"The Freak" is Back

Randy Moss on Monday announced he was going to return to the NFL for the 2012-2013 season via video chat.  Moss made it clear that this comeback would not be a money grab, he wants to return to his All-Pro form.

Moss was last seen on an NFL field playing for the Tennessee Titans in 2010-2011 and was viewed as a shell of his former self.  He played for three different teams that season:  the New England Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans.  His production in that final season was severely diminished only catching 28 balls for 393 yards and five touchdowns.

His final season was full of turmoil for Moss clashing with the former Offensive coordinator of the Patriots, Bill O’Brien, which ultimately lead to his trade to the Vikings.  Then with sub par production and disagreements with Brad Childress, former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Moss found himself released and being picked up by the Titans.  After the season he would then retire, and not play for the entire 2011-2012 season.

Now with the controversial, supremely talented receiver returning to the NFL it is now a question of who will want the 35 year old. 

When thinking of Moss three teams come to mind: the New York Jets, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New England Patriots. The Jets with questions surrounding Santonio and Plaxico are a natural fit for Moss.  Moss could be very interested in the Ravens; they are a team that is desperate to win a championship, as is Moss, and with a dominating defense they seem perfect.  The most intriguing team of those three would be the Patriots because of many factors.  Moss would love to come back to the Patriots as he made that evidently clear after a Monday Night Football game versus them.

Any of these teams should have an interest in Moss and he will undoubtedly have an interest in them.  However, there are two issues that you will need to trust will not affect him and those are his speed and effort.

Moss has always been a guy who will beat you down the field with his 4.3 speed running nine routes.  If he has lost a step, then Moss will be reduced to a bench player and at one time this was thought to be true. Years ago when he was on the Oakland Raiders there was a question that he lost his speed, but that was not the case when he went to New England and lit up the league.

When he became a Patriot it was apparent his speed had not left him, it appears to be his questionable effort at times.  His effort has been questioned his entire career and that is the most important factor in Moss’ play.  If Moss gives full effort a team will get a force in the NFL, if not his return will be a failure.