Kevin Gilbride, the Giants’ offensive coordinator, doesn’t underestimate the loss of Plaxico Burress, but he’s convinced the Giants still have enough weapons to succeed with out him.

One of those weapons, Gilbride said today, is Sinorice Moss.

“This will be his big chance,” Gilbride said. “He’ll start off in the three wides. He will be the starter. We just hope - - and I know he’ll hope for sure - - that he flourishes and does well.”

Given what Moss has done in his three-year career with the Giants, that seems a little hard to believe. After all the injuries, all the inconsistency, and the lack of production, what gives Gilbride hope that the 5-8 Moss can flourish?

“I think last year he had his best year,” Gilbride said. “As I said to him a couple of times at the end, ‘We’re sitting you down, but it’s not because you’re not contributing.’ I think he was playing pretty good football. I think every throw we made to him he (caught). There is a place for his speed and his quicks.

“I thought he did a much better job last year. He always, for a little guy, gets after people blocking, which helps in the running game. So I think his confidence is a little bit improved. I think our confidence in him is a little bit expanded. So I think it’s reasonable to think that he can take maybe one more step forward, as he did last year, and become a guy that gets a chance to play.”

(nydailynews.com)

Santana and Sinorice Moss are doing their part to give back to the community. On Sunday the brothers hosted their 9th Annual "Dare to Dream" event at the Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach.

Several NFL players and University of Miami alumni were on hand for the event including: Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis, Quinn Grey, Dwayne Bowe Glenn Sharpe, and Kenny Phillips.

There was a silent auction were several pieces of NFL memorabilia were sold to raise money for the Moss Foundation. The Moss Brothers joined Dade County Public Schools in order to raise funds for a tutoring program that will help nine failing schools make the grade. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit these Dade County Public Schools.

(cbs4.com)

There's still a lot to be determined regarding Plaxico Burress and the Case of the $27M Bullet. And while some may argue over whether the hairy-chinned wide receiver is actually stupid, or deserving of being locked up, one thing that is clear is his future path is no longer in step with that of the New York Giants.

Much like what happened between Michael Vick and the Falcons, there's simply too much baggage for these two to travel on the same flight. Even if Plax somehow got through the system untouched and was actually allowed to get on the field, Mayor Bloomberg's fervent booing and throwing of books and balled up gun permits would surely be a problem. Playing in the NFL is tough enough without having to also score points with the hometown mayor to get anywhere.

So this means the spotlight is on the rest of what has been a non-descript wide receiver group to this point in the season. And while all the receivers will be asked to pick up some of the slack, the one guy who may be receiving his final opportunity to make some noise in New York is oft-discussed seldom-seen receiver Sinorice Moss.

Better known as brother to Pro Bowler Santana Moss, Sinorice's productivity since entering the league begs the question of whether he'd even still be in the league if not for his last name. Methinks Sinorice Culpepper would have been cut long time ago.

Earlier this season Moss caught the first two touchdowns of his career in the week five game against Seattle. He had four catches in that game, he's had four catches in the eight weeks since. Players who were once behind him on the depth chart, Domenic Hixon and Steve Smith, are now clearly entrenched in crucial roles on the offense.

But with every bullet that pierces a wide receiver's thigh, hope springs eternal. And so Sinorice has been given another -- perhaps the final -- opportunity to endear himself to Giants fans.

So if Mr. Moss is so inclined, now would be a good time to live up to his surname.

(nbcnewyork.com)

Sinorice Moss was watching Seahawks safety Brian Russell and waiting for him to drift to his right. Moss knew he would, as the Giants had practiced the play all week long. All Moss needed was a pump fake from Eli Manning.

Moss got it. And as expected, Russell moved toward Steve Smith when Manning pumped in that direction.

"Here it goes. It's going to start," Moss said he was thinking. "It's really about to start."

Manning delivered a perfect pass into the area vacated by Russell for Moss' first NFL touchdown, which came three seasons into a career that began when the Giants traded up to select him in the second round of the 2006 draft.

But as Moss said, that 23-yard scoring pass early in the third quarter of Sunday's 44-6 victory over the Seahawks was only a "start." In the fourth quarter, David Carr hit Moss for a 5-yard touchdown.

After the game, with both footballs resting behind him in his locker, Moss said he never doubted a day like this would come.

"We have so many guys. You have to be patient," Moss said. "That's something that's hard for a lot of professional athletes and a lot of people in this world. They don't know how to be patient. And that really helped me out -- being patient."

Moss got his opportunity Sunday because Plaxico Burress was suspended for one game and Domenik Hixon left with a concussion after catching four passes for 102 yards. Moss caught four balls for 45 yards, including the quick slant from Carr.

"We're so used to going together, so when he called the play, he looked at me and said, 'I'm coming for you,'" Moss said.

Said Carr, "It was just unbelievable. Everything was going our way. It's not like a fluke. It's happening more and more often here. You never know when we are going to explode on someone, we have so many weapons."

(nj.com)

They've become somewhat forgotten, receivers who go deep only on the depth chart. Mario Manningham missed almost all of training camp with a quadriceps injury and has not dressed for an NFL game. .Sinorice Moss, his future with the franchise in doubt from the moment the Giants drafted Manningham in April, has been in uniform for the first three games of the season. But in the last two, he has not stepped onto the field.

Each said that with the suspension of Plaxico Burress for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, his fortune is about to change.

"This is my opportunity," Moss said Wednesday.

"I'm ready to go out there and make plays and help my team win," Manningham said Thursday.

Can they both be right? Probably not. With only one receiver suspended, it's unlikely that Moss and Manningham will find a way to impact this game. It's not even a sure bet that one of them will.

Both have spoken about the virtues of patience, waiting for the right chance. After Sunday, at least one of them probably will still be on the line.

The Giants have extraordinary depth at receiver, even without Burress. Amani Toomer is a solid pro, Domenik Hixon was one of the stars of the preseason when he filled in for an injured Burress for most of training camp and has shown a penchant for the big play during the season (on passes and punt returns). And Steve Smith is quickly becoming one of Eli Manning's favorite targets, especially on third downs. The Giants have converted 11 third downs by passing this season, and a team-high four have gone to Smith.

It's no wonder that Moss and Manningham have had trouble cracking that lineup. But now that the fissure between the team and Burress has created a crack, there's not going to be room for both to squeeze through.

Manningham may be handicapped by a stomach virus he suffered from this week, which caused him to miss practices on Monday and Wednesday. Thursday, however, he returned to the field -- five pounds lighter and a little lacking in energy, he said -- and had full participation in practice. Although he looked a bit sluggish walking from one area of the field to the other, he appeared to run his routes crisply and caught several early throws from Manning.

"I'm getting there," he said. "I'll be back by the time Sunday comes."

Tom Coughlin seemed impressed with Manningham's comeback. "He has obviously been affected by it because I don't think he has had a lot to eat," the coach said. "Not a lot has stayed down. But he practiced pretty well for a guy who hasn't worked."

Moss also has the advantage of having played during camp. When the receivers were banged up in August, it was Moss who remained on the field taking those all-important summer snaps.

"It helped a lot," Moss said of catching balls in Albany. "We really had to step up and grow up. We had a big task in the preseason stepping in and making some plays, so having that time with Eli and the other quarterbacks it's like all the hard work we put in, now it's time for it to pay off."

When he met with reporters Wednesday, Manning spoke about the depth at receiver and said he would have Moss as the fourth wideout. The Giants have used that formation this season, but that was before Manningham returned. After three seasons, the Giants know what they have in Moss. They might want to take Manningham out for a spin against the .Seahawks.

Manningham said he's been shadowing fellow University of Michigan product Toomer, who has the locker next to his. After a stellar career with the Wolverines, riding the bench this first part of the season has been difficult for Manningham.

"I can't pout about it," he said. "I have a lot of guys in front of me who've been there. I can't do anything but sit back and listen and wait my turn."

Whether it's a long wait or a short wait could be determined Sunday.

(newday.com)

Manning and WR Sinorice Moss hooked up a few times early in practice, including a bullet from Manning on a 15-yard in and the play of practice: a deep post past Scott. See what can happen when the defender doesn't maul Moss like Browns CB Eric Wright did the other night?


(nj.com)

Few players have been followed more closely this preseason than the man Ernie Accorsi traded up to draft with the 44th pick in 2006.

Bagging Sinorice Moss made for exuberance that draft day.  The Giants’ brain trust had struck, swift and hard.  They’d moved up and, gosh darn, they’d gotten their man.  Like big brother Santana, he was real fast.  And real quick.

So much so that he was all but impossible to cover.  Opposing DBs weren’t going to be able to stay with him.  He would make big plays.  He would drive enemy defenses to distraction.  He was just what Big Blue needed to inject explosiveness into its offense.

The coaches soon set excitedly to working with their new toy.  Through OTAs, into training camp.  Dreaming up and practicing ways Moss would be used to torment opposing defenses.  What life in a harem is for Casanova is what this was for the Giants’ offensive coaches.  The coaches were having fun.  It was all going so well.

Then one day, without warning, their new toy broke.  A strain to a quadriceps muscle Moss had suffered in pre-draft workouts had reasserted itself.  And wouldn’t let go.  Before anyone knew it, most of Moss’s rookie season had vanished.

Moss managed to catch all of 5 balls for 25 yards that year – a handful of meaningless dinks that got Moss technically onto the stat sheet while accomplishing nothing for the team.  For Big Blue’s coaches and front office, the numbers were a cruel mockery of their draft day hopes.

Last year, Moss’s second season, he caught 21 balls for 225 yards.  Some for first downs.  Big plays?  Still none of those.  The injury bug?  It struck again.  Progress?  Well . . . sort of.

But not enough to satisfy the fans.  From them has come a steady trickle of urgings to this site — not to mention some recent Albany training camp spectator shouts — calling for Moss to be released.

Indeed, with passes in this year’s June minicamp and initial training camp practices too often eluding Moss’s grasp, the Giants’ roster burgeoning with new WR talent — and all that added to a slow first 2 seasons on Moss’s Big Blue resume — team observers were starting to agree # 83 could be gone before the season opener.

But a funny thing has happened to Moss on his way to the waiver wire.  He has shown up ready to work in every practice of a training camp in which Burress, Tyree, Manningham, Smith, and others have missed time.  That has led to Moss receiving, and profiting from, a plethora of reps.

No, he hasn’t turned into the team’s most glue-fingered pass-catcher.  That, perhaps, will never happen.  But as camp has dragged on, Moss’s hands have betrayed him with diminishing regularity.  And the positive plays have become increasingly frequent.

Moss has caught an abundance of deep balls, including one in the Detroit preseason game that, if not underthrown, would have gone for a touchdown.  The respect his deep speed commands, when combined with his ability to break off patterns suddenly, enables him to come open on underneath routes almost at will.

That capability gives him a base, something he can hang his hat on.  And something the Giants’ offensive planners can exploit.

In light of Moss’s recent progress, one of the beat writers at the Giants’ training camp earlier this week ventured that Moss “seems to be solidifying his spot on the roster”.  Here’s that item.  While only time will reveal whether the coaching staff agrees, the arrow on Moss seems to be moving Northward.

(mvn.com)

Reports continue to pour in about the strong camp that wide out Sinorice Moss is having for the champion Giants. In an evening practice, Moss put on a burst of speed to catch up to an Eli Manning pass for a TD catch in the teams practice. Moss is making the most of his chances with both Plax Burress and Amani Toomer banged up, and if he can get in the game on third downs this year as the teams 3rd or 4th wide out, look for Manning to not hesitate to go to him in pressure situations just based on the type of camp he’s had so far.

(giantsgab.com)

Sinorice Moss had a good workout, although he didn't catch everything. In 11-on-11s he ran a post route that left Pope on the ground, but the throw from David Carr was too close to the sideline and Moss was in the middle of the field. That play has a * below. He came back and connected with Carr on a post leter in 11s, beating Darren Barnett (**). Later, while going against Dockery, he did a nice job of jumping up to catch a pass from Manning and hang onto it, boxing out the DB and wrestling the ball away. It was on the far side of the field so I can't be sure Moss got in bounds (especially with the lack of a forceout call now). Dockery got some high-fives on the way back to the huddle, so he might have been able to keep Moss from coming down in the end zone. Still, nice catch.

(newsday.com)

Sinorice Moss claims he wasn't breathing any easier after he came down with the ball on a 46-yard pass from Anthony Wright against the Lions on Thursday. If anything, he was probably breathing heavily after sprinting down the field and leaping to make the catch.

"It's a sigh of relief just to be in the game and make some big plays for this team," Moss said. "That's what I'm supposed to do. That's why they put me out there."

And that's why the Giants traded up to draft him in the second round in 2006. Between then and Thursday, Moss hadn't made any of those big plays he's supposed to make. In fact, before he streaked past cornerback Dovonte Edwards in Detroit, Moss' longest catch in a Giants uniform was a 20-yarder with a little more than five minutes to play in last year's blowout loss to the Vikings.

So three years into an injury-riddled NFL career, players are still talking about Moss' untapped potential.

"What he did," Wright said of the catch, "was an example of some of the things he can do."

Moss had better continue doing all of those things because there's some serious competition at his position. In addition to Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith, there's David Tyree and rookie Mario Manningham. Plus, Domenik Hixon, claimed off waivers early last season, has had an excellent camp so far, while Brandon London, last year's undrafted free agent and practice-squad member, is much improved.

Heck, even Craphonso Thorpe, who was the last receiver added to the roster before camp, caught the team's only touchdown against Detroit. Undrafted free agent D.J. Hall has had a quiet camp. That's 10 guys for six spots, which means Moss isn't a lock to make the team.

Even if Thorpe and London are cut, there's still the question of whether or not the team would cut Tyree, the Super Bowl hero who's still on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury. If Tyree can get healthy before the start of the regular season, he would force the Giants to make a very difficult decision: cut one more player or keep an extra receiver and risk being dangerously thin at another position.

But Moss can't worry about numbers right now. He just has to keep making plays and gaining confidence.

"It was encouraging to know I'm making progress," Moss said of his catch. "And when the opportunity comes again, try to go up there and make a play again."

Moss made Thursday's play with speed and tremendous leaping ability, which helps compensate for his 5-8 frame. After running past Edwards, who was inside Moss and started with his back to him, Moss looked back and saw the ball coming his way. He then sneaked a peek at safety Greg Blue closing in on the play from his spot in the middle of the field.

Moss then turned back to the ball to see it wasn't sailing as far as it should have.

"Slightly underthrown," he said with a smile. "But hey, things happen. When the ball is up in the air, you have to go up and get it."

Not only that, but Moss had to then stick out the bottom part of his body while leaping to shield Edwards from the ball. Edwards had closed the gap when Moss slowed down to compensate for the underthrown pass. (Edwards unwisely reached up with both hands for an interception instead of knocking the ball away with one).

It was reminiscent of a play Moss made early in camp when he had to adjust to catch a ball from Eli Manning that didn't have as much on it as it should have.

"He held off the defender a little bit by jumping up to catch the ball," Wright said. "It was a good job by him to do what he did."

Oh, and then Moss had to hold onto the ball while getting drilled by Blue as he came down. Moss' reaction? No trash talk, no finger pointing and no signaling first down. Just an underhanded spiral flip to the official and a walk back to the huddle.

Yesterday he was just as nonchalant about the catch.

"It's my job, man. I'm really not impressed with it," he said. "That's what I'm supposed to do, actually. It's really behind me now. That was the other night. I'm not worried about that right now. I have to press on for this week and get ready for next week's game."

Moss has always been pretty understated, but he seems to have become even more composed after the struggles of his first few seasons. It was only two years ago he missed almost all of camp and much of the regular season with a quadriceps injury that just wouldn't heal. Last year he hurt his hamstring late in the season and was a healthy member of the inactives for the postseason.

Now, it's Manningham who's been sidelined with an equally mysterious quad injury. Though Manningham is his competition, Moss has been there to give him advice.

"I spoke to him because it's tough," Moss said. "To know he has a similar injury that I had when I first got here, that's tough, man. It's going to be hard for him. He just has to keep fighting through it every day and rehab so he can get himself back."

(nj.com)

ALBANY -- When Sinorice Moss played for Carol City High in Miami, he spent much time running down the field and jogging back to the huddle without touching the football. His team ran far more often than it passed.

When he played for the University of Miami, Moss started only 12 games in four years. College stars like Kevin Beard and future NFL standout Andre Johnson played in front of him.

"Whenever I got opportunities, I knew I had to make plays," Moss said.

Here may be opportunity, staring Moss in the face.

Tonight in the Giants' preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, at least four receivers figure to be sidelined by injury. That may offer Moss, a third-year player and former second-round draft pick, a chance -- perhaps his last -- to make an impression.

"I'm sure I will have some opportunities to go out there and do some things and make some plays for this team," Moss said. "When I look at this year, I'm just saying, 'Stay healthy, do what I have to do and make plays.' I know I'm capable of making plays. It's just about staying healthy and being out on the field doing it."

Indeed, injuries sidetracked Moss' first two seasons. He missed almost all of his rookie year with a quad injury and sat out the postseason a year ago with a hip problem. He caught just 26 passes in two seasons.

The Giants stuck with Moss in part because he packs big-play potential into his 5-foot-8, 185-pound frame. But given the emergence of several young wide receivers and the Giants' depth at the position, Moss may need a strong preseason to secure his roster spot.

Moss may even start against the Lions because of the Giants' injury woes at receiver. Plaxico Burress (ankle), Mario Manningham (quad), Steve Smith (groin) and David Tyree (knee) all expect to sit. Brandon London, a training-camp standout, also could be out with a hip flexor.

"When you see guys down and they're injured, you want them to be practicing, you want them to be on the field," Moss said. "But it also gives me and the younger receivers an opportunity to get some more reps and get some more passes in, show the coaches what we can do."

During the off-season, Moss sidestepped much of the Super Bowl celebration circuit to work out near his home in Miami. He met a martial-arts trainer who introduced him to kick-boxing, which he said helped his balance, coordination and explosiveness.

"I have a newfound respect for the guys who do that stuff," Moss said.

Moss said he talked about kick-boxing with fellow receiver Amani Toomer, who also uses martial arts as a means of training for the season.
There's also this similarity: Toomer endured injury-related struggles early in his career -- a torn knee ligament as a rookie forced Toomer to miss half a season. He caught just 17 balls his first two seasons combined.

"It's a very similar story," Toomer said. "I think that he has a lot of potential, and I think that he's working real hard. Personally, I think that he is going to pan out."

The first preseason game may offer Moss his best chance yet to prove as much to the Giants. At least a few of the injuries at the receiver position appear to be short-term, meaning Moss' time may be more limited later in the preseason.

"Whenever my chances come, whether it's this game or down the line, I'm just going to go out there and make some plays," Moss said. "That's what I'm here for."

(timesunion.com)

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)

ALBANY - Sinorice Moss is as disappointed as anyone by the way his first two NFL seasons have gone. But he's not ready to give up on himself yet. And neither are the Giants.

That's why the speedy 5-8 receiver is still at training camp at the University at Albany, despite the wealth of talent the Giants seem to have at his position. A 2006 second-round pick out of Miami, Moss is at best fourth on the depth chart, and feeling pressure from behind him.

He knows this might be his last chance to earn a spot on the team.

"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. My opportunity is here now and it's time for me to show up."

Injuries have been Moss' biggest issue. He missed much of his rookie season with a lingering quad issue, then was knocked out of the end of last season and the Giants' entire playoff run with a hip problem.

But coaches also have been frustrated by Moss' struggles to learn the offense and his inconsistency in practice. It doesn't help that the team has veterans Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, and two other promising young receivers in Mario Manningham and Steve Smith. Moss also could have less value than Dominek Hixon and David Tyree because he's failed to make his mark on special teams.

Throw in first-year pro Brandon London, who's having an excellent camp, and the situation becomes even tougher for Moss.

But he doesn't have to look far to find an example of receivers who struggle early in their careers, only to eventually put it all together. Toomer is the Giants' all-time leader in many receiving categories. But in his first two seasons, Toomer, a second-rounder in 1996, caught only 17 passes for 275 yards in 23 games.

Moss' two-year totals, in just 19 games, are 26 catches for 250 yards.

"It's a very similar story," Toomer said. "But I think he has a lot of potential, and I think that he's working real hard. Personally, I think that he is going to pan out."

"I've spoke to a couple of guys who've had problems in their early years when they first got into the NFL," Moss added. "Everything takes time. Some guys it doesn't. Some guys it does. I'll keep the same positive attitude I've had since I got here, and I'll continue to work hard, because hard work pays off."

(nydailynews.com)

The loudest cheers during the first New York Giants practice session Friday morning were for receivers Amani Toomer and Sinorice Moss.

Toomer, in his 13th season and the club's all-time leaders in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns, made a sensational over-the-shoulder catch among his many receptions Friday, and Moss showed his sprinter speed when he hauled in a deep bomb.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was very pleased with how the morning session went, especially the big passing plays.

"There were a couple of nice deep balls. I like to see that. It's good to see the ball go down the field," he said.

Coughlin also liked the overall effort the entire roster showed.

(dailygazette.com)

The Dolphins might be patient and wait till the first and second round of cuts to address the limited depth at receiver. There will be plenty of receivers cut, and some of them will be pretty good. For instance, the Giants have an arsenal of good ones and my UM sources tell me New York's been trying to trade Sinorice Moss all summer, and might end up cutting him if they don't find a bidder, or the former second-round pick doesn't step it up in training camp.

Moss' problem is he doesn't contribute on special teams. But the former Hurricane has shown he can be a decent stretch the field receiver, and the Dolphins need someone to run 9-routes besides Ted Ginn Jr.

Moss is just an example, but I'm confident there will be PLENTY of decent - if not good - receivers on the waiver wire because teams usually don't keep more than six. And most keep five on the 53-man roster and two on the practice squad.

(sun-sentinel.com)

The speedy wide receiver could have really helped himself with an outstanding mini camp, and he got a lot of reps with Plaxico Burress holding out.  The bad news is Moss dropped several very catchable balls, a few of which were right in his bread basket with no defender near him.  The good news is he also had a beautiful deep touchdown pass from Jared Lorenzen and a few other outstanding catches.  Moss continues to be an enigma, and it will be interesting to see if he can make any plays when the team (finally) gets in pads.

(mvn.com)

WR Sinorice Moss opened the 11-on-11 portion of practice with a well-run 15-yard in...and another dropped ball. Actually, the ball bounced off his hands and he grabbed it as it reached the ground. I'm ruling it incomplete. Once again, feel free to throw the red flag.

(blog.nj.com)

The Giants plan on giving RS-WR Domenik Hixon more of a chance at receiver, and he'll get every shot to continue as the Giants' primary kick returner. That signals potentially bad news for WR Sinorice Moss, who might have to win the job as the punt returner to make the team.

(pfw.com)

Giants GM Jerry Reese expects third-year receiver Sinorice Moss to "really come on this year."
He's got to make the team first. The highest Moss could get on the depth chart is No. 3, but that's unlikely with Steve Smith and Mario Manningham also competing. In 19 career games, Moss has 26 catches for 250 yards and no TDs.

(rotoworld.com)

The Giants have great depth and wide receiver and plenty of offensive weapons for Eli Manning going into the 2008 season.  Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith are all guaranteed spots on the team.  Rookie Mario Manningham is a deep threat and David Tyree is a Super Bowl hero and special teams standout, both of who should have roster spots.  Michael Jennings is a fan favorite and was coming into his own as a wideout until an achilles injury ended his 2007 season before it started.  Dominick Hixon is a standout return man who dosn’t bring much to the table as a receiver, and Brandon London is still with the team.  Now add undrafted rookie free agent DJ Hall to the mix, and you have to wonder where Moss fits in.  At least six and maybe seven of these ten players will be on the opening day roster.  I think we can cross off London and Jennings right now…we love you Jennings (he is the guy who wore the “Mr. Coughlin, please don’t cut me” T Shirt to camp), but when speed is your game a ruptured achilles is too tough to come back from.  DJ Hall has been impressive, however due to the overall talent we have at receiver, I doubt he makes the final roster.  That leaves the Giants with seven receivers.  Moss has been a major disappointment on the field, and has never proven himself capable in the return game.  If I had to guess right now, I would think Tyree and Hixon will make the team based on their special team skills alone.  This leaves the GMen with Burress, Toomer, Smith, Manningham, Tyree, Hixon as the top six wide receivers.  Sinorice’s best shot would come if he could return kicks, because there is no doubt he brings more receiving skills to the table than Hixon does.  Will we carry seven receivers or the usual six? There are other ways to stash players like Hixon on rosters as well, I think when it comes down to it, Moss gets one final shot. 

(mvn.com)

Say what you will about Sinorice Moss. And I know you have. I've heard you.

But never say that he's not a team player, a humble human being or selfless. The fact is he is all of those things.

When asked today about the Giants' drafting Mario Manningham in the third round, Moss went right past sulking, feeling bad for himself, ripping his new teammate or anything else that might reflect a selfish attitude. Instead, he genuinely (and I mean that) expressed excitement about adding another potential weapon to the team's receiving corps - even if that weapon might soon knock him off the roster.

"It's good for us to have a guy like that - a great talent, good hands," Moss said. "I didn't expect him to be there that late, but it was a big plus for us to have another young guy coming in. You talk about looking toward the future with this organization, I think that's a big plus for us."

Moss was supposed to be a big plus for the Giants when the team picked him in the second round two years ago. Check that: When the team traded up to pick him. But so far, the 5-8, 185-pound younger brother of Redskins receiver Santana Moss hasn't quite had the impact the team thought he would. He missed most of his rookie season with a quad injury that just wouldn't heal then bounced back a bit last season to catch 21 passes in the regular season.

But Moss got hurt late in the season and was inactive for all four postseason games. In his place, then-rookie Steve Smith recorded 14 catches in the playoffs and vaulted ahead of Moss on the depth chart after struggling with his own injury issues.

On Sunday, after the selection of Manningham, Giants GM Jerry Reese said the team still has confidence in Moss and looks at this past season as his rookie year because of all the missed time in 2006.

"If they want to look at it as my rookie year, they can, but I'm not looking at it as my rookie year, just another year in this league for me," Moss said. "I'm going into my third year and I'm trying to come out here and help this team the best I can - whether it's returning punts or catching footballs and catching touchdowns for this team."

Moss thinks he'll get a chance to do all of that, even though Manningham's arrival threatens his playing time.

"They didn't even mention anything to me about this guy since they drafted him. That's not a concern to me," Moss said. "I know what I bring to this team and I know what I can do for this organization. I'm not worried about them drafting another guy. I'm happy they drafted another guy because it's good toward our future. You never know what can happen, so drafting this guy is good for us."

He honestly believes that. Instead of viewing Manningham as competition, he is choosing to see him as the third member of a young corps of receivers that will be catching balls from Eli Manning for years to come.

"I mean, I'm thinking so far ahead, but I just think it's a big plus for this organization to draft that guy there, have Steve last year and myself the year before that," Moss said. "It's just big for this organization. I'm not taking anything away from Plax and Amani because these guys are great athletes and they showed us the ropes. I just think it's big."

Of course, Moss is the eldest of this young crew. That would make him the grandfather, right?

"No I'm the uncle," he said with a smile. "Steve's the nephew and (Manningham's) the cousin."

We'll see if this family can stay together.

(blog.nj.com)

Though he appears to be the odds-on favorite to be the odd-man out in the Giants’ suddenly crowded receiver field, third-year pro Sinorice Moss warned everyone today not to count him out. He said he was glad the Giants drafted Michigan receiver Mario Manningham in the third round on Sunday. He also knows the world hasn’t seen what he’s capable of doing yet.

“I need to wake some people up,” the 24-year-old said. “That’s what I really need to do. I’ve been on the shelf. So I’m ready to come out here and shock the world. That’s what I plan to do.”

Moss has been a fixture on the shelf during his two-year tenure with the Giants, suffering through a bevy of injuries and disappointing production. He was even on that shelf, and the inactive list, during the Giants’ entire Super Bowl playoff run.

Now he certainly appears to be fifth on the Giants’ depth chart, far behind Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and second-year pro Steve Smith, and probably even behind Manningham, too. The Giants seem to love Manningham’s big-play potentital, while they’ve never really seemed sure about what the 5-8, 185-pound Moss can do.

“I know what I can do and I know what I bring to this team, so there’s no pressure on me at all,” Moss said. “I’m just looking forward to coming out here, getting the opportunity to make some plays and come out here and shock the world. That’s my thing.”

Moss, who had 21 catches for 225 yards in 13 games last season and has just 26 catches in his two NFL seasons, said he’s not really frustrated by his lack of production. He believes good things will come. It just takes time.

“I’m not rushing anything. I’m just being patient,” he said. “Some people come into this league expecting to be this big star when you first come into the league. It takes time. It takes patience. So for me being a patient guy and continuing to work hard, and never put myself down, it’s going to happen. It’s going to come.”

(nydailynews.com)

File this one away: After taking wide receiver Mario Manningham in the third round, Giants general manager Jerry Reese said, "We are definitely not giving up on Sinorice Moss." Hmmmm. Let's revisit this again in September.



(sportsline.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)

ALBANY - When the Giants drafted Steve Smith in April, it marked the second time in as many years they took a wide receiver with their second pick.
Sinorice Moss didn't have the impact as a rookie last season that Smith hopes to have this year. Like Smith, Moss came in with high expectations to provide a speedy, young, pass-catching option besides veterans Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and tight end Jeremy Shockey. But a strained quadriceps in the first week of training camp hampered Moss all year, forcing him to miss all but six games.

Moss smiles when he hears talk that he's behind Smith on the depth chart as the No. 3 receiver.

ALBANY - When the Giants drafted Steve Smith in the second round in April, it marked the second time in as many drafts that the Giants took a wide receiver with their second pick.

Sinorice Moss didn't have the impact as a rookie last season that Smith hopes to have this year. Like Smith, Moss came in with high expectations of providing a speedy pass-catching option to complement veterans Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey. But a strained quadriceps in the first week of training camp hampered Moss all season, forcing him to miss all but six games.

So now Moss is playing catch-up a bit. He smiles when he hears talk that he's behind Smith on the depth chart at receiver, or that he needs to come out blazing to earn that No. 3 receiver spot. "The key thing for me is just being patient," Moss said. "People will say this or say that. There's competition everywhere. I just have to make some plays and show everyone what I can do."

Sinorice Moss – So much was expected from last year’s second-round pick. The speed, the explosiveness, the famous older brother that’s already accomplished so much in the NFL… But then a quad injury knocked Moss out of the box for basically the whole season. All eyes are going to be on him to see what he can do – and if he can stay on the field. As much as the Giants drafted Steve Smith as insurance against Amani Toomer, you have to figure Moss was part of that decision as well.

(scout.com)

If Sinorice Moss could follow his brother's lead after injuries dogged him as a rookie, the Giants would be ecstatic. After an injury-plagued rookie season, Santana Moss became a solid third receiver in his second season with the Jets, before catching 74 passes a year later.

Sinorice Moss must stay healthy this summer and show he can make big plays, both as a receiver and a returner.

(www.app.com)

As for the on-field stuff, WR Sinorice Moss had an impressive morning. He fielded punts well, ran as if the quad injury is way behind him and caught several passes, including a quick fade past CB R.W. McQuarters and a touchdown behind S Will Demps. Oh, and for a portion of practice, Demps worked with the second team while James Butler played alongside starting strong safety Gibril Wilson.

(blog.nj.com)

You would think that Sinorice Moss felt a lack of faith and a bit if disrespect when the Giants drafted Steve Smith of USC in the second round of the NFL Draft. However, that's not the case at all and Moss believes Smith is going to make the Giants better.

"I don't think that was a reflection of me at all, them drafting Steve," Moss said. "They're looking more for the long run, not about that I didn't perform last year."
When people evaluate the Giants, they so often forget about Moss. Because of the injuries last season, no one really got to see what he was all about. When drafted, he was just as hyped as Smith currently is and the expectations were equally as high. There is a very good chance that Moss ends up being just as, if not more, productive than Smith. It's a great "problem" the Giants have with these two.

What's even better is that they're getting along. While there is a competition, they both realize its part of the business. Perhaps the most telling comments came from Moss.

"He's my teammate first," Moss said.

I love that attitude and it will only result in good things for the Giants.

(aolsportsblog.com)

EAST RUTHERFORD -- The selection of Steve Smith in the second round of April's draft sent up a different set of flags for two other Giants' wide receivers picked in that same round a decade apart.

"Maybe they were trying to tell me something," said Amani Toomer, the second-round pick in 1996 attempting to come back from an ACL injury suffered midway through last season.

"I was happy, actually, I called Steve the next day and told him it was going to be a pleasure working with him," said Sinorice Moss, the No. 2 pick in 2006 whose rookie season was all but lost to injury.

Moss, the former Miami star, and Smith, the Southern Cal standout, are getting a lot of snaps during the organized team activity sessions at Giants Stadium. That's because Toomer is doing his rehab work on the sidelines, gearing for what he hopes will be some participation in next week's mandatory minicamp.

It's not that the Giants don't want to get rookie Sinorice Moss involved. It's just that he's not quite up to speed with the offense because he missed too much time to injury this season.

Well, now the Giants have a perfect excuse to involve Moss by giving him a pretty simple job: kick returner. The team needs a new one after Derrick Ward was placed on injured reserve yesterday with a fractured foot. Ward originally broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot midway through training camp. X-rays taken on Monday revealed he re-injured it in Sunday's loss to the Eagles.

Ward's injury provides the perfect opportunity to give Moss a chance to make an impact. And the way the Giants are going, they need impact in a lot of places. The speedy second-round pick could give the Giants a boost on special teams by kick-starting a unit that ranks 29th in the NFL with a 20.1 yards per return average.

December 8, 2006 -- After his 10-yard receiver screen for a first down Sunday, Sinorice Moss heard the Giants crowd.

"It felt good to be back on the field and hear the fans how they cheered when I got on the field," said Moss, who appeared in just his second game of the season.

Suddenly, Moss, who caught one pass for 10 yards against the Cowboys last Sunday, could be a vital piece of the Giants offense. Since Amani Toomer went down, Tim Carter and David Tyree have done little to ease the pressure off Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey. This has left an opening for Moss to dash through.

Q: Sinorice Moss got a little more work today.  So he’s ok?

A: He’s practicing and getting more and more.

Q: Are you going to try to do more with him?

A: I think so.  We’ll advance.

Q: You like the way he played.

A: Yeah, that was, but there’s other things that he does well and as we go along here we’ll get him more involved. 

(sportsfeatures.com)

Giants rookie receiver Sinorice Moss, listed as questionable, made it through practice last week but admitted he never truly tested his leg by running full-tilt. He planned on doing that yesterday.

(newyorkpost.com)

East Rutherford — Sinorice Moss spoke with a sense of excitement and anticipation yesterday for the first time in more than a month.

That nagging leg injury that has limited him to one game this season is finally feeling better and there is an outside chance the Giants' second-round draft pick will be catching passes on Monday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Moss' television will no longer be subject to weekly abuse on Sundays from an angry football player wishing he were on the field.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Sinorice Moss spoke with a sense of excitement and anticipation on Thursday for the first time in more than a month.

That nagging leg injury that has limited him to one game this season is finally feeling better and there is an outside chance the New York Giants' second-round draft pick will be catching passes on Monday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Moss' television will no longer be subject to weekly abuse on Sundays from an angry football player wishing he were on the field.

Sunday could have been the day for rookie Sinorice Moss. Amani Toomer's season-ending knee injury could have helped the second-round pick gain a bigger role in the Giants' passing attack.

But Moss has to be content with practicing on consecutive days. He isn't going to play against the Bears despite being in the team portion of drills both Wednesday and yesterday, which he hadn't been able to do in more than a month.

"There's definitely an urge to get out there now, but I don't want any more setbacks. You can't rush it," said Moss, who has been sidelined by a strained quadriceps for all but one game.

When Sinorice Moss arrives at Giants Stadium nearly every day at 6 a.m., he often takes a few minutes to sit in the parking lot and chat with a couple of early arriving teammates.

But with each passing day, the sessions are darker and colder.

Like the early-departing November sun, time is running short for the Giants' rookie receiver, who suffered a quadriceps injury during the first week of training camp and has played in only one game this season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Sinorice Moss has so much in common with his older brother, Santana, they are often mistaken for each other.

Unfortunately for Sinorice, five years younger and a second-round draft pick of the Giants, the genetics that bind the brothers extend to injuries that disabled both in their rookie seasons.

"[Santana says] try to be patient because he went through the same thing his rookie year [with the Jets]," said Sinorice, 22. "He tore his ACL, then came back and strained his quad. Those are things that you can't control. I can't put myself in a hole or beat myself up because I got injured. I just have to stay positive, keep rehabbing and get myself better so when it is time for me to go out there and make plays and help the team, that's what I'm going to do."

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 4 — Last December, the Giants were firsthand witnesses to what a receiver like Santana Moss can do. Their view was mostly from behind, in fruitless pursuit

Moss, the small and elusive receiver for the Washington Redskins, scored three touchdowns in a victory over the Giants. His 1,483 receiving yards last season ranked second in the N.F.L. The number of missed tackles in his wake, if such a statistic existed, might have ranked first.

And while the Giants boasted one of the league’s best offenses, they felt they needed something more. They wanted a Moss of their own.

The Giants have shut down WR Sinorice Moss indefinitely following his continued battles with a thigh injury, and no timetable has been set for his return. Though it is too early, the talk that Moss is soft already is starting to float around the club.
(profootballweekly)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - There won't be a Moss Bowl at Giants Stadium on Sunday when the New York Giants play host to the Washington Redskins.

Rookie receiver Sinorice Moss of the Giants will be sidelined by a leg injury for the third time in four games, denying him the chance to play against his older brother, Santana, the Redskins top receiver.

"It's going to have to wait a couple of months," Sinorice Moss said Tuesday before the Giants (1-2) started preparations for the Redskins (2-2).

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - New York Giants second-round draft pick Sinorice Moss has re-injured the quadriceps muscle that sidelined him for most of training camp.

The receiver from Miami, who had one catch in his first game last week, aggravated the injury during Wednesday's practice. He has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks in Seattle.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey (ankle), receiver Tim Carter (ankle), safety James Butler (knee) and running back Derrick Ward (broken foot) did not practice.

MOSS: Second-round draft pick Sinorice Moss is ready to play - at least that's the way the wide receiver feels.

Moss missed almost all of training camp with a quadriceps injury and coach Tom Coughlin did not make him active for the season opener.

"I am starting to get back in the swing of things and things are looking real good," Moss said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity of playing this week."

Coughlin is taking a wait-and-see approach.

(phillyburbs.com)

EAST RUTHERFORD — Sinorice Moss was all alone in his apartment Monday night, watching his alma mater, Miami, play Florida State to a 13-10 loss.

It was probably better that way, since the wide receiver had on all his Hurricanes gear — headband, sweatshirt, heaven knows what else.

"I was just rooting for my guys," said Moss, who only a year ago was one of those guys.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Sinorice Moss spent Monday night glued to his television and his past watching the University of Miami's season-opening loss to Florida State.

"It was exciting to watch that game," said Moss, the Giants' second-round pick this year and a former Hurricanes receiver. "I'm a big UM fan. I was wearing all of my stuff, my headband, shirt, my shorts. I'm sorry they lost. But it's still my university."

And then he spent Tuesday taking an important step toward his future by returning to practice for the first time since July 29. His persistent quadriceps strain has calmed down.

"They'll start me slowly and get me back into things," Moss said.

SINORICE BACK: Second-round draft pick Sinorice Moss practiced for the first time since the opening days of training camp in late July.

Moss, who has been bothered by a quadriceps injury, was not allowed to go all-out during the practice. The wide receiver's status for the regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts at Giants Stadium on Sunday is uncertain.

"We're going to kind of move him into some other things, maybe tomorrow, extend him a little more and see how he does," coach Tom Coughlin said.

If Moss is not ready, veteran Tim Carter will be the third receiver. Carter had an outstanding training camp, catching a team-high 10 passes for 98 yards.

The practice also marked the first time in weeks that Coughlin has not had anyone missing at practice.

Starting center Shaun O'Hara (knee) and starting left tackle Luke Petitgout (back) returned last week, while backup G Rich Seubert (toe) returned along with Moss on Tuesday.

"It was good to be able to come off the preseason and be able to have everybody in pads and working," Coughlin said.

(phillyburbs.com)

Sinorice Moss will be back on the practice field with his teammates today. Whether that means he'll be back on the playing field Sunday in the season opener remains to be seen.

If it were up to Moss, he'd be jumping right back in to where he hoped he'd have been by now if not for the strained quadriceps that killed his first NFL training camp.

"Nothing changes for me because I missed camp. Injuries happen to everybody," Moss said. "They say things happen for a reason. Someday I'll find out the reason why this happened to me now, but I'm still excited to be here and I hope to play my first NFL game on Sunday."

Tom Coughlin won't believe it until he actually sees him on the field, but Sinorice Moss is finally expected to make his long-awaited return to practice on Tuesday.


Unfortunately for the rookie receiver, it may be too late.


Out since July 29 with a strained quadriceps, the second-round pick now appears to be out of the Giants' immediate plans. While Moss was optimistic he would need only a week to work his way into the Giants' offense in time for the Sept.10 opener, Coughlin seemed to indicate that it would take him a lot longer than that.

"We'll have to see where he is," Coughlin said yesterday. "I think he's going to be able to retain all the information, but is it going to be applied? And don't forget, we're not into sharing reps now. (He's) not going to get many reps. He'll have to come back working in the scout-squad capacity."

Second-round wide receiver Sinorice Moss took yet another step backward in his recovery from a thigh strain. As training camp broke, Coughlin thought Moss might get clearance to return to practice today. But his inability to put together consecutive sprint workouts without severe pain led the medical staff to hold him back. "I've probably told you we expected him back at practice four times this (summer)," Coughlin said. "It just hasn't been the case. At this point, I'm pretty much just going to wait until he's out there." Asked if he's resigned himself to not having Moss for the opener, Coughlin said, "I'm not giving up anything."
(thejournalnews.com)

Sinorice Moss.
Sino.
Rice.
Sinorice.
If anyone can make American football popular in China, it's a guy with a name like that -- even better, the rookie is only 5-foot-8. (We realize we are likely pronouncing "Sinorice" wrong, but forgive us, we don't see many college football broadcasts over here.)

Sinorice Moss returned Saturday to the University at Albany. But he did not return to the practice field.
Earlier this week, the rookie receiver traveled to New York City to undergo tests on his strained left quad, which has kept him out of every practice since the second day of training camp. (In case you're scoring at home, that's 19 consecutive missed workouts.) Moss said the tests found nothing more serious, but he remains unsure when he can return.

ALBANY, N.Y. - The chances that Sinorice Moss will have an impact on the New York Giants offense early this season are fading with each day the rookie receiver misses practice with a leg injury.