WR Sinorice Moss is healthy and looking to be more consistent on the field

ALBANY, NY - Sinorice Moss’ first two NFL seasons were marked by a disconnect between his potential and his production. Blessed with speed, explosion, quickness and sure hands, Moss has only 26 receptions in 19 NFL games. But he remains confident that he has the ability to be a big-time NFL receiver. The Giants believe the third-year pro has the skills to be a big contributor in their passing game.

And the parties agree on what Moss must do to realize his potential and boost the Giants’ offense.

“I just have to be consistent,” Moss said today.

“I’d like to see consistency,” coach Tom Coughlin said.

Moss has worked hard to establish that elusive commodity in the Giants’ training camp at the University at Albany. Unlike fellow wideouts Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, David Tyree and Mario Manningham, Moss has not missed a practice. He has caught just about every ball thrown his way and – yes – been perhaps the most consistent receiver on the field.

“I have to keep the same frame of mind I’ve had since I walked into this organization and stay positive while being consistent while making plays day-in and day-out,” was Moss’ not-so-succinct description of the challenge he faces. “There are a lot of reps out there to be given and with any opportunity anybody can step up and make the plays. With those guys down it has given us a chance to go out there and make some plays for the team and show the coach what we are capable of doing.”

Moss has tried to do that since arriving as a second-round draft choice from the University of Miami in 2006. But as a rookie two years ago, a quad injury forced him to miss virtually all of training camp. He played in only six games and caught five passes. Last season, he played in 13 games with two starts and had 21 receptions for 225 yards. He also averaged 19.4 yards on 10 kickoff returns. But Moss was inactive, initially due to a hip injury, for the final two regular season games and the Giants’ four-game postseason championship run. He has yet to score an NFL touchdown.

“He certainly has had times in his career (shown) flashes,” Coughlin said. “Consistency would be a big factor here, and also the ability to contribute, whether it is as a punt returner or the opportunity to get the label as a big play guy. That would be something that would really help our team, having a guy that could show us that capability of making the big play.”

Moss demonstrated that at Miami, where he averaged 17.3 yards a catch as a senior. The Giants selected him with the 44th pick in the draft, but Moss has been unable to approach his collegiate production in the NFL.

“It’s been very frustrating,” Moss said. “I wanted to go out there and help the team, contribute and perform but injuries have slowed me down. But my opportunity is here now and it’s time for me to show up.”

He started doing that in the offseason, when Moss was a regular participant in the team’s offseason conditioning program. That dedication, and Moss’ natural talent, is a reason the coaches remain excited about his potential, even after two subpar seasons.

“Sinorice has a speed and explosiveness that is unique and that is special,” wide receivers coach Mike Sullivan said when camp opened. “Obviously, he has had some injury setbacks, he’s had some things that have been disappointing for him, I’m sure, and disappointing for us. He had a strong minicamp and OTAs and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do coming into this setting as we start the 2008 season. As we have said time and again, there is great competition at the position and we’re anxious to see how that plays itself out. With his third year being in the scheme, I think he has a little better feel for the assignments and what we’re trying to do and being versatile and move around and play some different positions. That will certainly suit him well.”

Because of his injuries, lack of production and their deep pool of receivers, the Giants could have cast Moss aside. He’s glad they didn’t.

“I think it’s a blessing to still be here and play football,” he said. “Knowing that these coaches haven’t given up on me and know what I’m capable of doing for this organization…sometimes it takes time for guys and sometimes it doesn’t. So in my case I’ll keep the same positive attitude I’ve had since I got here. Also, I’ll continue to work hard because hard work pays off.”

What he won’t do is follow the lead of many observers not connected with the team and call this a make-or-break camp for him. While he knows a good camp and preseason will give his career a tremendous boost, Moss believes a performance that doesn’t match the expectations of him or the coaches won’t necessarily have a long-term adverse effect on his football fortunes.

“I don’t feel any pressure at all,” Moss said. “I feel confident and very positive about the situation that I’m in and going out there every day to compete and make some plays for the team.”

Moss had a frustrating practice this afternoon, when a couple of long passes flew just past his outstretched hands. If he does get down, Moss has plenty of understanding listeners he can turn to for counsel. Close by are his veteran teammates, Toomer and Burress. And Moss often speaks by phone with his brother, Santana, an outstanding receiver with the Washington Redskins.

“I call my brother about a lot of different things,” Moss said. “Having Plax and Amani here you can talk to so many different guys about so many different things, because guys start off in the NFL differently. Some have injuries and don’t get off to as good a start as others. So getting different pointers and staying positive is the main thing. I can’t get down on myself, I just have to keep working day-in and day-out.”

If he keeps doing that, Moss might become that reliable receiver the Giants thought they drafted two years ago.

(nygiants.com)