The return of Randy Moss with SF vs the Patriots

[Chopblock CB]

I for one appreciate what Moss did for this team in his time here and will give him a standing O and shout positive things to him during warmups...... I do believe he will be targeted alot...especially on some quick "Bubble screen/ Quick out" passes.....If we get beat deep by him it will be because of the height advantage if anything

 

[Mike the Brit]

Hi everyone, 49ers fan here.

As you all may know there's been a major QB controversy in SF, and Niner fans are basically split. I just want to know your thoughts on Harbaugh's decision (since Bellicheck made a similar one with Brady), and who would you guys rather face on Sunday night, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?

Welcome to the board!

Thanks for asking such an easy question.

So, let's see. First, review the 49ers recent history. To cut a long story short they have gone from mediocre under a series of coaches (in an incredibly weak division) to a very, very good team under Harbaugh. What's more, he's done it in very little time using a lot of players who were a big disappointment under previous regimes. How can you not trust this guy to make decisions?

Second, is this a decision that fans can make? In many sports (and maybe some positions in this sport) you can watch players and make up your mind. But a quarterback is much more than the actual throws he makes -- that's just the end of the process. There's all of the information processing and decision-making that goes with it. We don't see that -- we just see the end result.

Third, changing is one of the most consequential and difficult things that any coach can do. The guy who is in position always has an incumbency advantage -- he knows the system from the inside, has taken the reps, in games and in practice. It's easy enough to come in like Andrew Luck when a team absolutely blows but at other times there are costs. It may even be that it makes SF an easier opponent on Sunday (though Kaepernick looked pretty useful to me against Chicago).

So it's dead simple -- if you guys aren't insane you will back whatever Harbaugh wants.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

if i go will give him a loud ovation...but he will be a non factor on the field

 

[RobAllan]

Hi everyone, 49ers fan here.

As you all may know there's been a major QB controversy in SF, and Niner fans are basically split. I just want to know your thoughts on Harbaugh's decision (since Bellicheck made a similar one with Brady), and who would you guys rather face on Sunday night, Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick?

They don't get it done the same way, but I think SF chance of winning is basically the same with Kaepernick or Smith. That means going with Kaepernick is a no-brainer because the ceiling there is higher. May as well make the change now.

 

[Sivy]

I expect moss to take a steel chair to his own QB, and then rip off his jersey, revealing a patriots jersey under it.

..oh, this aint pro wrestling?

 

[BradyFTW!]

I actually regret not bringing a contrite Moss back in. I really wonder if he really might have put the team first after appearing to have 'got' it after being traded.

I have a lot of notalgia for the man for the sheer magic between him, Brady and Welker.

I know its been said quite a bit, but the only thing this offense is missing that keeps us mortal, is a legitimate deep threat.

I love Moss as much as anyone, but I'm fine with the Pats not bringing him back. What's the point? He's not even close to the player that he used to be, and I'm not sure what he could have brought to the table that Stallworth can't do just as well, at this point.

 

[Rob0729]

No offense, but who cares?

The guy is a mediocre receiver at this point (21 catches for 326 yards and 2 TDs on the season which is fourth in receptions and yards and third in TDs for the 49ers). He shot his way out of town. He most likely will be a non-factor in this game.

I think this would mean something if he was good and was going to play a big role in the game. He will most likely get one or two catches and be non-existent for the rest of the game other than maybe run blocking.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Moss doesn't see the field much for SF, although he might see more with Manningham hurt.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Rob0729]

I love Moss as much as anyone, but I'm fine with the Pats not bringing him back. What's the point? He's not even close to the player that he used to be, and I'm not sure what he could have brought to the table that Stallworth can't do just as well, at this point.

I agree. The 49ers are devoid of WR talent (ok, not devoid, but mediocre) and desperately tried to make him a starting or even a #1 WR and he couldn't be more than a role player.

He has caught one pass thrown over 20 yards this season. Lloyd has caught 4. Stallworth has one in one game. Gronk has 5. Welker has three. The Pats have better "deep threats" already than Moss has been this year.

 

[Steve102]

It'd be cool to see him do this one more time. Unfortunately, he's wearing the wrong colors. I will give him a nice ovation, then hope he's a non-factor.

 

[BelizePats]

I'd give him a polite ovation. The Patriots franchise did as much for Moss though as Moss did for the franchise, plain and simple. I'd have more respect for him had he not shot his way out of town as his skillset was quickly fading. Mr Moss, hope you enjoyed Minnesota and Tennessee? No one is bigger than the team, not even Tom Brady.

 

[Sivy]

I'd give him a polite ovation. The Patriots franchise did as much for Moss though as Moss did for the franchise, plain and simple. I'd have more respect for him had he not shot his way out of town as his skillset was quickly fading. Mr Moss, hope you enjoyed Minnesota and Tennessee? No one is bigger than the team, not even Tom Brady.

..except Tom Brady..says Business man, Robert Kraft, who is no idiot.

 

[Noobody]

Welcome to the board!

Thanks for asking such an easy question.

So, let's see. First, review the 49ers recent history. To cut a long story short they have gone from mediocre under a series of coaches (in an incredibly weak division) to a very, very good team under Harbaugh. What's more, he's done it in very little time using a lot of players who were a big disappointment under previous regimes. How can you not trust this guy to make decisions?

Second, is this a decision that fans can make? In many sports (and maybe some positions in this sport) you can watch players and make up your mind. But a quarterback is much more than the actual throws he makes -- that's just the end of the process. There's all of the information processing and decision-making that goes with it. We don't see that -- we just see the end result.

Third, changing is one of the most consequential and difficult things that any coach can do. The guy who is in position always has an incumbency advantage -- he knows the system from the inside, has taken the reps, in games and in practice. It's easy enough to come in like Andrew Luck when a team absolutely blows but at other times there are costs. It may even be that it makes SF an easier opponent on Sunday (though Kaepernick looked pretty useful to me against Chicago).

So it's dead simple -- if you guys aren't insane you will back whatever Harbaugh wants.

I appreciate the thorough response! I agree with it! I am one who was never satisfied with Alex Smith, and was ecstatic when I found out Harbaugh felt the same!

With that said, what a great opportunity for Kaepernick to prove himself vs the top team in the NFL. We are going to learn a lot about our team this Sunday! :rocker:

 

[Mike the Brit]

I appreciate the thorough response! I agree with it! I am one who was never satisfied with Alex Smith, and was ecstatic when I found out Harbaugh felt the same!

With that said, what a great opportunity for Kaepernick to prove himself vs the top team in the NFL. We are going to learn a lot about our team this Sunday! :rocker:

Well, we're all ecstatic about Monday night -- and that without the Gronk, who's worth about 6 points extra a game, I'd say. I was surprised how easily they handled Houston, but the Texans weren't the team that really scared me.

If the Patriots don't play as well as they can any team can beat them (Arizona!) but there are only three teams that worry me if the Pats are at the top of their game: the Broncos, the 9ers and (*whisper*) the G**nts.

The Houston fans last week were a pleasure to have on the board -- intelligent and respectful. Hope you'll enjoy your visit here.

 

[RayClay]

Happy to see Moss back, though his legs were gone last time I saw him.

As far as the enforced QB controversy, I can't believe an NFL coach would do that. 13-3 and 6-2, then misses one game and loses his job.

Seems to me you take the experienced guy who's overcome the hard knocks rather than go with a wild card.

Nothing like the Pats situation. Bledsoe had great years when he was young and was on the downhill slide record wise for a few years. 0-2 and sluggish when he was hurt, I believe. He also missed a lot of the season, enough for brady to outplay him like night over day.

Seems like a gamble for no reason to me. If the other guy is that good, trade smith in the off season, or let him win the job in camp. As an opponent, I'll take the mystery guy over the proven vet any day.

 

[Noobody]

Well, we're all ecstatic about Monday night -- and that without the Gronk, who's worth about 6 points extra a game, I'd say. I was surprised how easily they handled Houston, but the Texans weren't the team that really scared me.

If the Patriots don't play as well as they can any team can beat them (Arizona!) but there are only three teams that worry me if the Pats are at the top of their game: the Broncos, the 9ers and (*whisper*) the G**nts.

The Houston fans last week were a pleasure to have on the board -- intelligent and respectful. Hope you'll enjoy your visit here.

Thanks man! The Patriots have long been one of my favorite organizations in football. And I think Jim Harbaugh is trying to build a model similar to yours, which is a big reason why I believe he made Brad Seely his assistant head coach. I see a lot of similarities between our teams when it comes to the overall team mindset.

That's why I am super duper excited about this game. It's like a personal Superbowl for me. I was heartbroken last year when the Giants took our opportunity, because I really wanted to see a Patriots vs 49ers Superbowl, so I'm hoping these two teams make it this year!

Anyways, when is Gronk expected to return?

 

[voluntarysaftey]

I'd give him a polite ovation. The Patriots franchise did as much for Moss though as Moss did for the franchise, plain and simple. I'd have more respect for him had he not shot his way out of town as his skillset was quickly fading. Mr Moss, hope you enjoyed Minnesota and Tennessee? No one is bigger than the team, not even Tom Brady.

I don't think the way he left was all that bad. He wanted a long term contract. Pats didnt want to give it to him.
Seemed like they amicably parted ways before he got too crazy.
It was really puzzling & amusing how glowingly both sides talked about each other in the weeks after the trade.

 

[BananaRepublican]

His ability to make plays over Alex Smith doesn't scare me. He will make more mistakes and that is the difference maker.

One mistake next Sunday, especially early, and Kaepernick will find out what it's like to play catch up to Brady, and that might get ugly. I'd rather face him than Smith. Smith is proven as far as I'm concerned.

Baffling to me because the time to bring in a rookie is not the end of the season if you hope to run to the SB. How do you get to the SB having to make rookie mistakes in high pressure games against the iron of the league?

 

[Bhelmet]

IF Moss has anything left - we will SURELY see it. I have to believe he would love to have a big game here.

 

[BananaRepublican]

Anyways, when is Gronk expected to return?

You're asking about an Empire State Secret where only the Men In Black have the real answer, and you know how hard it is to read shifty eyes that are hiding behind shades.