Cornerbacks run unmanageable sprints facing his 6-foot-4 backside. They can only hope to match him stride for stride, pleading for a dropped pass.
At the end of the play, too often these cornerbacks are gasping for air after being burnt to a crisp.
Randy Moss is the most dangerous and talented deep threat in the history of the NFL.
He is second all-time in career touchdown receptions with 153. He is the guy you draft in the first round of Madden fantasy franchise for your quarterback to lob balls to, giving you infinite touchdowns. He is the guy who will open up the running attack for your team so eight men aren’t in the box.
He is also the guy who has been known to take plenty of plays off. Moss has the potential to fit with the Titans as flawlessly as a puzzle piece. But is it worth the risk for the Titans?
Moss shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 33. He had one of his better seasons last year, notching 83 catches for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns. So, what’s the dilemma?
Moss has been on three different teams in the first nine weeks of the season. He was traded by the New England Patriots because of his diminished role, and was then waived by the Minnesota Vikings for criticizing the team and its catering service. Now the Tennessee Titans are giving him a shot.
The Team: The Titans are tied for first place in their division with five wins and three losses. They have an already potent offense, but are currently lacking a solid the receiver due to Kenny Britt’s latest injury. The Titans average 28 points per game, second in the league.
The QB: Vince Young has an absolute cannon for an arm, similar to Dante Culpepper, and is the highest rated passer in the league at 103.1.
The RB: Chris Johnson is arguably the top running back in the game.
The WR: Moss would give Young the deep threat he has always craved and would draw double coverage to open up the jaws of the running attack.
The Coach: Jeff Fisher is a player’s coach. He has successfully dealt with problem players such as Albert Haynsworth, Adam Jones and LenDale White. Fisher is the perfect coach for Moss.
I view Moss the way I view the old Manny Ramirez. If they are content and satisfied, you want both athletes on your side of the ball or on your steps of the dugout.
The bottom line is, if the Titans make Moss feel welcomed, he will perform at a higher echelon than any other receiver, and he will breed success.
As the Tennessee Titans make a playoff run, they want the receiver with the most gifted athleticism and talent on their sideline.
Moss will carry a chip on his shoulder for the rest of this season as he squares off against feared opponents who passed on the opportunity to sign him. Moss will stretch every defense he encounters and will free up the run game. He fits the Titans offense to perfection. The bye week will give Moss extra time to feel comfortable with the plays and give the Titans an extra week to discover Moss’s taste for foods.
Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.