National Football League

Moss' presence still felt in New England

Published Oct. 29, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Gillette Stadium will have its share of Randy Moss-inspired Halloween costumes at Sunday’s Minnesota-New England game.

Too bad the true reasons Moss was traded from the Patriots to the Vikings are masked as well.

Almost one month since the surprising deal, it remains unclear exactly why New England would part ways in-season with one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has said only that it was a “combination of factors.” Moss has stayed mum, too.

Belichick was so effusive Friday in his praise of Moss it makes the decision to cut ties even more dubious.

“He’s as smart as any receiver I’ve coached,” said Belichick, who acquired Moss from Oakland in a 2007 trade. “Great hands, timing on the ball and is a very accomplished route runner. Some of the catches he makes in practice a lot of people don’t get to see — like the play he made against the (New York) Jets — just reach out and take the ball with one hand like a center fielder.

“I thought when we traded [for him] we were getting a great player. We got a very talented receiver with a lot of love of football. I was impressed with that, too.”

Sounds like Belichick’s type of guy. So why is he gone?

Maybe it’s as simple as this: Belichick identified Moss as a potential powder keg because a new contract wasn’t in the offing. Belichick didn’t want to risk conflict with a strong-willed veteran who, despite having a selfish public image, was a locker-room leader with great influence over younger players. Belichick figured the Patriots could win anyway — they’re 2-0 since the trade — while ditching Moss’ $6.4 million salary and acquiring a 2011 third-round draft pick.

Here’s what we definitely do know: The Vikings — a team desperate for wide receiver help in a Super Bowl-or-bust season — are a better offensive team since adding Moss. The same can’t be said about New England so far.

Although Moss has touchdown catches in two of the past three games, the best way to evaluate him in Minnesota is by the impact he has made on those around him. His addition has given quarterback Brett Favre a vertical threat sorely lacking with Sidney Rice (hip) on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Dallas and Green Bay both used a safety to help in coverage against Moss, which created better opportunities for fellow wideout Percy Harvin. Now back in the slot, Harvin has 13 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns since Moss arrived.

“(Moss) understands how he fits in,” Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell told Minnesota media earlier this week. “He says, ‘Hey, Coach, if I’m taking two guys out of the game plan all the time, fine.’ … He understands how defenses can take him away and the effect it can have on the offense if they are doing that.”

The Patriots are still trying to find their way after the Moss trade and subsequent return of wide receiver Deion Branch after a trade with Seattle. Reestablishing a deep passing game is the top priority. No wide receiver has a reception longer than 23 yards since Moss’ departure.

“Moss draws great attention and is such a threat,” one NFL head coach told FOXSports.com. “You’re seeing more of a ball-control offense from them now.”

One NFL personnel director said the 2010 Patriots are now reminiscent of the franchise’s Super Bowl teams in 2001, 2003 and 2004 that relied more on short passing and crafty undersized wideouts like Branch, Troy Brown and David Givens.

“They’re doing a lot of quick rhythm, underneath throws,” he said. “They’re without a true No. 1 (receiver). They’ve got a lot of good, crisp route runners, and the tight ends can get vertical, but that only helps you in the middle of the field.”

The tallest wide receiver on New England’s roster is 6-foot-1 Brandon Tate, which could lead quarterback Tom Brady to rely heavier in the red zone on rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Branch, though, is confident size won’t be an issue if New England’s wideouts play to their potential.

“We know we’re not the tallest or fastest receiver group in the league, but we think that way,” Branch said after Friday’s practice. “You’d better believe we’re going to be one of the smartest and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”

Moss had three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons with New England, including a blockbuster 2007 campaign in which he caught 23 touchdowns. There were times his on-field effort was questioned — New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis called him a 'slouch” — and reports of behind-the-scenes blowups with coaches. Moss, though, also was lauded for giving motivational team speeches when he felt necessary and offering advice to younger players.

“He helped me out with coverages, running routes and stuff like that,” said Tate, a second-year player with the speed to develop as a downfield threat. “He taught me a lot about the game of football.

“I was a huge fan. I still am.”

That’s all Tate can be. Moss is no longer a teammate on a squad whose Super Bowl chances might hinge on one of Belichick’s most controversial personnel moves.