Point/Counterpoint: Should Atlanta Go After Randy Moss?
As of this afternoon wide receiver Randy Moss was unceremoniously waved by the Minnesota Vikings faster than you can say "Straight cash, homey." Based on his comments and subsequent lack of production (only nine catches in four games), it was apparent that Vikings' brass (re: coach Brad Childress) didn't figure that Moss's history of bad comments and "I play when I want to play" attitude would actually hamper their team.
So now that he has been let go after only a quarter of the season, the question now is which team is going to put in a claim for the receiver. There are a number of teams that have interest in Moss, but should the Atlanta Falcons be one of them? In this edition of Point/Counterpoint, we'll examine whether or not he would be a boom or a bust for the NFC South-leading Falcons.
Point: He Can Still Produce
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Don't let the stats fool you, the man can still bring it. Although he has only 18 receptions this year, there's a reason teams are willing to put up with his $3.4 million contract. He can still get in the open field and demand double-teams from defenses who think he has lost a step. Remember his one-hand TD catch against Darrelle Revis and the New York Jets? Exactly!
Counterpoint: He Has Lost a Step
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Moss has faced the greatest cornerbacks of this era, yet there is one person he cannot outrun: Father Time. Face it, on a team that is all about building through the draft and rarely dips into free agency, do they want to invest in a guy who will be on the wrong side of 36 when his contract is up? For those who say that Terrell Owens is also in his latter stages of his career, Moss isn't nearly as conditioned an athlete as T.O.
Point: His Presence Alone Makes Atlanta Into a Threat in the NFC
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Similar to what I wrote about T.O. possibly joining the Falcons earlier this summer (which, by the way, is proving me right as he is leading the Bengals in receiving) having Moss here would instantly vault the Falcons into contending for the Super Bowl.
Some teams need that one talent that can put them over the top, and as we saw in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, Atlanta sorely needs another playmaker that makes secondaries think twice about doubling Roddy White. They don't have enough speed to beat the Giants or even the Patriots, and imagine Moss in the Super Bowl against New England? I'm sure Matt Ryan wouldn't have a problem listening to Moss's time with the Pats then.
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Counterpoint: He Could Potentially Affect the Locker Room
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General manager Thomas Dimitroff has spent the first three years of his tenure making sure that the Falcons removed themselves from the Vick-DeAngelo Hall fraternity mindset that plagued this organization. Moss would instantly threaten not only his opponents, but his own locker room. Coach Mike Smith has shown that he doesn't have a problem punching out players, would he be incensed to do the same to Moss when he fires off one of his post-game comments?
Point: He Could Be a Great Help to Roddy White
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Think about it: Atlanta already has one of the league's best receivers in Roddy White, and on a team in which he leads in receptions over the next receiver by 38 receptions, Moss can give Atlanta a one-two punch they haven't seen since the days of Terence Mathis and Tony Martin.
Hey, at least they made the Super Bowl!
Counterpoint: He Can Harm the Offensive Flow of the Team
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Remember the "Randy Ratio?" Roddy White has grown into one of the league's best receivers; Moss will want his catches, especially with his free-agent status coming up next year, and the better the stats, the bigger the contract.
He could take away from Roddy White's progress (not to mention the other receivers) and make it difficult for Matt Ryan to get into a groove if he has to start keeping people happy, something he hasn't had to deal with in his first two seasons.
Point: Mike Mularkey Can Open Up the Offense
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The Falcons are one of the league's most conservative offenses, prefering a run-first attack on offense. They have gone to the play-action pass more often in the past few weeks, however, the addition of Moss will make it easier for Matt Ryan to go deeper, and result in more open space for White and Tony Gonzalez underneath.
Also, anyone that can help make their stout running game more proficient would be a welcome help when they play the Saints and the Packers, two teams that can light up the scoreboard.
Counterpoint: Moss Could Make It Difficult for Atlanta to Operate Efficienty
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Georgia Dome fans got used to seeing players not give their all, and Moss is the poster child for not playing 100 percent. If he isn't getting the ball early, and remember this team likes to run often, then it could create problems for the chemistry that this organization has worked so hard to develop.
Can't imagine that the normally quiet Flowery Branch complex would like the distraction that Moss would bring to the team. Mularkey would have fits if he had to keep forcing the ball into Moss' hands.
Remember, he doesn't hustle when he doesn't feel he needs to, and I don't think that Matt Ryan wants to have to worry about that kind of issue worrying about his receiver not going after the ball on crossing routes.
Point: He Will Be on His Best Behavior Because He Wants a New Contract
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Remember that the Falcons' locker room and organization mirrors that of the Patriots in which they are team first, individual second. Minnesota, thanks to Brett Favre became the total opposite of that. Moss stated that he missed that atmosphere, and would welcome being part of a team that isn't a circus and the players respect the leadership of their head coach.
Also, he is playing for what will most likely be his final contract in the NFL. I'm sure he would be on his best behavior in helping a team that is looking for another playmaker and get that Super Bowl ring that has eluded him throughout his career.
Counterpoint: His
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In my last point I stated that his attitude might be held in check on a team that wants to win and has a stable locker room. However, should the Falcons take that risk?
If Moss decides to blow up it could happen at the worst time. This team has worked on their process of growing into a championship contender, and he could threaten that process in a heartbeat if he decides to have one of his infamous episodes and go off on the coach, team and ultimately management.
Moss may be too much of a high-risk, high-reward for an organization that doesn't take risks that often. However, some gambles are worth taking, and Moss, despite his issues, might be worth the short-term gamble. What do you think?
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