New 49er Randy Moss

As it’s been widely reported that Randy Moss signed a 1 year contract with the San Francisco 49ers yesterday, it’s now time to offer opinions and arm-chair quarterbacking. Although I don’t have all that much interest in Randy Moss, as a Tennessee Titans fan, I did witness his brief stay in Nashville. Needless-to-say, it was very strange.

Moss, a sure-fire hall of famer, was signed and many thought he would provide the deep threat Tennessee was missing at the time. But, he rarely saw the field. I’m sure, he was as good if not better 2 years ago, than he is now. Jim Harbaugh and the 49er’s believe he can still play. I’m sure he can. But that’s not the point. He could still play 2 years ago when he was a Titan. Again, he didn’t play. Why?

The local sports talk shows always wondered why too but mainly it was because he wasn’t a team player. He didn’t give the kind of effort head coach Jeff Fisher wanted in his players…so he sat. I’ve followed football for over 20 years and the Randy Moss situation will go down as probably the strangest one I’ve ever seen because he was paid millions of dollars to sit the bench.

At the end of the day, he’ll succeed in San Francisco if he changes his attitude. He doesn’t need to do anything about his athletic ability or “passion” for the game. These things are fine. It’s the effort and team first mentality he’ll need to work on if he wants to extend his playing career and contribute. I’m not here to say I believe he will fail. Maybe he’s changed. Most of the time however, guys like him have a very strong personality. It’s gotten them this far and this far is hall of fame worthy. And sometimes, people have to change to adapt to a new environment. Since Randy Moss is no longer a freak difference maker, I think a combination of the old Randy Moss and a new more team concept Randy Moss might be needed. We’ll see.