Thursday Patriots Headlines: October 7th

I apologize for the lack of a headlines post yesterday. Between all the Randy Moss news thanks to his trade to Minnesota, I didn't have time to get it posted before leaving for work yesterday. But we're back to normal, and here are today's headlines.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com writes that Tom Brady's assumed approval of the Moss trade speaks volumes, and also has some other thoughts on the team.

Jackie MacMullen of ESPNBoston.com writes that Moss' ego brought him down, and that he's blown a golden opportunity after being more concerned about his contract than playing football. It's a great piece, so be sure and check it out.

"The man who could have -- more specifically, should have -- gone down as the greatest receiver in NFL history was presented with a golden opportunity in New England, but he became so focused on securing himself a new contract, he forgot about everything (and everyone) around him." - Jackie MacMullen

The Hartford Examiner has a retrospective on Moss, who was a force all the way back to his days at Marshall University.

The Patriot Ledger has a look ahead at what the rest of the season will look like now that Randy Moss is no longer here in New England.

Kirk Minihane has "10 Thoughts on the Moss Trade" and feels that Belichick was wise to "cut bait" before it got ugly.

Former Patriot David Givens spoke to NESN.com's Matt Couto and feels that the Moss trade should benefit Brandon Tate, as well as the rest of the Patriots offense.

Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe writes that with Moss gone, the Patriots are headed for a vintage makeover offensively and we should see quite a different game plan when the team takes on Baltimore one week from Sunday.

Dan Shaughnessy of the Globe has an interesting take on Moss' departure, and writes that by the time all the draft picks the Patriots have stockpiled mature, Brady will be 37-years old.

Mark Farinella writes that the trade of Moss will be a huge test for not only the Patriots, but also head coach Bill Belichick for making such a drastic move midseason.

Ian Rapoport of the Herald has a terrific compilation of quotes from NFL players around the league regarding the transaction, as well as some reactions from some of the Patriots players.

Karen Guregian has reactions from some of the "national experts", who feel the Patriots lost a lot of their bite on offense after this move.

Guregian also writes that it wasn't an argument with Belichick or offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien that ultimately led to this trade, it started at the top with ownership - with Moss criticizing Robert Kraft earlier this year.

Ron Borges of the Herald writes that Belichick has dug himself a deeper hole after trading Moss, and didn't even get anything back that can help his team this season.

And finally, think there's controversy over Moss here in New England? He's about to be with a team that will be full of it shortly after WEEI.com pointed out that the sports gossip website Deadspin.com indicated that it plans to publish X-rated photos of quarterback Brett Favre on Thursday. The site claims the photos were sent from Favre's cell phone to Jets TV host Jenn Sterger in 2008, when Favre played in New York. Deadspin also promised to post voicemails from Favre in which he comes on to Sterger.

That's it for this moring. There are a couple of good pieces coming up shortly, so be sure and check back as they should be available in the next 30-minutes.