Randy Moss News: Pro Sports Daily

Tom Brady, Randy Moss go extra mile to reconnect

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June 12

Boston Herald

"It's become a habit, as much a staple of the daily practice routine as stretching. Usually it happens, as it did yesterday, when the team is working on special teams. That's when Tom Brady and Randy Moss spend one-on-one time focusing on the red zone on a different field. They've been reconnecting, reestablishing their chemistry, and working to perfect that rare unspoken communication between quarterback and receiver. Brady had that special bond with Deion Branch. He also had it with Troy Brown. In 2007, Brady and Moss established an otherworldly link, the two-time Super Bowl MVP tossing 23 of his NFL-record 50 touchdown passes to No. 81. The link was broken last year when Brady was lost ..."

Tom Brady-to-Randy Moss a blast from past

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June 3

Boston Herald

"At 11:42 yesterday morning, on a practice field behind Gillette Stadium, Tom Brady lofted a high, lazy pass into the right corner of the end zone from around the 15-yard line. The pass had all the snap and sizzle of a pop fly to second base. A backup wideout on the Somerville High freshman team would have put it in his back pocket. But this was no backup wideout freshman from Somerville. No, this was Randy Moss doing the jogging into the end zone, extending the arms, making the easy, graceful catch. This was followed by a simple down-and-out. Brady threw this one with a little more giddy-up and Moss made the catch for another make-believe touchdown. A minute or two later, Brady pressed a ..."

Randy Moss: Sky's limit for 'O'

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May 26

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss sounded extremely upbeat during an interview with ESPN.com yesterday about the return of Tom Brady and the look of the offense. The Patriots all-world receiver believes the offense can be as good, if not better than the one that set numerous NFL records in 2007, including points (589) and touchdowns (75). "The sky's the limit for this offense," Moss said. "I think that we could be a little bit better than two years ago. I'm very excited for us as an offense. I'm excited for us as a team. There's a lot of good things about Tom Brady coming back that excites people, the fans, the coaches and the players around here. All we can hope is to come out with smoking guns." Moss, who ..."

Randy Moss’ feelings run deep

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February 23

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss is as encouraged as anyone by the reports of Tom Brady’s rehab, but he won’t feel truly heartened until he sees Brady on the field in September. In a wide-ranging interview with the Herald at Heath Evans’ charity softball game Friday, Moss touched on a host of topics from Brady’s rehab, to the depression he felt when the franchise QB went down, to what he would do with current backup Matt Cassel. As always, Moss was frank and on point. “Man, I won’t be satisfied until the season starts,” he said when asked about Brady. “As a football fan, I’ve always been a fan of Brady’s and just to see his injury as a fan, it really hurt. To see him come back as far as he has in his rehab, I’m ..."

Moss 'lost his place' before trade

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December 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Red McCombs and Tiger Woods have joined together to build a private golf and ocean club on Mexico's Pacific coast, about 25 miles south of San Diego. The partnership was announced in early October, but McCombs first met Woods about two years ago. "I'll tell you an interesting story about meeting Tiger," said McCombs, San Antonio billionaire and former Vikings owner. Besides being the galaxy's greatest golfer, Woods also follows the Vikings, apparently. "I meet Tiger for the first time, and we say our hellos and good-to-meet-yous," McCombs said. "Then the next thing out of Tiger's mouth is, 'Red, why did you trade Randy?' " McCombs laughed. It has been a popular question since McCombs ..."

Patriots' Moss, Jordan get last laugh on Raiders

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December 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"Randy Moss scored a touchdown, turned his back on the Coliseum crowd and pointed with both hands to the four-lettered word on his back: MOSS. Good idea. Raiders fans might not have recognized that face-masked man scoring two touchdowns and catching five passes, all for the Patriots in a 49-26 victory over his former team Sunday. The Moss they remember did little of either for the Raiders in 2006 before he got his wish with a draft-day trade last year. He had 42 catches for 553 yards with three touchdowns in 2006, as opposed to more than 2,200 yards since then. Against the Raiders, he had a 20-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and a 9-yard touchdown catch in the third. Oh yeah, and ..."

For Moss, it's a stomping return to his old grounds

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December 15

Boston Globe

"In a triumphant return to a place where he lived a two-year football nightmare, Randy Moss surely had plenty to say after scoring two touchdowns to help the Patriots pummel the Raiders yesterday. He shared none of it. Instead, Moss decided to let his on-field touchdown celebrations serve as his only response. After snaring scoring passes of 20 and 9 yards against his former team, Moss flipped the ball, turned his back to the crowd, and pointed with both hands toward the name on the back of his jersey - MOSS. Surely, there was a message there. It looked like Moss was letting the 62,179 in attendance know that the player they saw struggle in 2005 and 2006, when his career dipped into the ..."

Handling of Nnamdi Asomugha, Randy Moss symbolic of vast Patriots-Raiders divide

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December 14

Boston Herald

"Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Randy Moss represents more than just a battle on the football field today. It symbolizes the vast chasm between two organizations in virtually every aspect of the game. From the way Asomugha is used on the field to the way he’s treated off it, from the disaster Moss proved in Oakland to the MVP candidate he’s been in Foxboro, these two players provide a window into why the Patriots are winners and the Raiders aren’t even close. “I think it’s clear that I’ve been frustrated,” Asomugha said last week. “My frustration level has hit a different level this season than it has hit in any other season.” He has no shortage of reasons, as Moss well knows. The two were teammates ..."

Moss debacle still weighs on Raiders

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December 11

Contra Costa Times

"Four seasons ago, Raiders managing general partner Al Davis felt as if he delivered a knockout blow to the rest of the NFL by trading for disgruntled, high-priced wide receiver Randy Moss in the offseason. The Super Bowls failed to materialize, let alone many victories. Now, all Davis has to show for his efforts are a serious case of "What if?" and seldom-used cornerback John Bowie. Moss makes his first return to the Coliseum on Sunday as an upstanding member of the New England Patriots and back on track for a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "You see him every day when he first got here and you see what type of talent he was," Raiders receiver Ronald Curry said. "I guess they ..."

Randy Moss’ Oakland return of little concern

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December 10

Boston Herald

"When the Patriots play in Oakland on Sunday, Randy Moss will face his former Raiders team for the first time since the draft-day trade in April 2007 that landed the wide receiver in New England. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said yesterday he didn’t think Moss would let all the hype of a return get in the way of a good performance. Belichick also didn’t feel there was a need to chat with Moss about the subject. Instead, Belichick has talked to Moss about Raiders personnel. “Randy’s pretty professional. He’s one of the most professional guys we have,” Belichick said. “I’m not really too concerned about (his emotions). But I have talked to Randy about specific players, about their skills, ..."

Moss gathers some drops

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December 1

Boston Globe

"Mother Nature did what few NFL defenses can yesterday, take Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss out of his element. Moss, who had four catches for 45 yards, was guilty of dropping balls in the rain drops, and he owned up to it after the game. The all-world wide receiver dropped a pass that would have been a 30-yard gain in the first quarter, and then most damagingly dropped a sure TD pass in the back of the end zone on second and goal from the 9 with 31 seconds left in the half. That proved costly when Stephen Gostkowski pushed a 27-yard field goal attempt wide right. "I'm speaking for myself. I really felt very disappointed in my play," said Moss. "Bill [Belichick] says time and time again, ..."

Randy Moss upset at inability to get handle on things

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December 1

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss had an uneven afternoon and he wasn’t afraid to voice displeasure with his overall game. The All-Pro wide receiver was limited to just four catches for 45 yards as the Steelers pummeled the Patriots, 33-10, yesterday. What riled Moss was his general inability to add to the catch total as he dropped a few balls he normally catches in his sleep, including one glaring drop down the middle in the first half when he got behind the secondary. Later, on a first-and-goal from the 9 just before halftime, Matt Cassel directed three straight passes over the middle to Moss, none were caught and one clearly was dropped. “Speaking for myself, I’m very disappointed in my play,” said Moss. ..."

Surprise, Randy Moss is here

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November 27

Boston Herald

"When Randy Moss arrived at Laurence Maroney’s door last Thanksgiving, it turned out to be an unexpected joy for one of the running back’s guests. Terry Terrell, Maroney’s mother, flew in from St. Louis to spend the holiday with her son, and the way Maroney described it, seeing Moss made her happier than getting a new house. This year, where did Moss plan on spending Thanksgiving? Which teammate’s family would he surprise? According to wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, Moss hinted very strongly he’d be dropping in on the Gaffney household today. “Yeah, he said he might stop through,” Gaffney said yesterday of Moss, one of his soccer buddies. “He told me to be alert. There might be an ‘81’ ..."

Moss feels dissed, scores three TDs

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November 24

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Patriots receiver Randy Moss took offense to the way the Dolphins defended him Sunday, but he wasn't complaining. Moss, a Pro Bowler, exploited the single coverage for three touchdown receptions, the fifth time he's done that in his career. "Anytime I feel disrespected I want to go out there and make it happen," Moss told the Boston Globe after Sunday's 48-28 New England victory. "I think they disrespected me today by playing the single coverage and letting me do what I love to do, which is getting in the end zone." Moss' performance gave him 132 career touchdown receptions, which moved him ahead of former Vikings teammate Cris Carter for third pace on the NFL's all-time touchdown ..."

Moss is a singular sensation

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November 24

Boston Globe

"It's not as if he really went away, but Randy Moss returned yesterday. And for that you can thank the Dolphins. Miami generally opted to leave Moss in single coverage, and Moss predictably had a field day as the Patriots rolled to a much-needed 48-28 victory at Dolphin Stadium. Moss had eight catches - two of the eye-opening variety - good for 125 yards and three touchdowns. Those were all season highs. "I don't know why Coach disrespected me like that," Moss said afterward from behind sunglasses while calling out Tony Sparano, Miami's first-year coach. "I am who I am and I love to do what I do," he continued. "Any time I feel disrespected I want to go out there and make it happen. I think ..."

Player of the game

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November 24

Boston Herald

"Matt Cassel Ho-hum, another milestone performance from a Patriots [team stats] quarterback. Wait, what year is this again? Cassel gashed the Dolphins for 415 yards and three touchdowns on 30-of-43 passing, becoming the first NFL quarterback in four seasons to throw for at least 400 in back-to-back games. He also rushed for another TD. Randy Moss Moss was a monster in Miami for the second straight season, this time hauling in eight passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he became Matt Cassel’s go-to guy in the second half, picking up five receptions and a pair of scores as the Pats took control. Kevin Faulk This is no surprise to anyone who has been following the Pats ..."

Randy Moss makes Dolphins pay

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November 24

Boston Herald

columnist John Tomase

"Winning with Randy Moss as a decoy is all well and good, but the Patriots are a lot more fun to watch when he’s disrespected. And oh did Moss feel dissed yesterday after busting out with eight catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-28 victory over the Dolphins. Maybe it’s because Tony Sparano’s coaching staff wasn’t here a year ago when Moss torched the Dolphins for four first-half touchdowns, but for whatever reason, Sparano and Co. decided it would be best to cover Moss with one player for portions of yesterday’s game - the portions that ended with an official raising his arms over his head. “I don’t know why coach (Sparano) disrespected me like that,” Moss said. “I am who I ..."

Randy Moss still sees double

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November 22

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss can’t escape being under the microscope every offensive play. There are those who believe the Patriots all-world receiver is not playing hard. There are others who think he’s doing just fine. In fact, coach Bill Belichick said earlier this week he “had a lot of respect” for the way Moss played in the overtime loss to the Jets on Nov. 13, and “how he worked hard to get open against double coverage.” Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Perhaps the answer lies in between. Maybe Moss doesn’t go all out on every play when there’s a cornerback jamming him at the line, or a safety rolling over the top, or a play not coming his way. There’s certainly visual evidence that can back up that ..."

Randy Moss’s $20K penalty taken back by league

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November 11

Boston Herald

"Upon further review, the NFL has changed its mind and withdrawn the $20,000 fine it previously had handed out to Patriots receiver Randy Moss, according to league spokesman Corry Rush. The league declined further comment. Moss originally was fined for what the NFL had deemed critical remarks about the officiating following the Pats’ 18-15 loss at Indianapolis on Nov. 2. “There were some real iffy calls out there, and it’s just some of the things that you wished wouldn’t have happened,” Moss said after the game. “Good calls and bad calls are part of the game, so you got to live and die with them.” Meanwhile, tight end David Thomas will appeal the $7,500 fine he was given by the NFL for ..."

Moss finds he's in a fine ($20K) mess

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November 10

Boston Globe

"On a day when he moved up three spots on the NFL's all-time list to 17th with 817 receptions, wide receiver Randy Moss was in no mood to talk about it. Perhaps that was because the last time he spoke after a game it cost him $20,000. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that Moss was fined $20,000 by the league for comments he made regarding the officiating following the Patriots' 18-15 loss to the Colts last Sunday night. How Moss, who had five catches for 53 yards but took some big hits in the Patriots' 20-10 win over the Bills yesterday, felt about receiving the fine is anybody's guess because he wasn't available after the game. But chances are he's not too happy, considering his ..."

Randy Moss not fine with refs

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November 3

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss was careful not to say anything that would get him into trouble, but it was apparent the Patriots All-Pro wide receiver wasn’t happy with the officiating in last night’s 18-15 loss to the Colts. Some of the Pats players thought the pivotal unnecessary roughness call on tight end David Thomas in the fourth quarter was questionable. “A lot of guys are really down because we let a game like this slip,” Moss said. “But when things happen, you have to watch what you say. Guys don’t want to get fined. But there was some real iffy calls out there. “Some of the things you wish wouldn’t happen. But good calls and bad calls are part of the game. You’ve got to live with that one, the good ..."

Randy Moss not acting hurt

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October 31

Boston Herald

"More than a few alarm bells went off when Randy Moss turned up on the Patriots participation/injury report Wednesday with a foot injury. Yesterday, Moss didn’t seem any worse for wear in the locker room, first goofing around a bit with Jabar Gaffney, who was having some fun dribbling a basketball. Later, the Pro Bowl wide receiver picked up the ball and had no trouble walking and doing some dribbling of his own. When asked how he was doing, Moss replied: “It’s going well.” If this was something serious, Moss wouldn’t have been in the locker room on display for the media, taking part in hoop play. He did practice, and ultimately, was listed by the Patriots as having full participation ..."

Moss was clutch when it counted

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October 27

Boston Globe

"That ball Matt Cassel lofted into the end zone early in the fourth quarter of yesterday's battle with the Rams looked like a sure touchdown when it left his hand, but it didn't wind up where he wanted - in the hands of Randy Moss. Moss dropped what would have been a go-ahead TD. Later in the quarter, though, when Cassel was looking his way again, Moss came up big, hauling in three passes for 34 yards during the winning drive. Moss came across the middle to snare a 23-yard reception to get the Patriots into St. Louis territory and Cassel completed a 15-yard TD pass to Kevin Faulk for a come-from-behind 23-16 win. Moss, who made an early exit from the locker room and was not available after ..."

Key Matchup: Fakhir Brown vs. Randy Moss

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October 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Fakhir Brown played his best game of the year last week against Dallas in his first contest back following his surprising late September release by Scott Linehan. The Patriots move Randy Moss around, but Brown should still see plenty of him Sunday. No one has felt the absence of injured superstar Tom Brady more than Moss, whose numbers have plummeted from his monster year in 2007. But don't be fooled. Moss can still get it done even with Matt Cassell throwing the passes - he had two touchdown grabs last week against Denver. "I see the same guy I've seen for years," Rams coach Jim Haslett said. "Great speed. The guy catches the ball and has a chance to score a touchdown every time he ..."

Moss passes his screen test

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October 21

Boston Globe

"When Randy Moss first arrived in New England last fall, he watched as Wes Welker caught a variety of screen passes and used his speed to turn them into big gains. Moss begged coach Bill Belichick to let him have a shot at a screen pass, but the coach refused. Moss got a rare opportunity in the short-passing game last night and showed why he's so dangerous with the ball in his hands. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver caught a slip screen from Matt Cassel and turned it into a 27-yard touchdown, his second of the night, to help the Patriots flatten the Broncos, 41-7, at Gillette Stadium. Sometimes you don't need to throw the deep ball for Moss to hurt the opposition. "It's funny because ..."

John Hannah makes a point to Randy Moss

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October 21

Boston Herald

"ohn Hannah, arguably the greatest offensive lineman to ever have played the game, always met his opponents head on. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he wouldn’t tiptoe around a sensitive subject: the recent play of Patriots receiver Randy Moss. The Hall of Fame guard, who was one of four Patriots alumni who took part in yesterday’s ESPN Chalk Talk Luncheon, offered his opinion about how spoiled receivers had become thanks to quarterback Tom Brady. The remarks clearly were aimed at Moss. “Last week, Moss is running down the field, the ball is coming, and he never lifted his arms for the ball,” Hannah said. “At some point in time, if you see that ball, you’ve got to jump for ..."

Goodell threatens Raiders in Moss tampering case

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October 8

San Francisco Chronicle

"On Tuesday, the Web site National Football Post reported that Raiders owner Al Davis has received a formal letter from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informing him that the franchise is subject to penalties for last week's public accusation of tampering against the Patriots in regard to the Randy Moss trade in April 2007. According to a June 5, 2008, memo Goodell distributed to NFL clubs entitled "Policy on Integrity of the Game and Enforcement of Competitive Rules," the commissioner informed NFL team officials that any competitive rules violations must be made in a timely manner. Davis accused the Patriots of tampering 18 months after the transaction occurred. The memo also warns team ..."

Matt Cassel, randy Moss confer

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October 7

Boston Herald

"erhaps the transformation of Matt Cassel into a better starting quarterback took shape in the Patriots locker room last Monday. That’s when Cassel took a huge step toward asserting himself as the man leading the offense. That’s when he took Randy Moss aside while they were at their lockers and asked for some private time. It’s one thing for Tom Brady to seek out Moss for a little one-on-one session. It means something totally different for Cassel. For him to seek out Moss during the bye week, it suggested he was taking a firm hold of the situation. In the wake of an embarrassing loss to Miami, Cassel knew where to turn for help with the struggling offense. Cassel knows he can’t survive as ..."

Deeper meaning here?

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October 6

Boston Globe

"Heading into yesterday's game against the 49ers, there were several concerns the Patriots had to address during their two-week sabbatical following the debacle at home against the Miami Dolphins. But the primary question over the past two weeks for the Patriots, their fans, and the perhaps quietly, Randy Moss, himself, was when will the team go back to the vertical game. Things didn't look encouraging for all parties after the first two possessions yesterday, which ended in a Matt Cassel interception and a three and out. Things didn't improve when the 49ers grabbed a 7-0 lead on a J.T. O'Sullivan touchdown pass to Frank Gore. The start of the ensuing New England possession did not look ..."

Factoring in Randy Moss again

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October 6

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss lives. Ever since Tom Brady went down in the opener, Moss has been a man without a purpose. He was a rabbi at a first communion, a math tutor at culinary school, a circus clown at a funeral. But yesterday the Patriots finally found a way to take advantage of what Moss does best. They hit him with his first long touchdown reception since last season’s regular-season finale, tried multiple times to get him the ball in space, and when the 30-21 victory over the 49ers was finished, no one was worried about a misused Moss losing interest because Brady’s gone. The future Hall of Fame wideout caught five passes for 111 yards and a 66-yard touchdown that was as pretty as anything the ..."

Randy Moss talks up Matt Cassel, captaincy

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October 2

Boston Herald

"There are a million questions people want to ask Randy Moss. He rarely stops for interviews, but yesterday he unexpectedly held court briefly. Naturally, everyone wanted to know if the Patriots receiver has been able to get a feel for Matt Cassel and develop confidence in the backup quarterback. “I think first of all, he has to believe in himself, and I think that will trickle down to the whole offense,” Moss said. “We’ve seen Matt progress the last couple of weeks quicker than we expected. “We just have to put guys around him. Luckily he’s the quarterback, so he gets the good and the bad. With the 10 guys that we put around him, we have to make it happen. Not really everything is on him ..."

Belichick responds to Davis' tampering charge

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October 1

Boston Globe

"Patriots coach Bill Belichick responded to claims by Raiders owner Al Davis that the Patriots tampered with receiver Randy Moss in 2007. Davis told reporters yesterday that the Patriots had a private workout with Moss while he was still a member of the Raiders. Belichick said today that wasn't the case. Speaking with the Globe after his daily press conference, Belichick said: "I've told the story a hundred times. The first time I talked to Randy was after I talked to Mr. Davis, Saturday night/Sunday morning before the [draft in April 2007], the second day of the draft. I don't know what this workout is. No idea. "Like I told Mr. Davis when I talked to him that Saturday night, we were ..."

Don’t pick on Randy Moss yet

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September 24

Boston Herald

"During the telecast of the Patriots game Sunday, analyst Solomon Wilcots called out Randy Moss for not trying, saying he “shut it down” on a third-down ball where the wide receiver failed to extend his arms to make the catch. Reached yesterday, Wilcots talked about that play and offered his view on Moss, whose every move now appears to be under the microscope. “I just thought he could have fought harder for the ball on that particular throw, and I’m sure the coaches told him that after they saw the tape,” said Wilcots, who does work for CBS as well as Sirius NFL radio. “I thought (Matt) Cassel put the ball right where you want it, right where you expect it, and Randy could have fought to ..."

Reading receiver's moves

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September 22

Boston Globe

"Randy Moss said all the right things after catching just four passes for 25 yards in the Patriots' 38-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins yesterday, but his body language seemed to tell a different story. Moss sat in solitude on the bench for most of the first half as the offense struggled. The wide receiver has yet to establish the same passing rapport with quarterback Matt Cassel he had with Tom Brady, and it hasn't helped that teams consistently have rolled a safety in Moss's direction, challenging Cassel to get him the ball. Cassel claimed he didn't notice that Moss wasn't sitting with the offense in the first half. "No, I don't really pay attention to that," Cassel said. "When we come over ..."

Randy Moss still quiet

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September 22

Boston Herald

"The numbers are simply un-Moss like. Four catches for 25 yards? Against a Dolphins defense that allowed Kurt Warner to compile a perfect passer rating last week? That’s not the real Randy Moss. But it’s the current reality for the Patriots and their star receiver, at least while Matt Cassel acclimates himself to running an NFL offense. If yesterday’s 38-13 loss was a frustrating one for Moss personally, he wasn’t letting on after the game. The closest he came was when asked if he had altered his route-running in the absence of Tom Brady to better fit Cassel’s skill set. “You like causing trouble, man,” a smiling Moss said. “I’m not going to answer that. You put it in your own column.” One ..."

Renaldo Hill to get physical with Randy Moss

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September 21

Miami Herald

"Expect to see more from Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill on Sunday against the Patriots. Hill, who apparently has outshined Chris Crocker and Jason Allen this week, is likely to jump into the starting role opposite Yeremiah Bell. Hill has been running with the first-team defense this week. ''Renaldo is working there right now,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``He's worked in that group, and I just think that Renaldo has done a good job from a physical standpoint. But so has Chris Crocker. ``So whichever way we go out there this weekend, I think what Renaldo has done is Renaldo has really been physical back there.'' The move could also be simply about personnel matchups with the Patriots rather than ..."

Randy Moss takes a lead role

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September 16

Boston Herald

columnist Karen Guregian

"Randy Moss is going to be an interesting study from week to week. From how he’s utilized in a Tom Brady-less offense, to how he’s being defended by teams, to how he reacts to the whole new scenario, the Pro Bowl wide receiver is going to be a curiosity factor going forward. Last season, he captivated the masses in New England with jaw-dropping ability and freakish talent. He and Brady had formed a special bond. The duo developed that rare quarterback/receiver chemistry. Now, he’s left to try to keep both his hopes, and his team’s hopes, uplifted and work in an offense that isn’t going to be quite the same. Moss said he was going to do everything he could to help quarterback Matt Cassel and ..."

Randy Moss one angry ’dog

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September 15

Boston Herald

"Randy Moss’ comments following the 19-10 victory over the Jets yesterday were brief and very much to the point. The wide receiver didn’t like hearing all the naysayers who didn’t think the Patriots could win without Tom Brady. “I don’t think there’s one person in my face with his microphone that picked us to win today,” Moss said as he peered out at the media. “I’m going to end (my comments) today. The New England Patriots are 2-0. We got one in the division. So all you haters keep hating. We’re coming!” With that, Moss, who caught two passes for 22 yards, ended the session. Before that, he spoke about what it took to win without Brady. “That’s how this team is really designed. They really ..."

No slow down for Randy Moss

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September 11

Boston Herald

"Maybe he was putting out more of the proverbial spin. But if you know Randy Moss, that’s really not his style. He’ll speak his mind, and tell you what he feels. That’s why Patriots fans should take some comfort in the words spoken by the all-world receiver yesterday. For those worried that Moss may lose interest with Tom Brady having been lost for the season, think again. During a conference call with the national media, Moss reassured the masses he wasn’t going to take a powder on the team, or Matt Cassel. “I think the biggest way I can help out is just to go out there and do my job,” he said. “And doing my job may consist of doing things a little bit harder, a little bit quicker, a ..."

New quarterback won't slow down Moss

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September 11

Boston Globe

"Perhaps no Patriot is more affected by quarterback Tom Brady's season-ending left knee injury than wide receiver Randy Moss. The effect Brady's absence has on Moss goes beyond his statistics; it infiltrates the locker room and the offensive huddle. Without Brady, Moss will be both the offense's one truly elite player and its de facto leader Sunday when the Patriots face the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. After his acrimonious departure from the Oakland Raiders, few would have projected Moss in a leadership role with the Patriots. But his teammates voted him an offensive captain this season, along with Brady and left tackle Matt Light. "The media doesn't see a lot of his leadership skills ..."

He had the backup's back

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September 8

Boston Globe

"Randy Moss's legs got a pretty good workout yesterday. He caught six passes for 116 yards. He also kept his head and neck moving, too. After Tom Brady left the game with 7:27 left in the first quarter, Moss eagerly turned toward the door leading to the Patriots' locker room every time he heard the Gillette Stadium crowd cheer. "I was like a little kid at the candy store hoping to see No. 12 coming out of that door and up those steps," Moss said. But Brady would not make a Paul Pierce-like return. It would be up to Matt Cassel to lead the New England offense in the 2008 opener against the Chiefs, and who better to help the beleaguered backup than Moss? Cassel entered the game with the ..."

Randy Moss, Matt Cassel connect

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September 8

Boston Herald

"Thrust into a role as the Patriots quarterback yesterday, Matt Cassel immediately showed himself to be a pretty smart guy. He looked for Randy Moss. In his first pass attempt after Tom Brady went down with a knee injury, Cassel connected with Moss for a 51-yard reception. It was the key play in what turned out to be a 10-play drive, culminating with a 10-yard Cassel-to-Moss touchdown in the Pats’ 17-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. “It was actually a play designed to try to get deep into Kansas City territory,” Moss said of the long reception. “When I came off the ball I saw the corner and the safety squat, meaning they had their feet flat-footed. “I just thought ..."

Randy Moss grows into captain’s role

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September 6

Boston Herald

"The Patriots have elected captains for the 2008 season and it shows how far Randy Moss’ image makeover has come that he’s one of them. Moss was elected in a vote of teammates earlier this week, along with seven others: quarterback Tom Brady, left tackle Matt Light, linebacker Tedy Bruschi, safety Rodney Harrison, linebacker Mike Vrabel, nose tackle Vince Wilfork and special teamer Larry Izzo. Moss’ presence on the list shows the respect his teammates have developed for him since he arrived before last season. He had encountered his share of controversy during stops in Minnesota and Oakland, but since joining the Pats, Moss has been a model citizen in the locker room and on the field. Moss ..."

Randy Moss checks in

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September 1

Boston Globe

"Comments from Patriots receiver Randy Moss, who spoke with media members this morning at Gillette Stadium: What are your thoughts as you prepare to open another season? “I really don’t have any, to be honest with you. I know it’s been a long preseason, a long training camp, so everybody is ready to get the season started. It’s not that feeling like last year. It’s just more like ‘it’s about time it’s come around.’ I think that’s where I’m at.” You had expressed some nervousness that you were feeling when we spoke with you at the end of training camp. Are those feelings still there? “Yeah, because I think the expectations are so high. They’ve already been set. With the preseason included, ..."

Randy Moss: Time for team to do it again

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September 1

Boston Herald

"Bring on the regular season. Randy Moss is ready. The future Hall of Fame wideout declared all systems go yesterday, even after a preseason that didn’t feature a single snap to quarterback Tom Brady. Fresh off a record-breaking 2007, Moss realizes expectations couldn’t be higher, and he’s OK with that because of the lofty goals he sets for himself. “To be honest with you, it’s been a long preseason, a long training camp,” Moss said. “Everybody is ready to get the season started. It’s not that feeling like last year. It’s more like, ‘It’s about time it has come around.’ I think that’s where I’m at.” Topping last year’s record 23 touchdowns probably isn’t going to happen - can a player ..."

Randy Moss shares his talents

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August 7

Boston Herald

columnist Karen Guregian

"Randy Moss is one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game. And the way C.J. Jones looks at it, there’s no better person on the planet to learn from. The good news? Moss is a more than willing teacher. Even better? It doesn’t matter if you’re an established receiver, or someone struggling to make the roster, such as Jones. Moss will give you his time. “He’s a good teacher, a real good teacher. He just shows a lot. In the meeting rooms, on the board, he knows his plays,” Jones said. “We have these little games we play, with the routes and stuff like that. If you don’t know it, he makes sure you know it.” Jones, who spent much of last season on the Patriots practice squad, has tried ..."

Gathering no Moss

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August 7

Boston Herald

"The Patriots were practicing for their season ticket-holders Monday when an announcement came through the loudspeakers: The offense trailed, 21-17, and had 25 seconds to drive 40 yards for the winning score. Tom Brady and Co. immediately went to work in the two-minute offense, and with just a few ticks of the clock left found themselves on the 8-yard line. Brady dropped back and rifled a pass towards the goal posts that seemed sure to sail out of bounds. At least there’d be time for one more play. Randy Moss had other ideas. The 6-foot-4 receiver with a reputation for dogging his way through training camp skied higher than Dwight Clark could dare to dream, snared the ball in his fingertips ..."

Randy Moss earns Patriots trust

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July 31

Boston Herald

"During the years when Randy Moss wasn’t in the employ of the Patriots, the guy wasn’t much liked around here. Even before he arrived at our doorstep, when there were rumors he might be headed here, it was popular to throw it out there that Moss would be bad for the locker room, that he would ruin the chemistry, that he simply couldn’t be trusted. Now, everyone trusts Randy Moss. And a lot fewer people - around here - trust the Red Sox’ Manny Ramirez than they did, say, a month ago. That’s not Manny Bashing. It’s fact. The booing Ramirez received Wednesday night at Fenway Park wasn’t piped in. And there was a reason Sox general manager Theo Epstein was burning up the phone lines last night ..."

Moss uncovered

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July 23

Boston Globe

"His tenure with the Patriots began with swirling questions about his work ethic and loss of speed, but those innuendos aren't hovering over Randy Moss anymore. They've been left behind with the defensive backs in his rearview mirror. Moss's dynamic entry in New England and remarkable individual performance in 2007 - the 98 receptions, the NFL-record 23 touchdowns - have shifted the focus surrounding him. The more prevalent questions, especially since he signed a three-year extension this offseason, now seem to be different, such as what makes him tick off the field. Who is Randy Moss?"

Another big score for Moss

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July 4

Boston Globe

"Accustomed to making long hauls on the football field, Randy Moss acknowledged he was operating far afield from his chosen area of expertise when it came to owning a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. But the Patriots wide receiver, despite being new to the sport, said he was prepared to make a long-haul commitment after announcing yesterday at Daytona International Speedway he had purchased a 50 percent stake in David Dollar's Craftsman Truck Series team, Morgan-Dollar Motorsports."