Patriots Links 7/07/09 - The Real Randy Moss

Two articles with one common denominator. The Randy Moss article talks about how gun-shy he has become around the media, having been burnt with writers purposely making more out of certain incidents in his life when he was younger, than was warranted. His quotes have been taken out of context, with the most famous example being the “I play when I want to play” line. Does anyone even remember (or care) why Moss said that particular line or what reporter’s question he was responding to when he said it? Before I answer it, I’d love to know if anyone else knows.

The second involves Steve McNair, with Don Banks epiphany that athlete’s are more than their public image. Really? And who perpetuates a particular image Don, the media perhaps?

How cavalierly writers just type out and repeat the same old filler lines whenever writing about particular athletes or coaches? (For a quick example, does the phrase “evil genius” regarding Belichick ring any bells?")

It’s something to think about.

I had no problem with Moss well before he became a Patriot. I also have no problem with TO. Brett Favre yet again deciding whether he will play or not doesn’t bother me in the least.

A large number of football fans are drama queens. They seem to get all worked up over any player that speaks their mind or doesn’t repetitively chant football cliches to the media. That’s their right, but I reserve my scorn for players who really are creeps, like Pacman.

It is a testament to Patriots management that the players they have taken under their wing who have had perceived issues about their attitude have been solid team players.

Sid Hartman, Star Tribune

I’m cheating because I lived there at the time. Look at the olympic sprinters, yeah they can run fast, but how many sprints to they run in a day? Do they run a sprint, head back to the huddle, and run another, and another and another? No. Wide receivers need time to recover as well, and that is what Randy was saying. There are times when he’s not full out and there are times when he’s “playing”. He plays like no other.

Moss has been criticized by some media members for not giving 100 percent all of the time. His veteran teammate, Cris Carter, will tell you there is not a player who goes 100 percent all of the time.

“I play when I want to play,” Moss said. “Do I play up to my top performance, my ability every time? Maybe not. I just keep doing what I do and that is playing football. When I make my mind up, I am going out there to tear somebody’s head off. When I go out there and play football, man it’s not anybody telling me to play or how I should play. I play when I want to play, case closed.”

Moss knows it helps when he goes at full speed.

“With me playing at my highest level, it gives us a better chance to win,” he said. "But I think just with me going out there and playing, we have a chance to win. I don’t really think my teammates really see the desire and determination to get in the end zone when we play a not-so-good team. Winning is really a team thing.

Every player working hard to do their job to win.

I’ve seen Randy take plays off. I’ve also seen him run hard as a decoy. I’ve seen him block downfield, and get Welker yards. I’ve seen him fight for first down when it was only first or second down.

When he is playing to win, with a team that wants to win, he is at his best.