Receiver Santana Moss was fined $10,000 by the NFL for his touchdown celebration last Sunday - he used his towel to shine his shoe.




(timesdispatch.com)

Santana Moss caught seven passes for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Bengals.
At least one Redskin had a big game against Cincinnati. Moss put the Redskins on the board with a 10-yard touchdown streak across the middle of the end zone in the second quarter. It was his first score in five games. And, of course, he foolishly used a prop to celebrate, drawing a flag that gave the Bengals great position on their next drive. Fantasy owners came away satisfied, but the Redskins wound up losing and have dropped to 7-7.

(rotoworld.com)

The NFL fined Washington WR Santana Moss $5,000, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, for a personal foul in a victory Sunday over the Seahawks in Seattle. His personal foul, for striking CB Josh Wilson on the head after a play, put the Redskins out of field goal range in the second quarter.

"I got a chance and got real aggressive with [Wilson] on a block," Moss said in a postgame interview with Comcast SportsNet. "And as I'm leaving to get away from him, he's grabbing me, grabbing me, and we're kind of exchanging words.

"And he wouldn't let go, so I did the best thing that I knew at that moment. It wasn't the best decision, but I did it, and I'm glad that we don't have to sit here and be saying that cost the game or something. I did it and I apologize about it and I moved on."

(washingtonpost.com)

Clinton Portis is questionable at this point and his chances of facing Dallas on Sunday are "50-50," Coach Jim Zorn said after practice today. Portis has a knee sprain that has worsened since the team last played Nov. 3.

Zorn remains optimistic that Portis will play, but conceded that "it would be a major issue for all of us," if he cannot. Zorn said that second-string back Ladell Betts may be back from his knee injury for Sunday's game, but that he is not "expecting" that result.

Should the Redskins be without Betts and Portis, Zorn said RB Rock Cartwright would continue to return kicks, but would have some of his other special teams work curtailed given the shortage of available runners. If Betts returns and Portis is out, Zorn said Betts would play ahead of Shaun Alexander, but that it very well could be " a community position."

Santana Moss's hamstring is still "a little tentative," but Zorn said he expects Moss to play Sunday.

(washingtonpost.com)

With the weekday part of the bye week coming to a close, let me flash back to a couple of quotes from Tuesday.

Santana Moss was asked about his hamstring repeatedly, about how it compares to his past hamstring troubles and about whether he'll be ok after the bye. He kind of got frustrated by the questions, and I thought his response to one of the TV reporters was interesting. He was saying this with a smile, not with tension, but there was some passion in the delivery.

"What is talking gonna do?" Moss began. "If I tell you one thing, it might not be accurate, so therefore I hate even being nice. And that's why I get to, 'Oh, why we've got to go there?' I don't know. Honestly. I don't know, man. I hate being asked this question, because I'm not the judge of that. All I can do is let the body judge in itself and do what it does, and that's all I can do, man. You know, it breaks my brain to try to find the answer for you all the time when you ask me this stuff, so I'm gonna be honest with you, man.

"It really kills me inside," Moss continued, "because I'm like, 'What can I tell you about?' I don't know. All you can do is let it heal, and they all are different. And dealing with one is nothing like dealing with the other, because one might be worse than the other. And you've just got to go off how the body feel."

(washingtonpost.com)

Receiver Santana Moss was the life of the locker room after Saturday's practice. That's a good sign for the Washington Redskins heading into Monday night's game against Pittsburgh.

After running on the side during Saturday's session, Moss sounded optimistic about his chances of playing against the Steelers despite an ailing hamstring, which he injured after scoring both of Washington's touchdowns in last week's 25-17 victory at Detroit.

"I feel better because I ran [Saturday]," said Moss, who battled hamstring pulls for most of 2007. "I felt pretty good. I ... gained a lot of confidence [in my hamstring] because I didn't know where it was at. The next step is [running some] routes [Sunday]."

Coach Jim Zorn said, despite his progress, Moss' availability against the Steelers will be a game-time decision. Zorn said the only other player whose status is in doubt is Chris Samuels, but the Pro Bowl left tackle, whose absence against the Lions was his first in nearly five years, said he's going to play despite his hurting right knee.

(washingtontimes.com)

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss, who was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Washington, was given the day off because of a slightly strained hamstring.

He is expected to play Monday night against the Steelers - after all, Moss is arguably the most indispensable player on the roster.

"It would be very hard," Redskins coach Jim Zorn said to imagine playing without Moss. "You would lose all that run-after-the-catch, the quick escapes."

Zorn paused, shook his head and added: "That would really hurt us. Don't even talk about that."

Moss scored both of Washington's touchdowns in Sunday's 25-17 win over Detroit, one on a 50-yard reception and the other on an 80-yard punt return. It was only his second punt return of the season and the only time he touched the ball all game on special teams, yet the runback was so compelling, it was deemed worthy of the NFC award.

"I think everybody should get up off their seats when you see him on the field," Zorn said, "because he's a tremendous athlete. Is he doing the extraordinary? He's kind of playing to his ability. He really is."

Moss hasn't returned punts regularly since his four-year stint with the New York Jets before coming to the Redskins in 2005, so winning a special teams award wasn't at the top of a list of predictions for 2008. He was offered several congratulations during an interview Wednesday outside the locker room - and accepted them in stride.

"That's why I never predict at the beginning of the year," Moss said. "You never know what can happen. I don't make goals. I leave it wide open for anything to happen."

Moss said he didn't lobby to return punts, but he did plant the seed in the coaches' minds earlier this season. Regular returner Antwaan Randle El's numbers have been average at best, so putting Moss back there once a game seemed a good way to provide a spark.

It certainly worked against the Lions, who trailed by only six before Moss' fourth-quarter return.

"Randle El is our punt returner," Zorn said. "But every once in a while, we like to see Santana return a punt."

Moss' value as a receiver is even greater, because the drop-off would be huge if he couldn't play. Moss (40) and Randle El (33) account for all but 12 of the catches made by Redskins wideouts this season.

Moss' 658 receiving yards rank fifth in the NFL, a considerable achievement given how much attention he gets from defenses. He was double-teamed and had zero catches against Philadelphia earlier this month and had only two the following week against St. Louis - but he's also had three games of 140-plus yards and four games with at least seven catches.

Since his arrival in Washington, Moss has maintained that statistics don't determine the best receiver, so it would be hypocritical of him to harp on numbers. Asked to explain his "I never make goals" proclamation, Moss said it came from his younger days when his stats didn't measure up to those of another receiver.

"So what I always told myself is you can't judge me because he had more yards," Moss said. "You can't say he's a better receiver than I am - that's what his team allowed him to do. All I want to do is do what my team allows me to do. If my team allows me to catch that many yards, then I should have it.

"Just because this guy (had) a zillion catches, that doesn't mean he's the best receiver in the league. That just means he's just had a better year stats-wise. But did his team win the championship? Did his team go to the playoffs? How big was his role in the team's success?"

(pittsburghlive.com)

Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss was named the NFC special teams player of the week yesterday.

His 80-yard punt return for a touchdown helped lead the team to victory against the Detroit Lions. Moss has won the offensive player of the week award three times as a Redskin, and won AFC special teams player of the week when he was with the Jets in 2002.
 
(inrich.com)

ASHBURN, Va.: Santana Moss stood in the biting wind with a red and white ski cap on his head and his fists tucked inside hand warmers on the front of his jersey.

The nimble Washington Redskins receiver, who on Wednesday became the unlikely recipient of the NFC special teams player of the week award, was given the day off because of a slightly strained hamstring.

He's expected to play Monday night against Pittsburgh — after all, Moss is arguably the most indispensable player on the roster.

How much so? Coach Jim Zorn literally shuddered when asked to imagine life without Moss.

"It would be very hard," Zorn said. "Because you lose all that run-after-the-catch, you lose the quick escape. We've put him a little more inside and out, so he's playing different sets from different positions."

The coach paused, shook his head and added: "That would really hurt us. Don't even talk about that."

Moss scored both of Washington's touchdowns in Sunday's 25-17 win over Detroit, one on a 50-yard reception and the other on an 80-yard punt return. It was only his second punt return of the season and the only time he touched the ball all game on special teams, yet the runback was so compelling, it was deemed worthy of the NFC award.

"I think everybody should get up off their seats when you see him on the field," Zorn said, "because he's a tremendous athlete. Is he doing the extraordinary? He's kind of playing to his ability. He really is."

Moss hasn't returned punts regularly since his four-year stint with the New York Jets before coming to the Redskins in 2005, so winning a special teams award wasn't at the top of a list of predictions for 2008.

Moss was offered several congratulations during an interview Wednesday outside the locker room — and accepted them in stride.

"That's why I never predict nothing at the beginning of the year," Moss said. "You never know what can happen. You just stick to what you do and put your best out there. I don't make goals. I never make goals. That's why I leave it wide open for anything to happen."

Moss said he didn't lobby to return punts, but he did plant the seed in the coaches' minds earlier this season. Regular returner Antwaan Randle El's numbers have been average at best, so putting Moss back there once a game seemed a good way to provide a spark.
It certainly worked against the Lions, who trailed by only six before Moss' fourth-quarter return.

"Antwaan Randle El is our punt returner and, every once in a while, we'd like to see Santana come in and return a punt," Zorn said. "I'm hoping to
do that at some point each game."

Moss' value as a receiver is even greater, because the drop-off would be huge if he couldn't play. Moss (40) and Randle El (33) account for all but 12 of the catches made by Redskins wideouts this season.

Moss' 658 receiving yards rank fifth in the NFL, a considerable achievement given how much attention he gets from defenses. He was double-teamed and had zero catches against Philadelphia earlier this month and had only two the following week against St. Louis — but he's also had three games of 140-plus yards and four games with at least seven catches.

Since his arrival in Washington, Moss has maintained that statistics don't determine the best receiver, so it would be hypocritical of him to harp on numbers. Asked to explain his "I never make goals" proclamation, Moss said it came from his younger days when his stats didn't measure up to those of another receiver.

"So what I always told myself is you can't judge me because he had more yards," Moss said. "You can't say he's a better receiver than I am — that's what his team allowed him to do. All I want to do is do what my team allows me to do. If my team allows me to catch that many yards, then I should have it.

"Just because this guy caught for a zillion yards or caught for a zillion catches, that doesn't mean he's the best receiver in the league. That just means he's just had a better year stats-wise, but did his team win the championship? Did his team go to the playoffs? How big was his role in the team's success?"

(iht.com)

As special teams coach Danny Smith ended an interview a few weeks back, one more thought entered his head. So he punctuated the discussion on Santana Moss the punt returner with a succinct line.

“When he’s hot, you have to ride him,” Smith said.

Moss is hot. The Redskins will continue to ride him.

But they also know they can’t demand too much from him. Not when he’s fifth in the NFL in receiving yards and is the offense’s lone downfield threat.

His 80-yard punt return was a big boost in the 25-17 win over Detroit. But coach Jim Zorn remains locked in a mental wrestling match over how often Moss should be used on returns. Considering he tweaked his hamstring Sunday, there might be some reluctance to try him there this week.

“We’re hoping to do that at some point in each game,” Zorn said. “But we’re using him so much on offense, I don’t know. It’s a tough balance because there’s a risk of getting him injured more on a punt return and I need him on offense, too.”

Moss did not want to say how bad his hamstring was — he called it sore — and all Zorn would say Monday is that they would have a better idea about him later in the week. Having an extra day’s rest before Monday’s game vs. Pittsburgh has to help.

Meanwhile, left tackle Chris Samuels, who missed Sunday’s win with a knee injury, said Tuesday that he “definitely” will play against Pittsburgh. An MRI on Monday revealed irritation to the cartilage, but no damage.

As for Moss, the offense needs him to be ready. Not just for the Steelers, but for the entire second half of the season. He’s on pace for 84 receptions, which would match his career-high set in 2005.

He’s not fretting that a sore hamstring foreshadows worse days ahead simply because the past two seasons when various leg injuries bothered him.

“I’m not gonna worry about stuff that happened in the past,” he said. “That’s the past; this is the present and the future and what’s going on with me now ain’t got nothing to do with before.”

Nor is he concerned with being overused.

“I’m back there one time a game,” he said. “It’s nothing. I told coach going into the season that I would like to be back there at least once or game or twice a game if they need me. Overused isn’t even a word to me because when you’re out there playing you just want to be used enough to win the game. I don’t worry about how many more reps I got because I want more opportunities to give ourselves a chance to win. That’s all it’s about.”

(dcexaminer.com)

Santana Moss's fourth quarter touchdown led to the image of the game, seen above. First he whirled his arm at his side, then he pointed the football to the stands and swiveled from side to side. And the meaning?

"What was it?" Antwaan Randle El wondered. "I know he was doing something with his arms. I don't know."

"Like a Gatling gun, huh?" guessed Casey Rabach, which is also what several media members had thought.

("You crazy? I'm not trying to shoot anybody," Moss responded. "I can't shoot in the stands, I can't shoot the fans.")

Which left, what, winding up the hose? Cranking up the stadium blinds? Firing a fast-pitch softball?

"Santana thinks he's a rock star," explained rookie receiver Devin Thomas, and indeed he was right. Moss said today that he was first winding up his "gittar," and then "just partying like a rock star." And the style of rock?

"What you mean what style?" Moss said with disbelief. "Metal. Hard. Heavy. It was electric, but it was heavy metal. You didn't hear it? You didn't hear the stands? They was rocking, and I was rocking with them."

And so, among other things, we learned today that the Moss has been to one rock show in his life. It came about a decade ago while he was in college, when he went on a class assignment to see "some band." We learned that he considered his pyrotechnics in line with Kiss and Guns N' Roses, "when the fireworks are behind you and everything." We learned that his son plays Guitar Hero all the time, and that he tried it once. "I sucked," Moss said.

But when he got into the end zone for a key score after two straight frustrating weeks, the musical impulse took hold, without any previous planning, and suddenly this Moss had turned into a Rose. Way to stay current with the Guns N' Roses and Kiss references, by the way.

"The stands was rocking, [fans] were rocking and I just wanted to rock," Moss said. "I don't know if I've got any more celebrations in me. I'll just throw it to my homeboy," he said, flashing his Sean Taylor 21 gesture, "and keep it going like that."

(Rabach, meantime, was already planning his own end zone celebration.

"Dude, if I ever get a touchdown, I'm for sure getting a 15-yard plus," he said. "I'd try to do the Lambeau Leap, but I don't know if I'll get up there, so that'd look bad. I always wanted to do the beer can slam, just crush it on my head.," he said, mock-opening a beer can and mock slamming it on his skull. "That'd be pretty cool.")

In a related story, Moss has been accusing Devin Thomas of theft.

"He's saying I try to take his swag," Thomas said, "but you know, I'm a rock star too....He knows I've got that kind of swag too, where I like to have fun and celebrate. Hopefully I can get a touchdown and it doesn't get called back so I can celebrate, too....If you see the way I play and see my swag, you can see it. It's like, 'That guy right there, he plays the game like it's supposed to be played.' Just check me out. You'll see it. Look on the field, look at me, you'll see the way I act."

Thomas left, with Moss calling after him that he was stealing his swag. Thomas's locker is right by Ryan Plackemeier's. So I asked the new punter whether he has swag.

"Swag...." Plackemeier said. "I don't know what swag is. No idea. What's swag?"

"Short for swagger," I summarized.

"Gotcha," Plackemeier replied. "I don't think punters are allowed to have swag."

(washingtonpost.com)

Naturally, in this town and in this month, the Redskins would cover the FedEx Field grounds with "Vote the Redskins Ticket" yard signs, urging fans to punch their players into the Pro Bowl. And naturally, two homemade signs in the end zone would advocate CP for President, Santana Moss for Vice President and, somewhat bizarrely, Jason Campbell for Secretary of State, which isn't technically an elected position.

"It's not a recession; it's Redskin-cession," the sign read, which also was initially puzzling but made perfect sense once you realized the creators were the mother and close friend of Clinton Portis, who, the way he's playing, might as well expand his portfolio. MVP might not be enough.

"He's the only dude in the nation that can win this race," said Marlon Jackson, who described himself as Portis's "brother from another mother," as he held the signs skyward. "Barack, you need Clinton," he told us. "You need Clinton for your backup, Barack. Trust me."

"Who would be better?" asked Portis's mother, Rhonnel Hearn. "We will help people keep their houses. Everyone will have somewhere to stay. We don't bail out Wall Street and then everybody goes to the spa." (AIG execs: Clinton Portis's mom just served you!!!!)

"You know we'll fix the schools," Jackson added. "Everybody's struggling, CP's the way to go."

Before we delve into their feelings about meeting with foreign leaders absent preconditions or taxing small business with net income over $250,000, let's take a quick breather to get Portis's thoughts. Clinton?

"Hey man, you want to have a world that's off the chain...." Portis said, imaging the possibilities. "It would be OFF...I mean, it would be great. It would be great, man, but I don't think I can run this country. I would love to give you my opinion on who I think should be in office, but I'll leave it alone."

His family members were less reticent, although they acknowledged that Portis isn't technically old enough to claim the White House, if you're a strict constructionist.

"We got to wait 'till we finish the Redskins season first," Jackson said. Maybe by then, the Redskin-cession will have ended.

(washigtonpost.com)

The Washington Post reports Redskins WR Santana Moss entered the game second in the NFL in receiving yards, coming off a huge performance against Dallas. He finished without a catch on Sunday. Moss received a healthy dose of attention from Philadelphia safeties in the game, with the Eagles committed to not letting the Redskins beat them with the deep ball. That helped open up the underneath patterns for TE Chris Cooley (eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown), including on Washington's first touchdown of the game. Unlike Dallas WR Terrell Owens, who grumbled about his role in a loss to Washington in Week 4, Moss was all smiles after the game. "I couldn't care less about none of that," Moss said. "My whole goal is to do what I can to help this team win. Therefore, that's what I've done."

(ffmastermind.com)

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Santana Moss of 2008 is looking much like the Santana Moss of 2005, a bundle of energy and swagger gathering passes to make plays for a Washington Redskins team that is one of the early surprises of the NFL.

The reasons are plentiful. He's healthy after taking a long offseason football break. He took up taekwondo, attending classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays because he "didn't want to be a couch potato." He's lining up in a different spot on the field in an attacking offense better suited to his skills.

And, oh yeah, he finally has a feel for quarterback Jason Campbell.

"Last year I wasn't comfortable," Moss said. "I was trying to learn each game. That's the hardest thing to do as a receiver, trying to learn your quarterback come game time. One of the reasons why I made sure I was up here in the offseason was to make sure I can get that familiar touch with him because I didn't want to be out here thinking on the job."

It seems odd to hear Moss express that sentiment. He and Campbell both became Redskins in 2005, and Campbell became the starting quarterback in the 10th game of the 2006 season. It's not like they've been strangers, but it might have seemed that way on Sundays because hamstring, groin and heel injuries limited Moss' ability to practice over the past two seasons.

"I always felt like I can get used to a quarterback quicker just because I'm going to stand in his face and talk to him," receiver Antwaan Randle El said. "And that's not Tana's deal. Tana's not going to be on the guy. He's just going to say, 'If you see me, give me the ball.' Some guys it takes a little longer."

This season, Moss is second in the NFL in yards receiving (421) and tied for third in receptions (27). He's caught as least five passes in each of the first four games, his longest such streak since his Pro Bowl season of 2005, when he set the franchise single-season yardage record (1,483) teaming with Mark Brunell.

"Our relationship has definitely grown over the past year," Campbell said. "I think a lot of that has to do with stability and being together, being around each other in practice. A lot of it has to do with reading body language. Some times I can see him breaking a route before he even does it."
Part of the rapport might have been Moss figuring out Campbell's quarterbacking style. At one point last season, after watching Campbell get pounded repeatedly in the pocket, Moss started picking on his teammate for not running more.

Campbell told Moss that he thought receivers preferred to have a quarterback who throws more and looks to run less.

"He said, 'Utilize it — sometimes we can get open off of it,'" Campbell said. "I lost 10-12 pounds, so I guess I'm trying to be what he wants me to be."

New coach Jim Zorn's practice antics — playing dodgeball and throwing big pads at the quarterbacks while in a passing stance — have helped Campbell's mobility as well. The drill paid off when Campbell dodged the pass rush to hit Moss for the biggest play thus far of the season, the game-winning 67-yard touchdown toss in the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints.

"Coach Z throws bags at him and they're doing those 'Matrix' kind of moves out there, it comes through in the game and you see them making play after play when guys are hanging on them," Moss said. "He's just being phenomenal right now."

Moss' injuries — all leg-related — caused his yardage to drop to 790 in 2006 and 808 last season. This season, for the first time since childhood, he took a three-month break at the end of football season. He did taekwondo to keep in shape but otherwise didn't pound his body the way he used to. It's helped him regain his explosiveness.

"I really truly believe that right now it's showing," Moss said. "It's giving me that feedback that I want."

Zorn also took one look at Moss and decided the receiver was in the wrong spot. Under former coach Joe Gibbs, Moss was a flanker lining up a yard or two off the line of scrimmage.

"That takes away a little bit of Santana's threat of accelerating down the field," Zorn said. "If you have him on the line of scrimmage, you get him on the defender a little bit quicker, and just a yard makes a huge difference."

Moss also likes the fact that Zorn has him catching more passes on underneath routes, which sets up defenders for the big play downfield — such as the 53-yard catch in last week's victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, where Moss enjoyed three 100-yard games in his four games with the Redskins.

Given that the offense is new to everyone, Moss thinks that performance was just scratching the surface.

"We're still learning; we're still getting better every week," Moss said. "Right now, for what we have grasped of the offense, I think we're doing well."

(ap.com)

This time, there were no late-game heroics to turn a Redskins newcomer into a Washington legend. In fact, unlike fellow receivers Antwaan Randle El and James Thrash, Santana Moss didn't even score on Sunday.

But Moss still played a huge role in the Redskins' 26-24 upset of the previously unbeaten Dallas Cowboys.

Moss embarrassed Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, himself a Pro Bowl veteran, on most of his eight catches for 145 yards. Moss' catches of 15 and 28 yards set up the touchdowns by Thrash and Randle El, while his 53-yard bomb from Jason Campbell and 17-yard grab in the third quarter put Shaun Suisham in place for a pair of field goals.

After four games in new coach Jim Zorn's quick-hitting West Coast passing scheme, Moss is tied for the lead among NFC receivers with 27 catches and is second in the NFL with 421 receiving yards. His three touchdowns have him tied for fifth in the league.

"When I came in and saw what he could do, I wanted to move [Santana] from the flanker position to the X receiver," Zorn said. "I always think of the flanker as more of a control-route runner. He's off the line of scrimmage so it takes him a little bit of time to put pressure on the defense because he has to run a yard or two to get to the line. That takes away a little bit of Santana's threat of accelerating downfield. If you have him on the line of scrimmage, you get him on the defender a little quicker. Just a yard makes a huge difference."

According to Zorn, it helped that Moss "bought into the idea that he was going to get the ball from that position."

While he's no prima donna like Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson, he is still a wideout - he wants the ball.

"He's always saying, 'Give me the opportunity,'" Campbell said. "Our relationship has definitely grown over the past year. ... A lot of that has to do with stability and being together. ... You try to keep that same continuity each week so you're able to grow.

"A lot of it also has to do with reading body language. Sometimes I can see him breaking a route before he even does it, so I'm able to get the ball out early."

Dallas coach Wade Phillips said the Cowboys knew what was coming on the 53-yarder that would've gone for six points had Campbell not underthrown Moss.

Zorn, a former NFL quarterback, said that didn't matter since the play was both well-designed and well-run by his No. 1 receiver. He'd rather his quarterback make the completion than show off his arm.

"[Moss] put a great move on Terence Newman to beat him one-on-one," Zorn said. "We practiced it during the week, and it was executed well. Jason made a nice avoidance in the pocket. He saw him so wide open he didn't want to miss that throw."

At a listed 5-foot-10, Moss is short - but his season so far stands tall against the rest of the league. He has nine more catches and more than twice as many receiving yards than any of his Redskins teammates.

Zorn's system and Campbell's comfort level have certainly helped, but Moss said that his improved health has made a huge difference after two years of battling muscle pulls.

Moss "shut it down" for three months after Washington's playoff run last January, relaxing for the first time instead of heading straight back to the weight room.

The thought of rest in the offseason had always frightened him, until he got advice from fellow former Miami Hurricanes player Robert Bailey.

Bailey, a defensive back who spent 11 seasons in the NFL before injuring his neck while with the Baltimore Ravens, convinced Moss that he needed time to let his body recover. "You can't just go out there and pound on it," Bailey told him.

The time away from the weight room and football gave Moss a chance to try tae kwan do and other hobbies.
It also enabled him to report to training camp healthy and refreshed.

"My body is a lot better than it was in the past two years," Moss said. "I think it's because of the way I [backed off training] in the offseason."

(washigtontimes.com)

So, the Cowboys are unquestionably the No. 1 team in the NFL, huh? Apparently, Santana Moss and the Redskins didn't get the memo.

Moss caught eight passes for 145 yards -- the second time this year he's had at least 145 receiving yards --  in Washington's 26-24 win at Dallas. It's the first game this season he hasn't caught a TD, but I don't think his owners are complaining too much.

Jason Campbell (20-of-31, 231 yards, two TDs, zero INTs) made his struggles during Week 1 seem like they happened years ago. He has multiple TDs in each of his past two games.

Clinton Portis also came up big for the 'Skins, rushing for 121 yards on 21 carries. Antwaan Randle El chipped in with 36 receiving yards and a touchdown, and James Thrash scored on an eight-yard reception. About the only Washington player the Cowboys could stop was Chris Cooley. He had just four catches and 28 receiving yards.

(sportingnews.com)

While wide receiver Santana Moss will never be confused for one of the biggest guys on the football field, there’s no doubting the impact he has during a game. When the Washington Redskins need a play late in the fourth quarter, history shows they get the ball into Moss’ hands. And time and time again he delivers. Like he’s famously quoted as saying, “Big time players make big time plays in big time games.”

While Moss may not be big on talking, preferring to let his game speak for him, he was kind enough to spend some time with us looking back at his record-setting college and pro career, dealing with the loss of Sean Taylor and what he looks for in a quarterback.

Where are you originally from and what was your childhood like?

I’m originally from Miami, Florida, and my childhood was great. I experienced it all – the good, the bad and some stuff you don’t want to hear about.

How early did you start playing football and when did you figure out that you were better at this game than most other kids your age?

I started playing on the street for a while, but I didn’t play organized football until I was 12. Mom wouldn’t let me do it until I got a little bit older, but I started playing way earlier than that. I was playing sandlot games with older guys from like the age of six.

Are you naturally athletic, or did you have to work harder to get to the highest level of competition? What other sports, if any, are you good at?

I think I was blessed with everything that I have, I just stayed at it. I just keep fine tuning it. Track was probably my best sport outside of football. I was pretty good at it through high school and college. I was telling the story the other day that I could have been in the Olympic trials one year doing the long jump in track, but I decided to go to football practice instead of going out there. Football was always going to be first.

Do you think if you would have stuck with it we would have seen you competing at the Olympics?

I’m not saying I know would I would have made it, but I’m pretty good at it. So if I would’ve stayed with it, you never know what I could have done.

As everyone knows, you went to the University of Miami. During your college career, you became the first player to earn Big East Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year honors in the same season, and you set the Hurricanes’ all-time record with 2,546 receiving yards – erasing the record previously held by Michael Irvin. Why did you choose to become a Hurricane and what did you get out of your time at “The U?”

I look at it as the Hurricanes chose me, you know. I was selected to come there on a track scholarship and I feel like there was no better school I could have went to in order to be able to do both things – run track and play football. They gave me the opportunity to come in there on a track scholarship and also play football. They were the best school that gave me an offer. All the other schools were up north and I don’t think I was ready to go away from home yet.

Once I got there, it was hands down, what we went through and how I prepared myself, that’s how I was able to become one of the best receivers that’s come out of there. I just stuck to it, and I had a great class, so we all motivated each other and were able to become one of the best classes to ever come out of there.

Was it even more special being at Miami with it being your hometown team?

Oh yeah. Just not having to leave home for college and always being able to have a home-cooked meal on top of everything that Miami brought to you outside of football, it was lovely.

Who was the most-talented player on the Hurricanes during your time there?

When I was there, man, we had them all. If I were to name them all, you’d be amazed. I can’t pick just one guy out of there. If I had to look back and pick one, I think Ed Reed had the shot to be the most athletic outside of all the guys who were there. He was a safety, but he could do everything.

You were drafted by the New York Jets with the 16th overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft. Talk to me a little bit about what it felt like to hear your name called that day. What was your reaction when you found out you were heading to the Big Apple?

I was happy that I got drafted. I didn’t have no emotion on my face because I grew up not liking the Jets. I used to pick at my wife because her uncle played for the Jets, his name is Marvin Jones. We were dating at the time and I always used to tell her how sorry the Jets was back in college and in high school. Then, I was like “Man, I should have bit my tongue all these years getting on her about the Jets.” But overall, I was happy I got selected by them and was going to go there and play my hardest.

Was the middle of the first round kind of where you expected to go, and how many times have you given the Redskins front office a hard time for drafting Rod Gardner one spot earlier?

I’ve never brought it up, but I had heard from everyone when I was selected that I was going to be a Redskin. The whole week leading up, they had me circled as going to the Redskins. I think Dan Snyder wanted me to come here too, but when I got the call from the Jets and saw Rod Gardner picked before me, I wasn’t mad or anything. I think Dan Snyder was kind of mad because [Marty] Schottenheimer was the coach and he wanted a bigger receiver, so he picked Rod Gardner instead of me. It’s almost like destiny though because I’m here anyways. I think it was good for me to go away, learn and experience some of the things I experienced and when I got my chance, I’m here now.

How do you look back on your time with the New York Jets?

My memories are great. I went to the playoffs three out of the four years I was there. I broke a couple of records here and there and I was a Pro Bowl alternate twice – two years in a row – once for punt return, one as a receiver. And I was hurt one whole year, my first year, so for me to do all of that stuff in three years, I think it was time well spent. I learned a lot, I grew up a lot and I think it prepared me to be where I’m at now.

In March 2005, you were traded from the Jets to the Washington Redskins straight up for Laveranues Coles. How did the trade come about and what were your thoughts about the Redskins before you arrived in town?

It’s a long story, but I think it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, especially for my career. I don’t even look back on it, I just thank the Lord for the opportunity to come over here and never look back at it.

What were your thoughts on the Redskins before you arrived in town?

I knew they had several players over here who were considered the top at their positions. I was just happy to be over here and be a part of this.

Speaking of 2005, that was a monster year for you, starting with your week two explosion in Dallas on Monday Night Football. We know how much those two touchdowns at the end of the game meant to Redskins fans, but what do they mean to you? Do they rank as some of your favorite memories?

I think they do. When it comes to big games and big moments as far as my NFL career that ranks up there. I look back on it and I always want that kind of start. It seems like right now we’re on our way to having that kind of pace and that kind of start, so I’m hoping to build on it.

You went on to set the Redskins single season record for receiving yards with 1,483, launched your team to the playoffs and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. How did everything come together so perfectly for you that year?

I just took what they gave me. I took the opportunities of getting the ball the way I have and it was amazing. I hadn’t been in an offense like this – I was out there, but I wasn’t really used to the best of my ability. So, being a part of that, coming here and getting the ball every other down because they knew I could do something with it, it was a blessing just to have the opportunity. One thing I do, whenever I get an opportunity, I never let it slide. I just tried to make sure I capitalized on every opportunity and we just got onto a serious pace and a serious role where we fed off of all the stuff I did and the running game and we just – me and Clinton [Portis] just took it by storm. Me, him, [Chris] Cooley and Mike Sellers – those guys, we just had that offense in our hands and we just ran with it.

Fast forward to last year, and things didn’t go nearly as smoothly for you. A series of nagging injuries slowed you down on the field and then there was the Sean Taylor tragedy off the field. How tough was 2007 for you, and how did you personally deal with losing such a close friend?

You know it’s tough. Every year don’t always add up to be the same. You go through trials and tribulations, but you got to learn how to live and live through those things. That’s what makes you better as a man. I feel like obstacles are always going to come and tragedies are always going to come, but it’s up to you to handle them. You have to know how to deal with it and put it behind you, but at the same time never forget it. That’s what I’ve done. You know how that felt going through it and you just try to build off of it because you don’t want that feeling anymore.

You told me during training camp that you did some mixed martial arts training this past offseason. First of all, do you think it helped you, and if so, could you see more NFL players trying it out? And secondly, was that the most unique type of training you’ve participated in during your professional career?

I don’t know if it’s something for everyone to do. I did it because I was so used to working out every year and I wasn’t working out at the time, so I needed something to do. I did it to benefit from workout out instead of sitting around the house like a couch potato. It helped me a lot, keeping my core strong and keeping my wind, for when I got out here and started running around and stuff. There’s guys that have probably been playing this sport longer than me that have been doing it before me, that’s one of the reasons I got the idea. I heard of guys doing different things like boxing, martial arts and swimming just to do something other than football as far as training.

Is that the most unique offseason training you’ve ever done?

Yes, by far. Usually it’s just all football, all summer. Maybe I go running or something. This was the first time I’ve done something out of this world – doing something I never grew up thinking I’d be a part of. But over the years watching people play that sport or whatever, it became interesting to me.

During your time with the Washington Redskins, you’ve caught touchdown passes from Mark Brunell, Patrick Ramsey, Todd Collins and Jason Campbell. What traits do you personally look for in a quarterback?

Just get me the ball. (Laughs)

I don’t want nothing from them more than putting it in a spot where I can do something with it. That’s all I can ask for.

How tough is it to catch a deep pass 40 or 50 yards downfield?

Honestly, it’s tough. But when you do it for so many years, do it for so long, it’s exciting – especially when you can just get it and get in the endzone. You look forward to the opportunity and just take it from there.

What’s the biggest difference between Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn?

It’s still too early to be judged. The offenses are way different, you know. We’re a pass happy and a run happy team. There’s going to be a lot of opportunities. I feel like you won’t be able to compare the differences until it’s all said and done.

How would you describe your friendship with Clinton Portis? You two seem like polar opposites, with you staying relatively quiet, while he’s never afraid to speak his mind.

Clinton’s going to be Clinton. I feel like we’ve known each other long enough, so you know what he’s going to bring to the table and what I’m going to bring to the table. However he does his, he does his and I does mine the way I does mine. We just know each other best because we’ve known each other and played together for such a long time. There’s lots of guys who can be friends, and be different. That’s one of the reasons we’re cool is because we respect each other for who we are and don’t worry about what we’re not.

What goes through your mind when you hear that your teammate Chris Cooley took a photo of a page from the playbook and accidentally posted a revealing photo of himself on his blog?

It’s something that I don’t really care too much to talk about because it wasn’t me. It’s something that don’t do nothing for me. He said it was a mistake, so it was a mistake. I think a lot of stuff gets blown out of proportion this day and age, so I just wish for the best for him and wish it don’t go no further.

Speaking of Cooley, you and several other Redskins players are involved in a fantasy football league. What do you know about fantasy football?

I don’t know much about it. I just do it and I’m learning on the go with it. I look forward to seeing the guys I picked get off.

What can fantasy football owners expect from Santana Moss this season?

I mean, I’m just going to do my thing, man. I don’t talk about it. I just let it happen.

(homermcfanboy.com)

It is uncertain whether the Washington Redskins' coaching staff will continue to use its best receiver as a punt returner. But Jim Zorn already is giving Santana Moss opportunities to use his return man-like instincts by calling for quick passes that don't cross the line of scrimmage.

Although still a legitimate deep threat, Moss has never been shy about running shallow crossing routes or quick slants that take him into traffic. Zorn's decision to re-introduce the "slip screen" has become another way for the Redskins to exploit Moss' talents while also allowing quarterback Jason Campbell to throw high-percentage passes.

In Sunday's victory over visiting Arizona, Moss caught three passes at or behind the line of scrimmage and gained 35 yards after the catch, including a game-winning, 17-yard touchdown.

Moss has equaled his 2007 touchdown total (three) and is tied for fourth in the NFL with 19 catches and 276 receiving yards.

"He attacks the game," Campbell said. "One word he always says to me is opportunity. He wants opportunities to make plays. ... And he has his legs back - that's the key. He's healthy and running at full speed."

The Redskins hope their efficiency with short passes will draw cornerbacks and linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage. That would increase the chance for Moss and tight end Chris Cooley to get behind defenders and catch passes downfield.

Moss has shown his versatility on his three touchdowns: a 12-yard shallow cross against the Giants, the 67-yard home run ball to win the New Orleans game and the screen against Arizona.

"I love the underneath stuff because that gives me a chance to be a runner and it opens up things downfield - you just have to be patient," he said. "If you get me started underneath, there's no telling what I can do downfield because I have the confidence and will to go out and be a beast someplace else."

The downfield stuff hasn't come just yet for Moss or the Redskins. A breakdown of Campbell's throws through three games:

cPasses completed at or behind the line of scrimmage: 11 of 19 for 76 yards and one touchdown.

cPasses that travel 1-5 yards: 26 of 30 for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

c6-10 yards: 17 of 24 for 189 yards.

c11-20 yards: 6 of 14 for 116 yards.

c21-plus yards: 1 of 6 for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Moss has played 167 out of 185 snaps and been the intended target 28 times. Nine of his catches have traveled 1-5 yards but for a total of 91 yards.

A former Big East special teams player of the year at Miami, Moss averaged 11.8 yards on 82 punt returns (two touchdowns) for the New York Jets from 2002 to 2004. But as an every-down player for Washington in 2005, Moss had seven returns that year and none since. He was in return formation for Arizona's first punt last week but didn't make a return.

On the quick throws, Moss can go back to those return days of making quick cuts in traffic and accelerating to avoid defenders.

"It's another way to make the defense defend the whole field," left guard Pete Kendall said. "Santana is exceptionally quick and has great change of direction and the other thing is, he's straight-line fast. If Santana can get out in space and he makes a guy miss, he has the ability to pull away from the pursuit."

The play is timing-based starting from the throw. Campbell has to put some zip on the ball but not so much heat that Moss can't handle it.

"It's a tough throw to make because you have to get it around tall guys on both the offensive and defensive lines," Campbell said.

The blockers have to be on the move so Moss can be sprung. On the touchdown against Arizona, Cooley and right tackle Stephon Heyer had key blocks and Randy Thomas made one 15 yards downfield.

Three regular-season games into a new passing offense is a small body of work, but the early results have Moss excited about the opportunities for big plays.

"Every day and every week, we all need to get better within this offense and we can't say, 'We've got it,'" he said. "I'm thrilled to see how Jason's progressing, and that helps us as receivers because we need the quarterback."

(washingtontimes.com)

Kent Somers and Bob McManaman, of The Arizona Republic, report Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss caught a touchdown pass in his sixth consecutive game, including playoffs, Week 3. He tied former NFL WR Bobby Mitchell for the franchise record in that category.



(kffl.com0

--In the moment, the impact of the 67-yard touchdown catch was clear.

Santana Moss burst past his defender and then he burst toward the end zone and then the FedEx Field crowd burst with joy. The catch had capped the Redskins' unlikely fourth-quarter comeback against the New Orleans Saints, and it had kept Washington from slipping to an 0-2 start.

But yesterday afternoon, Moss stood in front of his locker and seemed certain that play will have more of a lasting impact.

"Now it just opens up chances for us to do more," Moss said. "You're gonna have teams that play you for that. We have a great opportunity now to pretty much run our offense when it comes to deep, short or intermediate routes because we've done them all, especially when it comes to deep passes."

For Moss, who finished with seven catches for 164 yards, the long touchdown reception was 18 yards longer than his longest catch last season. And there are still 14 games left.

Moss said he's rejuvenated by the West Coast offense of first-year head coach Jim Zorn.

"Just being able to say you're depended on," Moss said. "When you're a receiver, you don't want to be out there just to be out there. It's a boring job if you're running around and blocking all day."

Zorn said Moss was the first receiver to have such a dominant game because he was the first receiver to truly grasp the scheme. The coach said that when receivers are comfortable, they play faster, are able to create more space, and do not over-think their position.

"That's what's happening with Santana," Zorn said. "He's the first guy in our group that all of a sudden you can see a burst. You can see in, out, catch, run. Things kind of rolled for him this week, not as a fluke, but just as an, 'Ah, I get it.' He could start running patterns with greater confidence."

In 2005, Moss had 84 catches for 1,483 yards, and he was selected to go to the Pro Bowl. But over the past two years, he was slowed by leg injuries, totaling 790 receiving yards two seasons ago and 808 last year.

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell was a rookie in 2005, and though he did not throw any passes to Moss that year, he watched Moss catch plenty of them. So far this year, Campbell has seen some similarities.

"Now he looks like the same Santana that can make two or three people miss and get 20 yards on a 5-yard catch," Campbell said. "We do everything at such a high speed and a high tempo right now."

Moss, for one, is excited about the possibilities.

"You hope it's contagious and keeps coming up," he said. "You hope it just doesn't stop."

(fredericksburg.com)

The Washington Post reports Redskins starting WR/PR Antwaan Randle El is struggling as a punt returner. HC Jim Zorn said starting WR Santana Moss will also likely field some punts against Arizona.



(ffmastermind.com)

Lifting weights, jogging on the treadmill, trudging up and down stadium stairs - that type of traditional offseason workout plan can get a little monotonous for even the most dedicated NFL athletes.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss was looking for an alternative way to stay in shape this summer, and a friend from his old neighborhood helped him out - using mixed martial arts.

Moss spent a few days a week with Lonny Intorn, an instructor at Punch Fitness in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Intorn showed Moss the same training techniques used by mixed martial arts fighters, which included a heavy dose of cross-training and kickboxing.

“Sometimes I go home in January and get crazy about working out and football stuff,” Moss said. “I wanted to take as much time as I can off and do something different. [We did] tire squats, tire throws, a lot of boxing and a lot of kicking until we got the form down. Then some days we put all of the combinations together - 30 minutes punching, 30 minutes kicking, kneeing, abs - you name it, we did it all.”

Moss was intrigued by the training regimen in part because he had taken an interest in the career of another Miami-based athlete, Kevin Ferguson - known to most as the street fighter-turned-Internet sensation-turned-MMA star Kimbo Slice.

So Moss started working with Intorn, who grew up in the same part of Miami and also went to college at The U. Intorn has worked out several NFL players, including Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson and Santana’s little brother, Sinorice. He also trains professional kickboxers.

“It is funny, but when I get some of these [NFL] guys for their first workout with me, after the first five or 10 minutes they are on the ground dying - literally,” Intorn said. “They say, ‘I’ve never worked out like this before.’ After they are with me I can see the transformation. They are more cut, and they make it through the workouts.”

Moss isn’t alone with his new-wave training techniques. The team’s other starting wideout, Antwaan Randle El, also incorporated some mixed martial arts training into his offseason.

How the alternative methods affect Moss and Randle El long term remains to be seen, but there have been some immediate effects.

“If it was just run, run, run - that’s something I could do, but I was losing some of my muscle mass. But I’m not losing as much this year,” Randle El said. “I think the grappling [helps]. When you are on the ground wrestling with a guy - that’s how it is when you catch a ball and you’re tussling with a guy and trying to get out.”

Added Intorn: “I think it definitely gives them better movability and more flexibility. I’m one of those guys who doesn’t think you have to just always lift a ton of weights.”

One thing that is certain about Moss - he has been healthy during this camp. After being injured for much of last summer and slowed during camp, he is off to a much better start to the 2008 season.

Health has been an issue for Moss for the past two years. He set the team record for receiving yards with 1,483 in his first season with the Redskins in 2005 but has barely eclipsed that number in the past two seasons combined while missing a total of four games with injuries and being less than 100 percent in several others.

“This is my third camp with him, and I think this has been his best one so far,” Randle El said.

There have been glimpses of the old Moss during camp - the gamebreaker who averaged nearly 18 yards a reception three years ago. In new coach Jim Zorn’s offense, Moss could put his elusiveness to work and turn quick timing patterns into long gains.

A more dynamic Moss could be the difference between a solid Redskins offense and a great one.

“We feel that when we have him in the ballgame, it might just take one play,” wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. “He has proven that before. We’ve beat people with just one play that he made. He’s a big-play receiver.”

(proathleteonly.com)

Lifting weights, jogging on the treadmill, trudging up and down stadium stairs - that type of traditional offseason workout plan can get a little monotonous for even the most dedicated NFL athletes.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss was looking for an alternative way to stay in shape this summer, and a friend from his old neighborhood helped him out - using mixed martial arts.

Moss spent a few days a week with Lonny Intorn, an instructor at Punch Fitness in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Intorn showed Moss the same training techniques used by mixed martial arts fighters, which included a heavy dose of cross-training and kickboxing.

"Sometimes I go home in January and get crazy about working out and football stuff," Moss said. "I wanted to take as much time as I can off and do something different. [We did] tire squats, tire throws, a lot of boxing and a lot of kicking until we got the form down. Then some days we put all of the combinations together - 30 minutes punching, 30 minutes kicking, kneeing, abs - you name it, we did it all."

Moss was intrigued by the training regimen in part because he had taken an interest in the career of another Miami-based athlete, Kevin Ferguson - known to most as the street fighter-turned-Internet sensation-turned-MMA star Kimbo Slice.

So Moss started working with Intorn, who grew up in the same part of Miami and also went to college at The U. Intorn has worked out several NFL players, including Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson and Santana's little brother, Sinorice. He also trains professional kickboxers.

"It is funny, but when I get some of these [NFL] guys for their first workout with me, after the first five or 10 minutes they are on the ground dying - literally," Intorn said. "They say, 'I've never worked out like this before.' After they are with me I can see the transformation. They are more cut, and they make it through the workouts."

Moss isn't alone with his new-wave training techniques. The team's other starting wideout, Antwaan Randle El, also incorporated some mixed martial arts training into his offseason.

How the alternative methods affect Moss and Randle El long term remains to be seen, but there have been some immediate effects.

"If it was just run, run, run - that's something I could do, but I was losing some of my muscle mass. But I'm not losing as much this year," Randle El said. "I think the grappling [helps]. When you are on the ground wrestling with a guy - that's how it is when you catch a ball and you're tussling with a guy and trying to get out."

Added Intorn: "I think it definitely gives them better movability and more flexibility. I'm one of those guys who doesn't think you have to just always lift a ton of weights."

One thing that is certain about Moss - he has been healthy during this camp. After being injured for much of last summer and slowed during camp, he is off to a much better start to the 2008 season.

Health has been an issue for Moss for the past two years. He set the team record for receiving yards with 1,483 in his first season with the Redskins in 2005 but has barely eclipsed that number in the past two seasons combined while missing a total of four games with injuries and being less than 100 percent in several others.

"This is my third camp with him, and I think this has been his best one so far," Randle El said.

There have been glimpses of the old Moss during camp - the gamebreaker who averaged nearly 18 yards a reception three years ago. In new coach Jim Zorn's offense, Moss could put his elusiveness to work and turn quick timing patterns into long gains.

A more dynamic Moss could be the difference between a solid Redskins offense and a great one.

"We feel that when we have him in the ballgame, it might just take one play," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "He has proven that before. We've beat people with just one play that he made. He's a big-play receiver."

(washingtontimes.com)

ASHBURN, Va. — No matter the playbook, no matter his role, no matter his stats, Santana Moss sees himself as a playmaker and a game-changer.

It's why the wide receiver wants the Washington Redskins to throw the football to him as much as possible this season. "Early and often," is how Moss put it.

It's why he wants to go back to occasionally returning punts, something he didn't do once in 2006 or 2007. "I haven't forgotten how," Moss noted.

It's why he is sure he can thrive in new Redskins coach Jim Zorn's West Coast system.

"To be honest with you, I never look at anything and say, 'It's not going to be a good fit,"' Moss said. "Looking at this offense, I've got high expectations."

So do his teammates and Washington's fans, who were hootin' and hollerin' when Moss touched the ball at training camp Friday.

As for Zorn? Well, it's hard to imagine the former NFL quarterback coming up with a higher compliment than a comparison to his own favorite target, Steve Largent. Asked about Moss, Zorn immediately raised the name of the Hall of Fame receiver who was his teammate with the Seattle Seahawks.

"Steve Largent didn't have (Moss') acceleration or speed, but (Moss has) a very low center of gravity, and Steve did as well, so he's able to make very high-speed breaks," Zorn said, "and it's very difficult for him to be covered."

That was certainly the case in 2005, Moss' first year with the Redskins: He broke the franchise record with 1,483 yards receiving on a career-best 84 catches and went to the Pro Bowl.

One might think that was a season to remember, to look back upon with pride. Not quite so. Actually, Moss gets tired of hearing about it.

As in: Why haven't you matched that production? Why did your yardage slip to 790 in 2006, then 808 in 2007? Why haven't you gone to the Pro Bowl again?

"That's the only thing that ticks me off at times - when people say, 'Well, why didn't he do the 1,400 yards again?' Well, go back and watch the offense. Was I doing the same things the offense allowed me to do the first time?" he asked, then provided the answer: "No."

"But," Moss continued, "I understand that all I can be is what my team allows me to be."

This is no ball hog, mind you.

More like someone who wants to help and knows he can.

"I don't go into this thing saying, 'I'm the No. 1 man.' I feel like that's given to you by your coaching staff and by your team," Moss said. "I'm out here to do my job, and whatever they call me - No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - it don't make me less than the other guys. ... If you go out there and work as a core, we all can be No. 1."

Keep in mind that Moss led Washington's receivers in catches, touchdown catches and yards every season he's been in town.

Teammates back up Moss' contention that his numbers were suppressed by a stop-and-start-and-stop offense the past two seasons.
The team ranked 15th of 32 NFL teams in net yards in 2007, 13th in 2006.

"We never got going in either of those seasons like we really wanted to," receiver Antwaan Randle El said. "When you have an offense like that, you can't expect those big numbers."

Randle El figures the changes under Zorn can only be an improvement - and he figures his running mate should thrive.

"You could put 'Tana' in any system, because of his breakdown ability. He can run routes, run them with speed and change direction at the same speed," Randle El said. "You really put him anywhere, stick him in any spot, and watch him work."

It's a combination of moves, pure sprint speed - "Fastest guy on the team, no doubt," according to cornerback Fred Smoot - and a knack for making a tough catch.

All are skills running back Clinton Portis grew accustomed to admiring when he and Moss were at the University of Miami.

"Think of Santana Moss being in the slot, moving around," Portis said, "and I put my money on him."

Moss told special teams coordinator Danny Smith he'd like to return to dabbling in returning punts by spelling Randle El, who voiced his support. When Moss is fresh and healthy - which was hardly the case at times last season - he feels he can make an opponent miss in the open field.

"I know that my job is easier than his," Moss said. "He's got to wonder where I'm going. I just have to go out there and run."

Moss is a sensible guy, though. There are limits to his desire to be involved all the time.

At his Florida high school, for example, he insisted on lining up wide, even though a two-catch game was a big deal in the team's Wing-T formation that emphasized the run.

"They always wanted me in the backfield," Moss recalled. "But I was, 'Uh-uh.' Those guys weren't blocking too well for me to be back there. I didn't want none of that."

(usatoday.com)

With fans eager to cheer at Redskins Park, wide receiver Santana Moss put on a show. The crowd erupted Monday when Moss made several impressive catches on deep balls from quarterback Jason Campbell as Coach Jim Zorn unveiled new elements of his West Coast offense.

After being slowed because of groin, heel and hamstring injuries last season, Moss, the Redskins' top wide receiver, said he is sound physically and excited about the potential of Washington's wideouts. Veterans Antwaan Randle El and James Thrash also are back, and the unit received a much-needed infusion of size and potential when the Redskins selected Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly with two of their top three draft picks.

Zorn and new offensive coordinator Sherman Smith said the group possesses the versatility they sought for their scheme, and the wide receivers envision doing big things after often having felt handcuffed by conservative game plans under former coach Joe Gibbs. But Moss, coaches said, still will shoulder much responsibility in the new offense, which is fine with him.

"I'm proud to hear that. I'm proud that that's how they look at me," Moss said. "I pretty much try to take the field like that. I try to handle my area and make sure I hold it down. I look at it like I'm one of the guys that this team is counting on, so I have to be accountable for myself and try to set an example for the younger guys, and it seems like everything is going to be great for us skill guys this year."

Zorn, who will call plays, has been preparing to open up the offense since he was promoted to head coach in February after being hired as offensive coordinator Jan. 25. Getting more production from the wideouts is a big part of his plan.

"When you looked at the talent we had with guys like Santana and Antwaan, we knew we had the type of receivers you need to have a great offense," Campbell said. "But when your guys are hurt, when they're out, it just makes it harder on the whole offense. With Santana and Randle El healthy now, and with the guys we drafted, I think our receivers can be" among the league's most productive units.

Moss, Randle El -- who is expected to primarily be in the slot this year, a role he covets -- and Thrash are learning Zorn's offense at multiple positions, but Thomas and Kelly are "playing one position, and one position only, so they can get all their reps on the same plays and in different formations to make it pretty easy for them," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said.

The rookies are making a good impression, Moss said. "They're talented guys, look like they're pretty good," he said. "But right now it's a learning stage. They're trying to grasp everything. They're learning from us, and we're just coaching 'em up the best way we can."

(washingtonpost.com)

The Washington Times reports Redskins WR Santan Moss looked like the home run threat of old during Monday's practice when HC Jim Zorn unveiled some new pass patterns.



(ffmastermind.com)

Meanwhile, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma reached out to freshmen Arthur Brown and Sean Spence, offering his cellphone number and mentoring (Panthers linebacker Jon Beason did, too). Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork reached out to Marcus Forston. Aldarius Johnson said he cultivated a friendship with Andre Johnson and has spoken with Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss.

UM alumni take losing so hard that Beason was ''in tears'' during games last year. Vilma said last winter that what troubled him in recent years is ``guys not improving year to year. You can't say it's all the talent.''

But after working out with Canes players at 7 a.m. this summer and watching several (such as Allen Bailey) improve this spring, Vilma -- like others -- is encouraged: ``You see everyone wanting to improve.''

(miamiherald.com)

His face flushed, wide receiver Santana Moss walked away from Redskins Park in street clothes shortly after practice yesterday.

Moss missed his second workout in seven organized team activity sessions, and this time it was obvious he was battling a case of the flu. Moss skipped the June 2 workout after a weekend of partying to celebrate his 29th birthday and later in the week blamed his absence on a conveniently timed illness.

However, as he moved toward the lobby exit yesterday, it was clear he was actually sick.

"I've got a little flu," Moss said. "It started [Tuesday] morning and continued today."

Coach Jim Zorn said Moss was expected to check with trainers yesterday afternoon to determine his status for the final workout today. Moss had 61 receptions last season, totaling 808 yards and three touchdowns.

"Santana is sick. . . . I don't think it was the partying type, but I really do think he is sick," Zorn said.

"It was really hot [Monday and Tuesday], so maybe it could have been a little bit of heat exhaustion. He was throwing up this morning. He's going to come in this afternoon and check in with the trainers and see if he feels any better."

(washingtonpost.com)

Santana Moss knows what’s happened when he’s played this spot in the past: big years. The Redskins, and Moss, hope that happens again.

In the new West Coast offense, Moss will play the X, or outside receiver, position. He last played that spot during his first year in Washington. He responded with 84 catches for 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns.

He also played this spot during his third season in New York — and caught 74 passes for 1,105 yards and 10 scores.
“Those were my best seasons,” Moss said. “Hopefully I’ll do the same thing.”

Moss played the Z, or flanker, spot the past two seasons with Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd playing X. But new coach Jim Zorn wanted Moss at X.

“The group before us, they had him at flanker and motioned him down and saw him as a move guy,” Zorn said. “But I see him as a vertical threat.”

In a typical setting, Moss would be by himself on one side while Randle El and tight end Chris Cooley is on the other. Before, Moss would be paired with Cooley. Teams would double one or the other.

“Now if they double me, then you’ve got two guys one on one [on the other side],” he said. “With X, I get a lot of good opportunities.”

There will be plenty of times, in four- and five-receiver sets, that Moss will line up inside. But, for now, he’s strictly working at X. Only Randle El and James Thrash are working at multiple receiver positions.

“[Moss] has enough muscle and grit to run slants and how are you going to press him and leave that DB one on one?” Zorn said. “I’m thinking about different ways to create formations for us that will create a real uncomfortable situation for coordinators. He’s outside this play; now he’s inside; now he’s over here. What are you gonna do?”

(examiner.com)

If you told your boss you were calling in sick because of your weekend-long, multi-party celebration of your birthday, would your boss be cool with it?

If not, your boss is less understanding than Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn.

An Associated Press dispatch about the Redskins' organized team activities includes this:

Among the excused absentees was receiver Santana Moss, who was ill following a weekend-long, multiparty celebration of his 29th birthday.

Added Moss of partying as a 29-year-old, "you think you're still young and you can still hold up, but they all know what time it was. Have to chalk it up and be ready the next day."

Yes, for the Redskins, that's a good enough reason for an excused absence. And I say, good for the Redskins. After all, Moss has always been a committed, dedicated player, and organized team activities are voluntary. Moss partied too hard on his birthday, and took a day off when he wasn't contractually required to be there anyway. Some NFL coaches would make a big deal out of it, but Zorn is right to understand.

(aolsports.com)

Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss will host a Football Camp in Alexandria, Va., on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The purpose of the Santana Moss Football Camp is to provide fundamental football skills to every camper in an exciting and productive environment. Boys and girls ages 7-16 are welcome.

The camp will be geared towards the current abilities and ages of the campers. In an effort to mold well-rounded student-athletes, there will be conversations with current NFL players.

Registration will open at 9 a.m. on the first day of camp.

If you have not pre-registered, please arrive early since space is limited and the camp will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, contact Lily Stefano at 305-926-8210 or Carmen Wilson at 301-841-5989.

(redskins.com)

Hosted by Sinorice Moss of the Super Bowl Champions New York Giants with Special Guests Edgerrin James, Chad Johnson and Reggie Wayne.

TYSONS CORNER, VA (May 13, 2008) -- Famed, all-pro wide receiver Santana Moss, #89, will kick-off his birthday celebration at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Tysons Corner on May 30, 2008. The party will begin in bar at 8pm with a social mixer, followed by an exclusive dinner in the VIP room at 8:30pm.

The evening, part of a three-day Birthday Extravaganza hosted by wide receiver Sinorice Moss of the Super Bowl Champions New York Giants, #83, will include authentic Brazilian cuisine courtesy of Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. Special guests include running back Edgerrin James, #32; wide receiver Andre Johnson, #80; and wide receiver Reggie Wayne, #87.

Guests will enjoy Chima's authentic Brazilian Churrasco (Brazilian barbeque) served rodizo style, includes 16 kinds of meat, ranging from filet mignon, pork loin, lamb chops, chicken and fish all served by authentic "Gauchos." The Brazilian Gauchos, dressed in traditional attire, roam from table to table with skewers of piping hot, roasted meat, ready to slice off for your dining pleasure. Meals are accompanied by one of the most inclusive salad bars, with a wide range of American and Brazilian favorites -- from salads and oven-fresh breads to soups and deli meats. A full bar provides standard and specialty drinks, with a wine list that is the envy of connoisseurs everywhere.

(washingtontimes.com)

Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins and Sinorice Moss of the New York Giants are two brothers who know they are fortunate to have made it to the NFL.

Success on the field is allowing them to use their celebrity status to help others and give back to their community.

The Santana Moss Foundation recently hosted The Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend. This annual event in the Moss brothers’ hometown of Miami, is attended by some of the NFL’s biggest stars. The goal is simple…raise money for charity.

The proceeds from this year’s Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend will benefit the Santana Moss Foundation and the foundation of the late Sean Taylor, former teammate and close friend of Santana Moss.

The weekend’s activities included the Moss Brothers “Kids Day At The Movies”, a community fair and a celebrity softball game.

As you will see in this episode of Out of Uniform, the Moss Brothers Celebrity Weekend is embraced by the Miami community and is close to the heart of both Santana and Sinorice Moss.

(proathletesonly.com)

While blog browsing, I stumbled across some photos of Washington Redskins' WR Santana Moss' wedding photos. After 12 years of dating or shacking up (that's what old folks call it) they held their dream wedding in Hollywood, FL. Click here to read the electronic wedding invite.

Click below to see pictures from the wedding:
Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Picture 4, Picture 5

4. Andre Johnson
Houston Texans
Johnson is big (6-3, 219), physical, runs solid routes and makes plays. In terms of physical tools, he is every bit as good as the three guys in front of him. He may have been overlooked in the past because of poor quarterback play (see David Carr 2003-06) but should improve as he works more with Matt Schaub. Johnson's numbers last season (60 catches, 851 yards) would have been more impressive if he had not missed seven games with an injury.

5. Reggie Wayne
Indianapolis Colts
The only real knock on Wayne is that he has always been 1B to Marvin Harrison, who was 1A. That's no longer the case as he is Peyton Manning's top option now. Wayne has sneaky speed, which can catch a corner off guard. He has a great feel for Indianapolis' system and the ability to find holes in a defense.

33. Santana Moss
Washington Redskins
Moss is small (5-10, 200), but few players in the league can rival his deep speed. He gets pushed around too much, can wear down and has trouble staying healthy. Also, he was tied for third in the league with 10 drops last season, according to Stats LLC. However, with new coach Jim Zorn expected to throw more often than the Redskins did in the past, Moss could have a resurgence. It is clear he will never be a top red zone option or a No. 1 wideout who can consistently handle double-teams, but Moss can be a difference-maker as a complementary option. Zorn will get the ball in his hands.

51. Roscoe Parrish
Buffalo Bills
Parrish has been a versatile player for the Bills. He is a No. 3 receiver who is best in the slot and using his quickness and run-after-catch ability in space. His biggest contribution, however, may come on special teams handling punts and kickoffs.

Click here to see the rest of the list...