Santana Moss: ‘I know what time it is in my career’

Santana Moss didn’t quibble or sulk after being scratched from the lineup for Sunday’s season-opener at Houston. Instead, he got back to work Wednesday with the same attitude he has had since joining the Redskins in 2005, taking nothing for granted.

“It’s all about when I get an opportunity now,” said Moss, 35, who’d never been made inactive for a Redskins game while healthy. “Regardless of whether I’m out there Sunday or not, my work is put in every week. I can live with that. At the end of the day, I’m still working to try to be out there and have a chance to be able to be a part of what we’re trying to do.”

A first-round draft pick in 2001, Moss has learned to adapt to different roles throughout his 14-year NFL career. He appeared in all 32 games the past two seasons as Washington’s third wide receiver, behind Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Last season he caught 42 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 10.8 yards per catch.

But this season, Moss has been shuffled back further on the depth chart following the high-profile additions of receivers DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts, combined with the evolution of Aldrick Robinson and promising debut of rookie Ryan Grant.

Working primarily with backup quarterback Kirk Cousins during training camp, Moss was precise with his routes and sure-handed with catches. It was enough to solidify his place among the six wide receivers that Coach Jay Gruden retained on his 53-man roster.

ooking to Sunday’s home opener against Jacksonville, Moss should represent a proven option in the slot receiver role, particularly given the hamstring injury that has sidelined tight end Jordan Reed.

But Moss isn’t grandstanding for a role, shying away from the media megaphone this week while going about his work on the field.

“I look at stuff different than people who might look at stuff and put their head all high and feel like they’re supposed to be this or supposed to be that. I don’t look at it like that,” Moss said in an interview. “I feel like every year is a challenge to even be here, especially at my age and playing as long as I’ve played.

“I know what time it is right now in my career, when it comes to how things are going. If I couldn’t do what I’m doing, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s just different times. I have to deal with something I’ve seen a lot of guys go through.”


(washingtonpost.com)