Tuesday, July 9th /2002

WR Randy Moss, Vikings

Height: 6-4  
Weight: 205  
Born: February 13th /1977, Rand, WV 
College: Marshall

Career Statistics:    

Chris Smith’s Thoughts:  

Randy Moss was a scary receiver in his first four years in the NFL.  He averaged almost 14 touchdowns per season and 1350 receiving yards.  Last year though was a big letdown for Moss although much of that could be put on the injury to Daunte Culpepper and the ineffectiveness of Spergen Wynn as the backup.  For the first time in his career he did not make the Pro Bowl and it has seemed to open his eyes somewhat this pre-season.  Moss, never known for his work or study habits, has been the first one into camp each morning and the last one to leave.  He has taken a veteran role in the locker room and his attitude is positive.  For the first time in his entire life more than likely, his work habits are matching his talent and does that terrify opposing defensive backs so bad that they'll have nightmares of a fifty foot tall Moss dominating them in football games.  Get ready for Moss's rise to the top of the fantasy pool at receiver and he'll likely reside there for a few seasons. 

Quotes from the P.O.D. Thread in the forum: (make sure you click on the link that takes you to the thread.  There are many fantastic thoughts that I wasn't able to fit into this article).

Link to the thread: Click Here  

Positive Responses:

Juicecore:

Everyone knows Randy Moss is one of, if not THE most prolific receiver in the game today. His combination of size, speed, leaping ability, and sticky hands strike fear into the hearts of defenders that hasn't been seen since Rice was in his prime.

Fantasy Football Legend:

Lots of upside, very little downside.

footballman_696969:

Randy Moss is the best young WR in the NFL today IMO. He is tall, fast and has great hands. He has everything you want in a WR.I think he will improve his stats from last season.

Grim Reaper:

Randy Moss has proven to be the offensive version of "the freak" over the first 4 years of his career. Whether that is good, as in his first three years; or bad as in last years' implosion.

Bruno:

Although Randy Moss had career lows in yards(1233) and TDs(10) he did have a career high in receptions with 82 last year. That stat alone leads me to believe that even though his production was down his opportunities were more abundant than ever. I would be worried about Moss if his receptions declined, but it is quite clear that Moss is the go-to guy in Minnesota and 2002 is the year when Moss climbs to the top of the WR list ahead of Harrison and Owens.

rudemood:

Rany is the greatest WR to ever play the game. Period!!! Sorry Jerry Rice (though you were great), Randy Moss has far more natural ability than you ever had. 10 years from now, after Moss has broken all the receiving records, he will not only be known as the greatest WR ever, but as one of the greatest players ever.

ratpfink:

For what it's worth I think Tice is a pretty honest, in-your-face, straight up kind of guy. Moss will line up all over the field, including in the backfield. He's going to get a lot of passes thrown his way. Double-covering him hasn't stopped him in the past, there is no reason to think it will now.

Negative Responses:

Monsoon:

Moss is being asked a lot this year, in the fact that he is expected to be the leader on the field. He is not ready for this, nor do I think that he will ever be responsible enough for others to look to him as a leader. Bad mistake on Tice's part in trying to make a guy that decides when he will and when he is not going to play. Moss is way too selfish of a player right now to have the expectation of being an on field general.

Lung Nugget:

If attitude is not a factor why is the new management in Minni trying to kiss every square inch of Moss's you know what. Does a born again "team leader" need all that coddling or do the Vike's fear loss of fan interest if they can't convince the faithful their superstar will be featured.

LHUCKS:

Too many uncertainties in this offense to predict the gaudy numbers that have been thrown out. 1500/13 on Godly talent alone.

Swampy:

Looks as though Mike Tice is trying to bend over backwards to make Randy Moss a happy ball player. I have heard many-a-word from different coaches on how they are going to make their star player the best, and how it will all change from the previous year. But guess what it hardly ever happens.

Karate Kid:

New Head Coach, New Offensive co-coordinator, the loss of his mentor WR in Carter and no proven back. All this adds up to a Plus?????
It will take at least a season for all the pieces to gel. History is rarely wrong on this one.

Footballguy Projections:

P.O.D. average projections