Saturday, February 25, 2012

84FOREVER


One of the greatest of all time is coming back. After a lackluster 2010 season that saw Moss play for three different teams, he didn't receive a contract offer he liked in the offseason and chose to retire. While there was speculation the Eagles sent a post retirement offer to Moss it apparently wasn't enough to coax the single season receiving touchdown leader into suiting up for the 2011 season. A year later Randy wants back in announcing on U-Stream his intentions to play again. While there are a lot of conflicting reports about what Moss can still do, he claims to still run a 4.3, if this is true then you can expect the 35 year old future hall of famer to definitely play somewhere. There was a time when everyone wrote Moss off after his stint in Oakland then the Patriots dealt a 4th round pick for him and he went on to have one of the greatest seasons of all time at the position. Of course Randy is a little bit older now but if he has something left in the tank he could definitely contribute as a deep threat and red zone target. There's a handful of teams that should give Randy a look.

1. New England Patriots (14-2) - This is an obvious destination, a place where Moss once was rejuvinated and helped the Patriots to an 18-0 record before falling short in the Super Bowl. It's painfully obvious the main thing the Pat's offense was lacking was a deep threat in their Super Bowl XLVI loss to the Giants as an old Deon Branch and a Chad Ochocinco that didn't know the playbook weren't quite cutting it. Add Moss to Gronk, Hernandez, Welker, and Brady then you have the best of your 2007 record setting offense combined with your dominate 2011 tight end heavy passing attack. If Moss has anything left this would be an unbelievably devastating offense. Some reports however say the Pats aren't that interested in bringing Moss back into the fold and may draft a younger deep threat or even look at a Brandon Lloyd or Reggie Wayne type in free agency. This would be the best landing spot for Moss if he's truly looking for a ring and the Pats might could sign him cheap enough to be able to snag Wayne or someone on the opposite side. Why not load up for the last of Brady's 3-5 year window.

2. Chicago Bears (8-8) - They have to get Cutler a big time receiver he's gone too long without one. If they pass on giving Vincent Jackson a look, Moss would not be a bad cheaper alternative. The Bears locker room is strong enough to keep Moss focused and the team has good enough pieces to compete for the division with the Packers and the Lions. Combining Cutler's huge arm with Moss' downfield ability would be nice to see plus Moss is already very familiar with the NFC North.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - The Eagles have shown interest in Moss before and this is the ultimate Super Bowl or bust year for them. If they trade Desean Jackson then Moss would definitely be a viable replacement to pair with Maclin. Vick, McCoy, Moss, Maclin, and Celek is definitely a Super Bowl caliber offense.

4. New York Jets (8-8) - With Plaxico Burress almost certainly not being brought back, Moss would be an excellent upgrade. The question is could Sanchez do well enough to keep Moss happy? Moss would get two games against the Patriots and the Jets have the talent on defense to make a run if Moss provides the offense with a spark.

5. SanFrancisco 49ers (13-3) - Desperately need another receiving threat outside of Vernon Davis and hopefully Moss could mentor Crabtree the way he did Harvin during his brief second stint with Minnesota. The defense is championship caliber and with another threat on offense this team could take the next step.

6. St.Louis Rams (2-14) - Jeff Fischer was the last coach to give Moss a chance and with Bradford needing a receiving threat it wouldn't be too bad of a landing spot. I think this would be pretty low on Moss' list of ideal teams though so unless no one else shows interest I wouldn't expect Randy to be a Ram.

7. New Orleans Saints (13-3) - If they lose Colston to free agency why not give Moss a look? I'm sure Brees wouldn't mind throwing to a big vertical threat like Moss and he has the Brady like leadership to keep Moss focused and performing.

It's anyone's guess what Moss still has left in the tank but if it's anything close to the old Moss then get your 84 jerseys out.

- Michael Gibson

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