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Moss Was The Spark That Ignited Patriots' Comeback

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Tony Dungy heard the news April 29 and cringed.

A driven organization got harder to handle that day as the Patriots swung a deal with the Raiders for wide receiver Randy Moss, a singular talent with a well-earned reputation for divisive behavior.

Dungy's Colts had rallied past New England three months earlier in an AFC Championship Game that left quarterback Tom Brady and Coach Bill Belichick fuming.

Three consecutive losses to Indianapolis had tipped the balance of power, so the Patriots reached out to a malcontent with rare skills. The cost was negligible, a fourth-round draft pick, but there was always the risk the 6-foot-4 Moss wouldn't be a good fit.

"If people don't adjust to our standards, they won't be here," Patriots owner Bob Kraft said defiantly on that fateful day, now labeled Black Sunday by Indianapolis fans who just saw Moss spark a 10-point comeback at the RCA Dome that kept New England unbeaten.

Moss registered four of his nine catches and 89 of his 145 receiving yards in the fourth quarter as New England rallied for a 24-20 triumph.

Dungy acknowledged it was Brady's 55-yard bomb to Moss with 8:40 remaining that turned the game around, setting up a short scoring flip to Wes Welker that pulled the Patriots to within 20-17.

The sum of all fears for Dungy is a highly motivated Moss wrecking Indy's hopes of repeating as NFL champion.

The Patriots counted on Moss yielding to peer pressure from strong veteran leaders like Brady and linebacker Tedy Bruschi. In retrospect, Moss was ready to resurrect a Hall of Fame career before he even met his new teammates.

"I'm still in awe that I'm a part of this organization," Moss said when he was dealt for the 110th pick in the draft, cornerback John Bowie.

Dungy was standing stoically on the Tampa Bay sideline when Moss made his NFL debut with a pair of touchdown catches as Minnesota beat the Bucs in the 1998 season opener.

He watched Moss go on to post 17 scoring receptions that rookie year, a figure he matched in 2003 before his career went sour.

"All I know is the guy's been great for us," Patriots defensive end Jarvis Green said, moments after jarring the ball loose from Peyton Manning to secure Sunday's victory. "Randy Moss works very hard, and that's something that often goes unnoticed."

In 2004, the Eagles traded for Terrell Owens and ended up in the Super Bowl at Jacksonville, where Owens nearly willed Philadelphia past these Patriots with a bravura performance.

Now, it's the Patriots who are counting on a former NFL prima donna to provide the winning edge.

One more thing you should know.

Remember John Bowie? He hasn't played a down yet as a pro.

HUDDLE UP: A year ago at this time, Tennessee's Albert Haynesworth was finishing up a five-game suspension for stomping on the forehead of Dallas C Andre Gurode. Midway through his contract year, Haynesworth has established himself as the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in the league. ... Opposing QBs have a 70.9 rating vs. the Bucs in 2007, compared to a zesty 91.0 figure last season. Yes, the pass rush is a tad better, but new secondary coach Raheem Morris is the primary factor and don't think other organizations haven't noticed his handiwork. ... Buffalo QB J.P. Losman will look back at his superb performance Sunday against Cincinnati as the pivotal moment of his fledgling NFL career. ... Four more fumbles forced by Detroit's marauding defense gives Joe Barry's crew 22 through eight games. The Lions forced 29 fumbles all of last season. ... Cleveland's Derek Anderson and Matt Hasselbeck of Seattle combined to throw 95 passes Sunday. Would it be too much to ask for either defense to manage a sack?

The Chargers allowed the offensively challenged Vikings to average 8.0 yards per snap at the Metrodome. That's absurd, regardless of how good Adrian Peterson might be. Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell ought to refund his paycheck for San Diego's inept effort. ... The 2-6 Raiders are saddled with the league's 28th-rated passing game. Can rookie QB JaMarcus Russell be less effective than Josh McCown? ... Rookie LaRon Landry and a more disciplined Sean Taylor are giving the Redskins stellar play at the safety position. ... New coordinator Jim Bates had better sort out Denver's pass-rush woes in a hurry. The Broncos have 10 sacks in their three wins and five sacks in the club's five losses. ... Of the 10 teams with the worst turnover ratio, only 4-4 New Orleans has avoided a losing record.

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