, and only has 20 career TDs.

Branch has only caught 13 passes for Seattle this season, for 139 yards. He'll contribute as a 3rd or 4th option in certain plays. He'll catch a few passes, but won't disrupt defenses the way Randy Moss did.

Nor will he disrupt the locker room. You can pretty much guarantee that. And while Randy hadn't yet disrupted the Patriots locker room, I challenge even the most anti-Moss-trade people out there to attempt to guarantee that for Randy Moss.

Source:
ESPN

-The Commodore

More Moss Stories

We all knew this was coming...

“The week before Moss was traded, Tom Brady and Randy Moss went toe-to-toe and had to be separated,” Casserly said on the CBS pregame show. “One of Brady’s problems with Moss was his behavior as a Patriot. One of the things overheard was Brady telling Moss, ‘You’ve got to cut your beard.’ And Moss counters, ‘You’ve got to get your hair cut. You look like a girl.’“

So if you believe this story, that means Moss got in a fight with a Patriots assistant coach, got in an argument on a plane, demanded a trade, and got in a fight with Brady.

All I can say is that I bet there will be even more stories, and I'm ignoring all of them. I'm not saying they aren't true, but we'll never now because the Patriots will never talk about it and will deny everything, so my suggestion to everyone is to just ignore it and move on.

At least this story was comical.

This Will Be My Last Randy Moss Post

The Patriots have informed that the reason they traded Randy Moss was not because of anything he did in the locker room, or anything he said, but in anticipation of how he was going to react to his diminishing role in the offense.

This I find even more interesting because 1. It shuts up the Captain because that's what came from the Patriots, 2. How could you anticipate anything that he would do and give away your most athletic and talented player for a 3rd round pick?

The deal stinks, and the offense and the Patriots will suffer, and yes to me they gave up on this season. Welker and the tight ends will have a hell of a lot more difficult getting open without Moss.

They just gave the division to the Jets.

Even More Thoughts on Randy Moss

Child Abduction is Not Funny
Tags: SOUTH
PARKmore...

RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!!!

After Week 1 of the season, Randy Moss asked the Patriots for a trade. He got his wish. Why? Why now and not in Week 1? Why did the Patriots grant him this, but not a similar request made by Logan Mankins?

Why trade him now and not in Week 1?

The Patriots know that Wes Welker is healthy. They know that Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski will contribute on offense. But what I think is that a guy like Randy Moss might ask for a trade, then a week later ask not to be traded. You don't just trade Moss on a whim. You wait, see if he feels the same tomorrow. There's also a possibility that the situation in the locker room had started to deteriorate. Do you think his teammates were big Randy Moss fans after his post-win tirade in Week 1?

There's already a story about Moss arguing with QB Coach Tom O'Brien during halftime of Monday's game. That seems like a small thing, but is more serious stuff unbelievable? Is it hard to believe that his teammates would get into arguments about Randy Moss, some supporting him, some annoyed by him? Is it hard to believe that the Patriots wanted to end the division before it became a problem? This is all theorizing, but is it an unrealistic theory?

But it would be stupid for Moss to pull any crap in a contract year.

Very true. Although, as great as Moss is, he has a history of pulling stupid crap.



But that's ancient history. So let's try some recent stupid crap-pulling...



But why grant Moss's wish and not Mankins?

Logan Mankins isn't anywhere near the team. He's perhaps not as much of a divisive force as Moss is.

Couldn't the Pats have waited until Moss became a bigger problem?

Perhaps. But the deadline is October 19th.

I don't like this trade. I don't like that it happened. I'm actually upset, and a bit worried that without the defense paying Moss so much attention, guys like Welker and Hernandez might suffer. But I also don't know what's going on day-to-day inside Gillette Stadium's locker rooms.

And guess what, neither do you.

-The Commodore

Moss Is Gone, What Now?

I know, a lot of Moss posts today, but fuck it.

I started to think what the Patriots might do now they Moss is gone. They have a bye week, so there is a good amount of time to pull of another trade. I will caution that most likely the Patriots will do nothing, because that's their thing, but if they were to do something here are some options.

- Vincent Jackson - The Changers holdout was rumored to be going to the Vikings, but now that they are out of the way the Patriots could make a move, and they certainly have the draft picks to do it.

- Steve Smith - The Panthers are going nowhere fast, and he has been a problem for them. I would think he could be sold off for cheap (3rd/4th rounder).

- Lee Evans - Bills aren't going anywhere, and when was the last time Evans did something? Been awhile, but he also hasn't had anyone to throw him the ball. Could buy low here.

Anyways, I just figured there are going to be a shitload of rumors going around over the next week, and I wouldn't be surprised if these 3 names pop up a lot.

Another Belichick Blunder

By now all of you are aware that Randy Moss has been traded to the Vikings for a third-round pick in next year's draft. So far, the response from local TV/radio personalities has been mixed, for reasons I cannot begin to understand.

Let me start off by saying, I am a moss fan. I was excited when we got him, and the service he provided with the patriots with the last 3+ years has been exceptional. Obviously, the high point coming in 2007 when Brady and Moss re-wrote the record books on their way to an undefeated regular season. Having said that, his best years are without a doubt, behind him. In the Brady-less year of 2008, Moss still managed 11 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving. Last season, he was tied for the lead league in touchdown receptions with 13 and recorded over 1,2000 yards receiving for the eighth time in his career. Say what you will about this year, but, he still managed 3 touchdowns in five games, in an offense that was clearly game planning for his absence. I've heard the reports that Moss either wanted a new deal from New England by week 6 or to be on another team's roster by that point. So naturally instead of paying, the Patriots do what they do best, trade away talent for an irrelevant draft pick. BMack highlighted this earlier in his post, but I would like to reiterate. Belichick has made excellent use of first day draft picks when Scott Pioli was his GM and Bil simply a coach. Among others, Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Asante Samuel, and Jerod Mayo have had a positive impact on this team while they were here. But they have had just as many misfires (Laurence Maroney, Davis Thomas, Chad Jackson, Darius Butler, see BMack's post for more). Which brings me to my main issue...

Why trade proven talent for a third round draft pick?

I suppose it's because the Patriots understood it was time to move another disgruntled player before things got worse. We've seen this behavior from them before. Don't believe me? Just ask Richard Seymour who was traded to Oakland amidst a contract dispute. Asante Samuel, a free agent after the 2007 season who simply asked to be paid like a number one corner, after no contract was offered, he signed with the Eagles and proceeded to lead the league in interceptions over the next three seasons. Logan Mankins and Randy moss are the newest members of the club. Mankins, a pro bowl guard and considered among the top 3 at his position, is as good as gone with no deal in sight and the two parties seem to be miles apart from making any headway. And Moss, now on his way back to Minnesota for a third round pick that will most likely amount to an undersized cornerback or a career special teamer. Either way, I find it hard to believe that someone of Moss' talent level is only worthy of a third round pick when the aforementioned Seymour was worthy of a first rounder, and San Diego holdout, Vincent Jackson, was deemed too valuable to be dealt for a 2nd and 3rd rounder from Minnesota last week.

The only notable player the Patriots have added in the third round in the previous four drafts has been Brandon Tate, and we're about to see what he's worth.

This whole "In Bill We Trust" mantra is so outdated it's sickening. Hasn't anyone noticed this guy's "system" is deeply flawed, by his own ego. He believes he can still win with no name guys who "play hard" and "do their jobs" or whatever nonsense he spews to the media during his dull press conferences. The fact of the matter is, you have to spend a little cash to keep everything running smoothly. And if there's one thing Bill is dreadful at, it's the free agent market. Remember when he tried to make a splash by overpaying Adalius Thomas? or how about when he brought in Deltha O'neal and Shawn Springs? Think about it, they were horrible. Randy was arguably the best free agent signing of the Belichick era (I'm not conceding that Moss was a better signing than Vrabel or Harrison, but it's close). And now he is leaving in the wake of a 41-14 dismantling of the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots most notable road win in two seasons.


As a Patriots fan, this is disheartening to me. Tom Brady has just signed a contract all but guaranteeing his career will end here in New England, and a mere two weeks later, his best receiving weapon is traded for nothing. It's not debatable if this makes the team better or worse, anyone who thinks the former has eaten a little too much humble pie. Wes Welker as a number one receiver is a farce, similarly, Brandon Tate being used as a number 2 target. Belichick enthusiasts will say that the offense is going to become "balanced" again. Well I'm sorry, but you're dreaming if you think Benjarvis Green-Ellis is going to carry the ball 15-20 times per game with any success. Sure he carved up the Bills after the Patriots passed them into submission. But he was an undrafted free agent who transferred in college for a REASON. Just like there is a REASON the Patriots have not won a Superbowl since 2004.

I wish the best for Randy Moss, and truth be told, I hope he shows the Patriots just how big of a mistake they made when he comes to Gillette on Halloween weekend. As for the patriots, it will take a miracle for them to make the playoffs this year. Don't look for any positive results two Sunday's from now when Baltimore comes to town.

Good Bye Randy.