Randy Moss Declares Himself Greatest Receiver of All Time: Not Even Close

There were times, such as 10 years ago during his prime, when Randy Moss was unstoppable and capable of putting fear in every opponent and stretched the field so deep and beat a defender in coverage. He reminded us that he was respectively one of the greatest deep-ball receivers of our generation. But when Moss candidly was asked about his place in football history at Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday, he went a bit too far. Moss, 35, declared himself as the greatest wide receiver of all time, and certainly is taking a beating by some while others have let it slide.

“I do think I’m the greatest receiver ever to play this game,” Moss said.

Is he the best receiver of all time, or is someone else just that much better? The answer is surely not a brainteaser but a no-brainer, and even if he claims he’s the best ever to play the game, he’s way off the mark. Not to break Moss’ heart, but it’s not even close. Just a decade ago Jerry Rice, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers and the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, touchdowns and yards, awed fans by his brilliance and magnificent performances on the field. So it was just the sort of remark Moss should not have made, and must take heed that Rice is widely viewed as the greatest wideout.

If somebody does surpass him in every category, it won’t be for a very long time. Moss or anybody else won’t break his unreachable, untouchable records. Maybe years from now a crafty receiver will come along and shatter Rice’s records, as records are meant to be broken. It’s not happening in this generation, even when Moss considers himself the most superlative talent to emerge in the league, even when he’s a genuine prodigy and even when he has the pedigree to be a primary target.

“Now that I’m older, I do think I’m the greatest receiver to ever do it,” Moss said, as you can see in the NFL Network clip above. “I don’t think numbers stand. Because you can talk about this and this, I think I’ve had … this year has been a down year for me statistically. The year before I retired was a down year, and Oakland was a down year. I don’t really live on numbers I really live on impact and what you’re able to do on that field.

“So I really do think I’m the greatest receiver to ever play the game.”

What he’s created in Super Week is nothing more but publicity only surrounding him and nobody else, and he’s done exactly that throughout his career of turbulence and monumental achievements, the one man who is hated or loved by his peers, fans and coaching staffs, the one man who is not fitted to play in every city around the league. While it is true that he’s an otherworldly talent and frequently speaks without thinking clearly before he utters something foolish that catches folks off guard, at a time when he has set sights on his first Super Bowl victory in Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin insisted that there is no argument about who holds the greatest of all time title.

“Randy’s done a wonderful job in the NFL. He’s done some wonderful things,” Irvin said. “Numbers do count and especially when they lead to victories. That’s why I think everybody has to capitulate when it comes to talking about greatest receiver. Bar none, nobody’s having a conversation. It is Jerry Rice, period.”

Let’s look at the numbers shall we?

Numbers don’t lie.

As things stand, Rice completed his 20-year career with 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdown receptions. That alone is the best among all receivers in NFL history in all three categories. And really, to be a realist and speak the truth regarding an unnecessary debate, there is no argument, especially when the facts speak louder than Moss’ loud mouth. In contrast he’s definitely tallied the numbers to be mentioned in the same breath as Rice, but he’s not even in the same conversation when it comes to greatness and likely won’t ever be eulogized like the undisputed receiver in the history of the NFL. It’s been something of a roller coaster throughout his erratic career, which Moss has been known for quitting on teams, walking out on his teammates and not having the same kind of work ethic as Rice.

You can easily make the case that he’s been an asset in his first season with the 49ers (28 catches, 434 yards, three touchdowns), but he’s never done it consistently and has had flaws in his game because of his badass attitude and cockiness that ended his brief stints nearly everywhere he’s played. But over the last decade, when he was a star in Minneapolis and continued the Moss Tour of America by making himself feel right at home in two other American cities, he’s compiled impressive numbers no one ever imagined. This might explain why he avers that he’s better than Rice: 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. More recently, Moss is ninth in NFL history with receptions, trailing — among others — Hines Ward, Isaac Bruce and Tony Gonzalez. At this time, as well, he is third in receiving yards behind Terrell Owens and Rice.

I wouldn’t call that great.

Sorry, Moss. That’s not good enough, not to surpass the rightful emperor of all receivers, mind you.

And while he’s no longer a defiant individual who was a toxic waste on nearly every team he’s played for during a rebellious period in all cities that gave him a shot to be the best receiver all time, his persona and Hall of Fame status remains the same. For someone who won’t stop whining and gripping, he has not changed a bit and is unhappy with his role in the 49ers offense. But he is, no matter what a person thinks of him making these statements, standing by his claim that he’s the greatest to ever play in the National Football League.

“What I said is what I felt, and I don’t want to get into a shouting match with Jerry Rice or anybody,” Moss said Wednesday during the 49ers’ media access for Super Bowl XLVII. “It’s my personal opinion. (Rice) has the numbers but I don’t believe in numbers.”

The hyperbole is just now heating up in New Orleans, and Moss is spewing not only trash talk but that he’s the great one. Moss is a man of prestige and has a certain cachet, who in 14 seasons has spent time in Minnesota (twice), Oakland, New England and Tennessee, before calling San Francisco home where he’s finally the happiest he’s been and not turning his back on the 49ers, a team that is well-coached by Jim Harbaugh. He is, as a disciplinarian, intolerant and doesn’t take kindly to players who are not on their best behavior, and Moss knows his limits and how far he can take his coach. It was arrogance, as we all know by now, that delayed success and nearly doomed his career and defiance recklessly bruised his reputation, before he finally matured into a man and settled down in the late stages of his career.

It’s OK, Moss — really — to tell America how you truly feel and give your honest answer. He isn’t, without much thought, shy to boldly lash out and alienate his ex-teammates, a defiant trait that has led to trouble over the years with prior teams he’s played for during the course of his magnificent but cancerous career. If he can disagree with a man who ridiculously thinks he’s not the best wideout to ever play the game, just so he could draw attention to himself, it would be the time to beg to differ with his bold statement — one that stunned the world.

It shouldn’t surprise no one that Moss is so cocky and self-absorbed, that he would make a loud proclamation to raise many eyebrows. By now, you and I should know the way he behaves and thinks — too much of a big-headed know-it-all and an egotist, foolishly sometimes not realizing that football is a team sport.

He isn’t just valiant and undaunted, he is misinformed and way off on this one. As he could possibly win his first Super Bowl ring, maybe he can go down as one of the instant heroes in this particular game. You never know. After all, that would make more sense. Hey, as long as Rice is not on the field.

If Randy Moss Is Done, Then Quitting Would Be Cowardly

What have you done to yourself, Randy? It's part of Randy Moss' enormity of unhappiness to call it quits, a wrath of silliness and childish nonsense that has become obsolete, a behavior that Moss publicized so often to dent his tattered respectability.

So now he's whining like a baby, quitting on himself and choosing to leave the game without completing his career of uncertainty. This is a cowardly retirement -- if you believe in his career-finisher theory, a bunch of hearsay that I'm not buying into anytime soon. If so, he'd regret the stunning departure, an exodus that defines Moss as a petty quitter, if nothing else, not only on franchises or plays but himself as well.

Then again, maybe it's not such a major shock for the vast majority, used to Moss' pattern of abrupt departures from teams whenever he's not ultimately a targeted wide receiver in the offensive tactics. Rather than acknowledging that he was a cancer for a multitude of franchises in the past, with such a crabby, miserable and wicked attitude, we spurned the sense of the defiant receiver being a problem-child in the league.

He is, indeed, a mischief-maker and an attention-seeker obligated to whine when he doesn't receive enough touches or have a key impact on the game. Mostly, he's the toxic waste on a 100-yard field each Sunday, salivating like a toddler missing a pacifier to calm his endless fussing of displeasure at a team that holds back on involving Moss on a series of plays, based solely on the fact he quit on teams, drop passes, turn over the ball carelessly and pout over the franchises' strides because of the formula.

He can explode and lose his cool at anytime, persist on a rampage during press conferences or pregame interviews to make a fool of himself, burning his ruined credibility frequently. It seems almost certain that Moss, who'd rather leave football fully capable of still performing efficiently if he changes his reckless demeanor, as people don't stomach his murky personality too well, is cowardly calling it a career distraught he has no attractive offers.

With the future Hall of Famer unwilling to accept a huge paycut, but truly longing to play if a convenient deal comes along, Moss would be content and sign a contract and hopefully return as a prolific receiver, gaining acceptance and even appreciation for solidifying someone's offense with his presence. The sudden demise miserably erased much grief for a number of teams in which Moss damaged morale and spirit for a probable team of tremendous talent, but hopefully he changes his mind and matures -- something we rarely seen from Moss.

Until then, his talent is clouded by his petulance and low spirit when he could be more humbled and modest, capable of playing through the adversity, so hopeful that he can adjust his oversized ego and realize nobody ever understands where Moss' state of mind is -- although he's in discussion as one of the best receivers. The most surprising thing is, the folks are startled over Moss' latest announcement, never paying attention to his pattern of turning his back on teams, players and coaches, or even turning his back on himself when it doesn't happen as planned.

Moss, 34, is a discontent individual and has an awful trait of driving coaches nuts, but amazingly -- teams in the past brought him aboard as a fixture only because of his explosiveness and craftiness. For the entire hullabaloo over Moss' vanishing act, which many are sick of hearing already as an exaggerated issue amplifies much hyperbole, he dislikes the option accessible to him after 13 seasons in the league.

The folks even gleefully assume, in a matter of days of course, that he'd return to play in his 14th NFL season, even if his agent, Joel Segal, offered a reasonable but inexcusable explanation for Moss' dubious retirement. Is it because no one declared interest in the perplexing wideout, not falling in love with the peeved Pro Bowler since there are too many top receivers on the market amid the free-agency frenzy? Sadly, it seems nobody cares about Moss, a name still quite irrelevant in the league.

The headlines are the announcements of the New York Jets signing Santonio Holmes and the Seattle Seahawks reaching a deal with Sidney Rice, a pair of wide receivers who are much mature than Moss, but more than ever, younger and quicker. No one knows exactly how the aging Moss would perform next season, leery on taking in a player with too much baggage. This is the debatable gamble of a lifetime, to bring in a petulant player, of all wideouts available. It's not worth the risk, but it's a cowardice move by Moss.

Plaxico Burress, who had been released from prison after serving 20 months on a gun charge, was the veteran to reach a deal with the Jets already on his way to redemption. The irony here is that Chad Ochocinco was a higher attraction over Moss and had been dealt to New England for a change of scenery and possible shot at winning his first NFL championship. What's more notable is that Moss has had an imposing career with solid numbers, which include 954 receptions, 14,858 yards and 153 touchdowns.

On the positive side of things, he was always a well-rounded player, but he was never an endeared athlete. The more glaring scenario of his monumental career was when he played his first seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and even his 2007 campaign with New England, a season that he established record-setting 23 touchdown receptions. But the greater story in the Moss saga so far is that he was a trouble-maker on the field and a renegade player with an ego bigger than his mouth.

The exact opposite of his exploits was that he was prima donna who could destroy coaches and teammates, tear down the spirit and divide an organization. The absence on certain days was because of his disengagement and lethargy, lacking aggressiveness and even surrendering on one of his former teams, for what became a commonplace in his faulty performance. At this juncture, he couldn't care less about reentering his career, he couldn't care less about ever playing again and then retiring on stronger terms.

Arguably the most impressive player until he almost self-destructed in 2010, he ultimately became a symbol of misbehaved athletes. That has certainly caught the attention of teams, especially his cocky persona that became more noticeable when he was traded to the Patriots just four games into the regular season. From there, he spent four games with the Vikings, until he was then traded to the Tennessee Titans that appeared puzzling after he was claimed off waivers.

While in Nashville, where Moss underachieved mightily, he caught only six passes in eight games. If he expects to land the biggest contract, might he contribute effectively and be willing to run routes and block assertively?

Much of the problem came when Moss declined in his work ethic and frustrated Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. What it showed is that Moss is not the dangerous receiver he was earlier in his indomitable career, on decline as one of the elite receivers and seems to be an undermined star with his inability to escape irritability and moodiness, crippling his own ability in excelling at an all-time high.

It remains uncertain whether he'll stay retired, but if not, he is cowardly taking the easy way out.

Insubordinate Randy Moss Only Brings Aboard a Titanic Disaster at Tennessee

There eventually comes a time, especially when it involves a cancerous hazard or someone insubordinate, that we can simply create an analogy in regards of Randy Moss’ rebellious nonsense. In a sense, he kind of reminds you of the baddest ass thug ever, a pitiful quitter on the field and a selfish rogue as far as gelling with his teammates and a desperate coaching staff.

As the most irritable person in the league, Moss is a problem-child and needs to badly be an aloof from the game of football for which we are accustomed to his childish antics, postgame rants and stupidity. There is, however, one desperate franchise in the NFL, not bothered by his ignorance or frivolous personality.

And as it turns out, the Tennessee Titans are ignoring the possibilities of a risky notion, landing the talented but troubled wide receiver off waivers Wednesday. If there is a scare in the NFL, it’s because Moss’ actions present problems, not only to the league, but for the Titans. It’s clearly another blunder on behalf of the Titans, but also an inescapable upgrading. It’s a risk, of course. If this implodes and humiliates a classy organization, coach Jeff Fisher may not survive in his long-tenure.

However, he has control of his locker room and franchise, but knowingly bringing aboard Moss, creates needless tension and could rapidly drag down morale and divide a cohesive unit. It’s obvious, in a way, that a dauntless Fisher doesn’t mind the challenge and clearly remains fearless in accepting renegade players. Now is not the time to ponder why the Titans are so desperate in rolling the dice on Moss, currently owning a 5-3 record and still haven’t played the divisional rival Indianapolis Colts or Houston Texans this season.

Even if he’s the most gifted wideout in the league, Moss is eclipsed for his prior antics and team distractions. Isn’t that a good explanation for why he has been dumped twice this season, coming within a span of 26 days? As long as he is getting touches and winning games, Moss is content. But if he’s not getting touches or winning games, he’s discontent.

And maybe he is valuable to the Titans, but he wasn’t so priceless to the Minnesota Vikings, the team that acquired him less than a month ago, trading a third-round pick to the New England Patriots for Moss. In less than a month, the Vikings cut him and felt it was a regrettable decision to trade for a cancerous star.

“It was a poor decision,” Childress said. “I’ve got to stand up and I have to make it right. When it’s not right, you need to make it right.”

Wherever Moss winds up, he’ll bring his problems with him. Wherever he goes, he’ll be an unhappy superstar and unproductive. He settled for 13 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns in four games in Minnesota, numbers that continuously is on decline in his 14th NFL season. In retrospect, he can still be a factor in the offense, only if he rids the mood swings and begins to play with a sense of urgency.


Even if he’s 33, Moss can still be explosive and a deadly threat on the field. If Moss doesn’t blend in and suddenly turns into a nuisance, Fisher can part ways with the erratic receiver, a veteran who is whacko on the field and has a tendency of backstabbing his teammates and coaches. At this point, Fisher feels it is worth taking gambles when it can very well benefit the Titans in a competitive division.

In the point of his tenure, he’s seeking a championship, but figuring that Moss is the solution is a mistake and it won’t last long before he’s unhappy again. Aside from his irritableness, the difference is now that Moss is coached by Fisher, an unrelenting and an austere coach, akin to former coach Bill Belichick in New England.

Yet he doesn’t quite fit the protocol, given his history in the past, the Titans are doing whatever it takes to stay in competition in a rigid AFC conference. So, they are suddenly delighted to welcome in a new playmaker. No matter what, though, he’s a trouble-maker more than he is a playmaker.

All other teams were mostly smart enough, rejecting a distinguished wideout available following a stunning development and recognized that he was a controversial calamity for any team. Beyond all, he’s not a cure, but a malcontent receiver. Beyond all, he’s a soap opera, not a superstar on the field. For now, Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt is missing in action, nursing a hamstring injury. And until he returns fully in good health, the Titans can benefit with Moss if he’s on his best behavior. His presence scares AFC teams and most are now force to plan differently. His presence makes the franchise more superior, only if he’s on his best behavior, though.

“Randy’s been a good teammate, and he’s very popular. I think this is a great opportunity for him. It’s a fresh start,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a great locker room. They’ll accept him. I’m confident he’ll accept his new teammates as well.”

Oh, yes, good luck with that Moss guy.

He is a huge risk.

Vikings Lose To Jets: Brett Favre Under Tension on the Field and Off It

He’s obviously the diva queen of the NFL, always involved in an unnecessary saga with hyperbolic drama creating a lingering debate. The visual amenity of fans' aspirations in Minnesota, an environment that prides itself on football, admires the grandfather who is still hurling downfield throws in the National Football League.


So here is Brett Favre, who once again hijacked the summer months, opted to come back for his 20th season and jeopardize his accomplished legacy. We can only hope this is his last season, after people have either implored for the veteran to come back or stay away from the game.

Five games into the regular season, and his body language is showing signs of fatigue. So now already, we are urging the future Hall of Famer to retire at the end of the season.

He was supposed to lead the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl, and then call another emotional press conference to announce retirement again. He was supposed to depart from the game in triumph but barely can survive on turf, doomed by opponents implementing an effective pass-rushing scheme to neutralize Favre and the Vikings' balanced offense.

The deterioration of his passing heroics is beginning to present trouble on the weary shoulders and legs of the oldest quarterback in the league.

Most of all, without him, the imagery in football isn’t the same, and the Vikings would likely be a winless franchise with incumbent quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosefels, who are both battling for the toughest position. Favre is too much fun to watch in the most popular sport in the country, uplifting the state of a violent and watchful sport.

So you expect much productivity from the elderly rather than the youth, a man who is long past his prime and appears to be suddenly on decline in the final stages of an accomplished career. If there’s much of a ruckus and grievous, of course, interfering with Favre's performance level, it is evidently the arduous publicity of the Jenn Sterger chronicle.

As he continuously wilts, his incredible streak with 289 consecutive regular-season starts at quarterback could be endangered if evidence uphold that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.


Aside from his struggles on the field, Favre is facing struggles off the field. If this is the end of the iron man streak, he’ll be unbearably serving punishment for misconduct. If this is true, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell won’t be hesitant to bench the iconic superstar.

Upon hearing that Favre is under investigation for allegedly sending bawdy text photos and messages to a woman employed by the Jets when he played for the Jets in 2008, is uncanny and insane, nearing the end of a remarkable career.

But this isn’t surprising in which we reside in a senseless society with the abundance of irresponsible and disrespectful men, flirting with sexy women because of their attire and facial features. In short, this isn’t the first incident and isn’t the last.

In everyday life, a relationship is constantly unraveling and divorce rates are increasingly growing, as marriages crumble and affairs prompt havoc in relationships.


So, it wasn’t surprising to hear Favre’s name involved in a sexual harassment episode, with immense temptations in a business that athletes are approached by all types of women, just as it wasn’t surprising to watch the Vikings fall victim to the New York Jets after a 29-20 loss Monday night, dropping to 1-3.

And yet each time he loses and comes back the next week, he’s normally in denial and feels guilty. Meanwhile, in a morning meeting Monday, Favre was teary eyed and apologized to the Vikings for involving them into a media circus.

But now, however, the 41-year-old is declining to talk about alleged sexual charges during press conferences, embarrassed and irritated by the accusations. All of this could lead to an unhappy ending for the most accomplished athlete in the game. It’s too bad that he couldn’t lead the Vikings to a victory.

Nonetheless, Favre is known for resiliency, but as the body wears down and as he ages, he’s losing patience and is becoming frustrated regularly. If the allegations are true, we’ll never forget his faulty mistake, but we’ll forgive Favre if he wins. Late in the fourth quarter Favre played unwisely, committing a clumsy blunder and failing to redeem himself of the allegations and cure his soul.

Instead of connecting with one of his receivers on a pass, he misfired and threw an interception directly to Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery, who returned it 26 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.

Only now, Favre’s state of mind isn’t fixated on football, but clearing his name in one of the most devastating weeks of his personal and professional life as well. When the NFL is done investigating, Favre could serve suspension and may not skate this time.

Maybe he can get away without reporting and participating in minicamps or training camps, but if these accusations are true, he’ll be handed a one-game suspension at the most. Idol or not, admirable player or not, the NFL Sheriff will likely drop the sledgehammer on Favre.

There may not be enough proof or even truthful evidence, even if Deadspin.com last week revealed that Favre sent unacceptable text and voice messages, including cellphone photos of his genitalia. He hasn’t missed a game since Week 4 of the 1992 season, an astonishing iron man streak.


This is remarkable for a man, not only because of his milestones such as throwing a 36-yard pass to newly acquired receiver Randy Moss for his 500th career touchdown pass and celebrating by trotting down the field and leaping into Moss' arms as if he's a little kid, but also for standing as the league's symbol.

On the negative side of things, he accounted for the 162nd fumble of his career, breaking Warren Moon’s record. Alas, the costly mistake set up a Jets field goal for the fourth field goal on the night for Nick Folk. On the next possession, Favre rebounded from his botched error and owned the record books for surmounting past 70,000 passing yards.

Commonly known as the one superstar in the league for breaking records and setting new milestones, Favre is a unique specimen in the NFL. All of his accolades and feats are too glorious to implode, but as of now, it remains a mystery whether or not he’s the NFL Sheriff’s next suspect guilty of violating the policy.

Brett has to realize that there is a sheriff in town. Maybe he’ll text message the sheriff analogy, and advise players to avoid troubles.

Vikings Should Be Able to Get It Back Together With Randy Moss's Return

Back in the 2007 NFL off-season, Oakland Raiders' wide receiver Randy Moss was frustrated with his team. The Raiders had a great signing in Moss, but he didn't live up to it. He was solid in Minnesota. The Raiders looked as if that they were going to trade him.

The teams that were in battle were basically the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots, who wanted to make a leap for the Pro-Bowl receiver. Brett Favre and Tom Brady could both really use a guy like Moss.

Favre was pushing for the Packers to get Moss. Imagine a combination of one of the league's best quarterbacks of all-time pairing up with one of the league's best wide receivers of all-time.

A combination of Favre and Moss would be scary.

Deadly.

An Exorcist type of movie for cornerbacks.

Yeah, it was that scary.

But the deal never got through for the Packers, and the Patriots ended up with Moss by giving up just a fourth-round draft-pick. With that, the Patriots rolled for the next three years with Moss as they had a Super Bowl appearance. Moss would end his Pats' career with 50 touchdowns!

This season, Moss had to tell the media something. He said he felt like this would be his last season in New England. He said it's business. He said he feels like he is not wanted in the locker room.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were telling him something different. They brainwashed Moss. They used him for their own needs. If it weren't for Moss, Brady wouldn't have gotten his 50 touchdowns in a season. Wes Welker wouldn't have gotten as much of attention. Bill Belichick wouldn't have had his undefeated season.

Moss was a huge key to success in all of this.

Then he had a dispute with the coaches. And Moss demanded a trade.

That week, Brady seemed like he didn't care. He probably doesn't know what is coming to him. So Brady, contact Deion Branch. You do that. Let's see how that works out.

Meanwhile, Moss got traded. All the Vikes had to do was give up a third-round draft pick. And now Moss is there's. At 33 years old, it doesn't matter, really. So what if Moss is a bit old? He has a lot of good, solid years left in him. And with Brett Favre, there's no question when he would end his career.

"I'm very fortunate to be back home where it all started," said Moss, the West Virginia native who referred to Minnesota as home seven times Thursday. "It's been a hectic last 48 hours. I didn't really know what to expect. I'm back home."

Moss is back in Minnesota where it all started.

We remember all the good times, and the all the great things he has done.

He had a miraculous rookie year, having 17 touchdowns and making a great pair with legendary receiver, Cris Carter. This would help out Randall Cunningham gets his stats and made him look like a better quarterback than he already was.

Now it is time for Moss to do that with Favre.

But remember, Moss did also have some bad memories in Minnesota.

Who could forget his "taking-your-pants" celebration where he pretty much mooned the fans after scoring a touchdown. Or when he sprayed water out of his water bottle at the referee? Or when he quit with three seconds left in the game?

But that's back then. Moss has matured. You can whatever you want, but I think Moss is going to do well in Minnesota.

Favre has now got his wish in having Moss. Finally. Favre has been struggling because he doesn't have his deep threat. And that deep threat is Sidney Rice, who won't be back by Week Eight or so. But now Moss is in the building. And when Rice returns, the Vikings have a solid set of receivers like Rice, Moss, Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Bernard Berrian, and Visante Shiancoe.

Plus, this puts a lot of pressure of running back Adrian Peterson, who is currently the team's leading receiver surprisingly. But now all he needs to pay attention to is running the ball. With the receivers and Favre, the Vikings can roll in the running game. With Peterson, the Vikes can attack in the passing game.

It's just that simple.

The defense just won't know what is coming.

"To all the Vikings fans that are coming to the Metrodome, pull your 84 jerseys out, man," Moss said. "I think this is going to be a fun ride."

Indeed it is.

The Vikes will face the New York Jets this week. Many are saying the Vikings will struggle. Bosh! They will win. I think they can easily win. They know what's coming.

With Moss, things are going to change.

Welcome back, No. 84!

Patriots Can't Just Send Them Home, Belichick Step Up as Leader

The irony, whether if this decade portrays a dynasty or asterisk is, the New England Patriots have shifted directions. Instead of chasing another Lombardi Trophy, the franchise accused of Sypgate, is deteriorating and is unbalanced. For almost a full decade, the Patriots were referred to as a sleaze in professional sports, committing a stupid act. The Pats were classified as disloyal con artist, without trusting in integrity.

They didn’t have enough aplomb to dominate at will in most perspectives. But even if the three-time Super Bowl champs won their titles purely, controversy very seldom reduces when issues affects the Patriots. Most of the drama comes from the unbearable scandal of Spygate, especially for the masses that dislikes a team for its deceptive spying. Whether it’s legit or a fraud, as usual, the Patriots created a ruckus, not regarding to cheating, but leadership woes.

For much of the season a lack of chemistry has created problems as the Patriots try returning to a championship caliber franchise. Years ago, under the craftiness of Bill Belichick, New England emerged into a vital threat and accumulated titles, in which it’s fair acknowledging he’s a genius after becoming an expertise at assembling a franchise. Granted, the clever-minded Belichick established a successful and dimensional franchise with high-minded knowledge of the game, such as selecting wisely in the NFL Draft and finding the pieces to fit within a branch of talented players.

But, unfortunately, their Super Bowl titles are tainted. Problem is now, there’s no structure or leadership after most of the Patriots inspirational leaders either retired or were sent elsewhere in a trade. So now, a typical fan is screaming and crying, witnessing unfamiliarity as rebuilding is currently taking a stance. From precedence to mediocrity, the Patriots are retooling. Because of its youth, they’re not as lethal or intimidating.

However, youth isn’t the only problem or the rebuilding stage. Instead of faulting the lack of leadership among the veterans, fault Belichick for the absence of inspirational structure. The Patriots are in an awkward position, and Belichick hasn’t stepped up to encourage his players.

Still, New England controls its own fate within the AFC East and will come away with the division.

But there’s no margin for error, no time for disruptions. When it seemed nothing could interfere with the Patriots of making a bold statement and aggressive drive to the Super Bowl, a transition and Belichick’s disciplinary actions and fourth-down blunder were signs of innovation.

Just when it seemed the minor problems have come and gone, worse problems hatched for the Patriots. Of late, much confusion has created trouble. And since Belichick’s fourth down miscue, New England hasn’t been the same with its approach, losing confidence and aspiration. And now, that brings us to the criticism of wide receiver Randy Moss, bashed for quitting on the Patriots in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Frustrated with all the mediocrity, lack of receptions, and loses, Moss quit on his teammates. Known for insubordination, Moss’ attitude and demeanor can divide and inhibit the Patriots of gelling as a robust team. According to reports, Moss was one of the four players sent home for arriving late to a meeting Wednesday because of snow.

Adalius Thomas had a message sent when Belichick sent home the linebacker, irritable after he was banished from attending the meeting. That’s not all, when he was punished harsher on Sunday as Belichick played the role of a principal and not a coach, benching Thomas in a critical game against the Panthers.

Yes, Belichick knows what it takes to play consistent in a 16-game season, leading the Brady Bunch to an unbeaten season two years ago. But at the time, the Patriots were elite and had the pedigree to symbolize a championship caliber team. Eventually, a team no matter what sport, experiences a rebuilding age when eminence shortens, unknown of capabilities.

What we must come to realize is the Patriots are reconstructing. What we must come to realize it’s a young and inexperience team, and still is maturing into an average contender. What we must come to realize, Belichick needs to be the leader of a disoriented team. Anyone is inspired if there’s motivation and leadership, rather than sending five players home for tardiness as a way of issuing a statement.

Considering the loss of Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Mike Vrabel and Asante Samuel, the Patriots are starting at the bottom by replacing a veteran core with a young core. It’s the beginning of a new era, and no one is emerging into an inspirational adviser or difference maker in a substandard defense.

Teams wills are tested on the road, confirming if they’re a legitimate team or not. A team, which preserves victories on the road, inherits credit and is characterized as a contender. The Patriots, unfortunately, has yet followed road values. The inability to win on the road is persuading us to believe there isn’t enough in the tank. The lack of experience and leadership influences us to believe there isn’t enough encouragement.

With a 1-5 record on the road, is an unfamiliar scenario for the Patriots. The last time New England lost five road games in a single season was in 2000, Belichick’s first year when the team finished 5-11 at the bottom. Today, most probably wonder if Belichick regrets trading defensive end Richard Seymour, a monstrous force dealt to Oakland for a 2011 first-round draft pick. Today, most probably wonder if Moss has surrendered on the Patriots, dispirited of explosive receiver and teammate Wes Welker’s productivity.

He has ability to cut across the middle and catch passes to showboat excellent speed. And Welker has missed only one start this season, and has a staggering 105 catches for 1,158 yards. Being a non-factor within the Patriots’ offense is frustrating for Moss, especially when Welker was targeted 36 times in the last three games.

Moss had a catch for 16 yards in Sunday’s 20-10 win, but was criticized for fumbling, dropping a ball on a critical play and committing a false start. However, the folks are more concern with Brady’s interception in the first-half, which cost the Patriots when Moss was drilled of not completing a route that seemed well-executed if he had connected.

Whether he quit or not, Chris Gamble, certainly thinks so when he told the Boston Globe “we knew Moss was going to shut it down. That’s what we wanted him to do. That’s what we did…He’d just give up a lot. Slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language.”

But, of course, Tom Brady, a prolific quarterback known for his desperation victories and clutch finishes has thrown 11 interceptions, eight of his picked off passes were intended for Moss. Nonetheless, he defended his receiver and also blasted at Carolina defensive back.

“When guys play Randy, they want to show everyone what they can do. I guess they came out of the game pretty confident. Randy is one of the best players in the history of the NFL,” said Brady. “When it doesn’t go perfect out there, everyone wants to jump on Randy. It’s all of us, and we all have to do a better job.”

Well said. And it starts with Belichick’s mental state of inspiriting a young core. The man wearing the blue hoodie is responsible for huddling up his team and demanding a sense of urgency. As many times as Brady has led the Patriots in pivotal situations, there’s no excuse for falling poorly. And as many times as Belichick has utilized artistic tactics, it’s hard dismissing the Patriots from playoff contention.

Still, lack of talent and leadership might hurt at the end, unless Belichick changes the approach.