WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition

MTK · 04-07-2005, 11:19 PM

A little more regarding the Moss/Taylor saga:

Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition
Newly Acquired Wide Receiver 'Is Going to Like It Here'
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35473-2005Apr7.html

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 8, 2005; Page D03

Although wide receiver Santana Moss, the cornerstone acquisition of the Washington Redskins' offseason, is not participating in voluntary workout sessions, at least one of his new teammates is confident that when Moss does report, he will be in great shape. Right guard Randy Thomas, who played with Moss in New York, said the receiver is training diligently in Florida and expects big things from him.

The Redskins traded top wide receiver Laveranues Coles to the Jets, and took a $9 million salary cap hit in the process, to land Moss, who has yet to show up at Redskins Park as the third week of offseason work comes to a close. Although these workouts are voluntary, Moss's absence is unexcused and tied to Washington's inability to agree to a long-term contract with him, Coach Joe Gibbs said. Moss, 25, had one season worth $450,000 left on his current deal.

Safety Sean Taylor, 22, who is seeking to renegotiate his rookie contract, is also missing the sessions and both players are working out with other former University of Miami players in South Florida, according to teammates. Both players are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has declined to comment on either situation.

Thomas, who was a vocal proponent of shipping out Coles once he made his trade request, said he had a phone conversation with Moss a few weeks ago.

"I don't know what's behind it," Thomas said of Moss's absence, "but the guy he is . . . I guarantee you, he's working out. He's not going to be sitting around the house not doing anything. For whatever personal reasons -- we just don't know why -- he's not here. We'd like him to be here, but he's a Redskin, and I can't be sitting here asking why because he's my teammate.

"I just know this guy is going to like it here. He's going to want to be here. For whatever reasons he's not here -- I don't know -- I talked to him [last month] and he's an excited guy. He's excited to get away [from the Jets] and get a fresh start and take that role. We'll see what happens. You now how things are. I can't question a man's heart, I only question a guy who doesn't want to be here, and this guy is going to go fight for us."

Talks on a new deal have slowed and Moss has not been in the area since his introductory news conference, during which he stressed that he was a team-first player. The Redskins continue to work on a contract; Moss, who has one 1,000-yard season in four years, is seeking to be compensated among the top wide receivers in the game, sources said. Washington is about $1.5 million under the salary cap, must still sign draft picks, and anticipated trades and foreseeable cuts could free up another $2 million to $5 million. Based on Gibbs's recent comments on Taylor's contract status, the team does not seem inclined to make any significant alterations.

Despite the voluntary nature of these workouts, numerous players said they consider it part of their job responsibilities to be here. As Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington put it: "It's pretty voluntary, like if your wife or girlfriend tells you . . . [not to] get her nothing for her birthday, and then if you don't come home with a present, you know you're in trouble. It's kind of like that."

Moss is supposed to be the focal point of an expanded offense after Washington ranked 30th in passing last season. The voluntary sessions are a time in which to learn the playbook and get in sync with the quarterbacks, who have been in meetings with coaches, running drills and throwing to receivers.

"If you want to be a Redskin, you might want to be here," backup quarterback Mark Brunell said.

Said starting quarterback Patrick Ramsey: "We're doing more than just playing catch. I don't know if chemistry is the word for it, but timing is one of the words you could use, and knowing what to expect from a receiver, and a receiver knowing what the quarterback is going to throw, where the ball is going to be, the velocity. This, as little as we are doing right now, is important, and what you do in March and April -- surprisingly enough -- really affects what happens come training camp."

Center Cory Raymer said it's difficult not to form an impression of a new teammate who is not present for his first workouts. "It's not a good start," he said. "We know who's here and who's not and we know who is here and just getting in and getting out as quick as they can."

Taylor drew attention last season for leaving a mandatory league rookie symposium without permission and being arrested on drunk driving charges -- he was suspended for one game and later acquitted.

"I would hope he would be here," said safety Matt Bowen, who started alongside Taylor before suffering a season-ending injury, "but it's up to each individual. It's not mandated by the league or anything. You have to want to be here, and if someone has a reason for not being here, I'm sure it's a good reason, but we'd like to have everyone here."

RedskinRat · 04-07-2005, 11:37 PM

What a great quote:

Despite the voluntary nature of these workouts, numerous players said they consider it part of their job responsibilities to be here. As Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington put it: "It's pretty voluntary, like if your wife or girlfriend tells you . . . [not to] get her nothing for her birthday, and then if you don't come home with a present, you know you're in trouble. It's kind of like that."

sportscurmudgeon · 04-07-2005, 11:46 PM

Matty:

Yet another article with quotes from players that are totally predictable. Think about what Thomas said. What else could he say? He's talking to a reporter and that means what he says will show up in the Wash Post which is read by 90% of the Redskins' fans. Do you think he's about to say anything like:

"Where the hell does this little squirt come off skipping these workouts while the rest of us are here busting our asses? Who the hell does he think he is? I can't wait for him to finally haul his ass in here - without any big time contract under his belt - because I want to jam some BenGay up his butt to let him know that he's not 'Mr. Big Time' around here."

Even if Thomas thought that - and I have no idea if he does - Thomas is smart enough and savvy enough not to say that to a reporter.

The closest thing to a "shot" came from Mark Brunell who said that if you want to be a Redskin, it would be a good idea to be here for the workouts. Everyone else was ever so politically correct in their comments.

And the metaphor used by Marcus Washington is perfect. Matty, you are about to get married. Take Washington's advice to heart. When your wife says that you don't really have to buy her a Valentine's Day gift or get home from a poker game by midnight, listen to the REAL meaning. Buy the present and get your ass home on time - - or else!

MTK · 04-08-2005, 12:09 AM

LOL,

SC, after 8 years I think I've been well trained! Thanks for the advice though.

As for the comments by Thomas, of course he's saying the right things. But at the same time he played with Moss in NY, so there could be a hint of truth to what he's saying.

heybigstar · 04-08-2005, 01:19 AM

Randy Thomas is very well-spoken, and the way he played for us injured last year, i really like this guy.

Daseal · 04-08-2005, 04:08 AM

I don't doubt Moss will arrive in shape. It's his bond with Ramsey I'm concerned about. Play some throw and catch with your QB - just for fun. Get used to one another!

FRPLG · 04-08-2005, 08:23 AM

What's with all this talk about Moss being the "cornerstone aquisition" of the off-season and the "focal point" of the offense? Simply because he ahs the biggest name doesn't mean squat. They only got him because Coles screwed the pooch and forced our hand. It's not like they say sat back and divised a way to piss Coles off so they could trade him for Moss. They tried make the best of a situation(which I know many of us believe they failed at). Stupid reporters.

TheMalcolmConnection · 04-08-2005, 08:30 AM

Exactly. I like Ramsey's quote too. Definitely need to develop some chemistry.

rickmmrr · 04-08-2005, 08:42 AM

I’m happy with the article and it has nothing to do with Moss. You can really sense that Gibbs plan of instilling team spirit, team unity, team chemistry, etc. is really working. That’s how you create a winning team. From listening to these guys you would never know they had a 6-10 record last year.

TheMalcolmConnection · 04-08-2005, 08:47 AM

Honestly, I don't think a lot of them feel like they had a 6-10 record. To beat a dead horse, only a few points separated us from flip-flopping that record to 10-6.

Schneed10 · 04-08-2005, 09:01 AM

SC, you focus way too much on what the players actually say than the overall shift in attitude that is taking place amongst the players.

skinsguy · 04-08-2005, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daseal

I don't doubt Moss will arrive in shape. It's his bond with Ramsey I'm concerned about. Play some throw and catch with your QB - just for fun. Get used to one another!

Yep! You're exactly right, Daseal! Team chemistry, or the lack of, can make or break a team!

SKINSnCANES · 04-08-2005, 11:55 AM

the chemistry will be developed when practices start. They are just working out right now. Yea you would like everyone to be there but right now Taylor, Moss, Portis, Reed, Lewis, James, Johnson, Wayne.........etc have more chemistry then our team does.

Daseal · 04-08-2005, 12:57 PM

Why is Portis in DC then?

Malcolm - we've been able to make that argument for years. I can't accept that "We almost were good" argument anymore. Close doesn't mean jack shit =p

skinsguy · 04-08-2005, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKINSnCANES

the chemistry will be developed when practices start. They are just working out right now. Yea you would like everyone to be there but right now Taylor, Moss, Portis, Reed, Lewis, James, Johnson, Wayne.........etc have more chemistry then our team does.

The chemistry will HAVE to be developed when practice starts, but they're doing more than just lifting weights rights now. You can develop a chemistry between your QB and his WRs by doing a little backyard pitch and catch...it's nothing that is developed exclusively in practice. A team that wants to do more than the bare minimum needs to be together as much as they can. It's about playing as one well-oiled machine or one big happy family. So, while we're talking about chemistry, we're actually not only talking about chemistry between the QB and his WRs, but total team chemistry which is developed through these voluntary workouts...while they may not necessarily be practicing football, they are being together developing a family style relationship...that is a sign of a good team.

04-07-2005, 11:19 PM	#1
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 52 Posts: 99,737	WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition A little more regarding the Moss/Taylor saga: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Newly Acquired Wide Receiver 'Is Going to Like It Here' www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35473-2005Apr7.html By Jason La Canfora Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, April 8, 2005; Page D03 Although wide receiver Santana Moss, the cornerstone acquisition of the Washington Redskins' offseason, is not participating in voluntary workout sessions, at least one of his new teammates is confident that when Moss does report, he will be in great shape. Right guard Randy Thomas, who played with Moss in New York, said the receiver is training diligently in Florida and expects big things from him. The Redskins traded top wide receiver Laveranues Coles to the Jets, and took a $9 million salary cap hit in the process, to land Moss, who has yet to show up at Redskins Park as the third week of offseason work comes to a close. Although these workouts are voluntary, Moss's absence is unexcused and tied to Washington's inability to agree to a long-term contract with him, Coach Joe Gibbs said. Moss, 25, had one season worth $450,000 left on his current deal. Safety Sean Taylor, 22, who is seeking to renegotiate his rookie contract, is also missing the sessions and both players are working out with other former University of Miami players in South Florida, according to teammates. Both players are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has declined to comment on either situation. Thomas, who was a vocal proponent of shipping out Coles once he made his trade request, said he had a phone conversation with Moss a few weeks ago. "I don't know what's behind it," Thomas said of Moss's absence, "but the guy he is . . . I guarantee you, he's working out. He's not going to be sitting around the house not doing anything. For whatever personal reasons -- we just don't know why -- he's not here. We'd like him to be here, but he's a Redskin, and I can't be sitting here asking why because he's my teammate. "I just know this guy is going to like it here. He's going to want to be here. For whatever reasons he's not here -- I don't know -- I talked to him [last month] and he's an excited guy. He's excited to get away [from the Jets] and get a fresh start and take that role. We'll see what happens. You now how things are. I can't question a man's heart, I only question a guy who doesn't want to be here, and this guy is going to go fight for us." Talks on a new deal have slowed and Moss has not been in the area since his introductory news conference, during which he stressed that he was a team-first player. The Redskins continue to work on a contract; Moss, who has one 1,000-yard season in four years, is seeking to be compensated among the top wide receivers in the game, sources said. Washington is about $1.5 million under the salary cap, must still sign draft picks, and anticipated trades and foreseeable cuts could free up another $2 million to $5 million. Based on Gibbs's recent comments on Taylor's contract status, the team does not seem inclined to make any significant alterations. Despite the voluntary nature of these workouts, numerous players said they consider it part of their job responsibilities to be here. As Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington put it: "It's pretty voluntary, like if your wife or girlfriend tells you . . . [not to] get her nothing for her birthday, and then if you don't come home with a present, you know you're in trouble. It's kind of like that." Moss is supposed to be the focal point of an expanded offense after Washington ranked 30th in passing last season. The voluntary sessions are a time in which to learn the playbook and get in sync with the quarterbacks, who have been in meetings with coaches, running drills and throwing to receivers. "If you want to be a Redskin, you might want to be here," backup quarterback Mark Brunell said. Said starting quarterback Patrick Ramsey: "We're doing more than just playing catch. I don't know if chemistry is the word for it, but timing is one of the words you could use, and knowing what to expect from a receiver, and a receiver knowing what the quarterback is going to throw, where the ball is going to be, the velocity. This, as little as we are doing right now, is important, and what you do in March and April -- surprisingly enough -- really affects what happens come training camp." Center Cory Raymer said it's difficult not to form an impression of a new teammate who is not present for his first workouts. "It's not a good start," he said. "We know who's here and who's not and we know who is here and just getting in and getting out as quick as they can." Taylor drew attention last season for leaving a mandatory league rookie symposium without permission and being arrested on drunk driving charges -- he was suspended for one game and later acquitted. "I would hope he would be here," said safety Matt Bowen, who started alongside Taylor before suffering a season-ending injury, "but it's up to each individual. It's not mandated by the league or anything. You have to want to be here, and if someone has a reason for not being here, I'm sure it's a good reason, but we'd like to have everyone here." __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

04-07-2005, 11:37 PM	#2
RedskinRat Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: I'm in LA, trick! Posts: 8,700	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition What a great quote: Despite the voluntary nature of these workouts, numerous players said they consider it part of their job responsibilities to be here. As Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington put it: "It's pretty voluntary, like if your wife or girlfriend tells you . . . [not to] get her nothing for her birthday, and then if you don't come home with a present, you know you're in trouble. It's kind of like that."

04-07-2005, 11:46 PM	#3
sportscurmudgeon Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,159	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Matty: Yet another article with quotes from players that are totally predictable. Think about what Thomas said. What else could he say? He's talking to a reporter and that means what he says will show up in the Wash Post which is read by 90% of the Redskins' fans. Do you think he's about to say anything like: "Where the hell does this little squirt come off skipping these workouts while the rest of us are here busting our asses? Who the hell does he think he is? I can't wait for him to finally haul his ass in here - without any big time contract under his belt - because I want to jam some BenGay up his butt to let him know that he's not 'Mr. Big Time' around here." Even if Thomas thought that - and I have no idea if he does - Thomas is smart enough and savvy enough not to say that to a reporter. The closest thing to a "shot" came from Mark Brunell who said that if you want to be a Redskin, it would be a good idea to be here for the workouts. Everyone else was ever so politically correct in their comments. And the metaphor used by Marcus Washington is perfect. Matty, you are about to get married. Take Washington's advice to heart. When your wife says that you don't really have to buy her a Valentine's Day gift or get home from a poker game by midnight, listen to the REAL meaning. Buy the present and get your ass home on time - - or else! __________________ The Sports Curmudgeon www.sportscurmudgeon.com But don't get me wrong, I love sports...

04-08-2005, 12:09 AM	#4
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 52 Posts: 99,737	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition LOL, SC, after 8 years I think I've been well trained! Thanks for the advice though. As for the comments by Thomas, of course he's saying the right things. But at the same time he played with Moss in NY, so there could be a hint of truth to what he's saying. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

04-08-2005, 01:19 AM	#5
heybigstar Special Teams Join Date: Oct 2004 Age: 41 Posts: 375	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Randy Thomas is very well-spoken, and the way he played for us injured last year, i really like this guy. __________________ Hail to the Redskins.

04-08-2005, 04:08 AM	#6
Daseal Puppy Kicker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington, Virginia Age: 42 Posts: 8,341	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition I don't doubt Moss will arrive in shape. It's his bond with Ramsey I'm concerned about. Play some throw and catch with your QB - just for fun. Get used to one another! __________________ Best. Player. Available.

04-08-2005, 08:23 AM	#7
FRPLG MVP Join Date: May 2004 Age: 46 Posts: 10,164	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition What's with all this talk about Moss being the "cornerstone aquisition" of the off-season and the "focal point" of the offense? Simply because he ahs the biggest name doesn't mean squat. They only got him because Coles screwed the pooch and forced our hand. It's not like they say sat back and divised a way to piss Coles off so they could trade him for Moss. They tried make the best of a situation(which I know many of us believe they failed at). Stupid reporters.

04-08-2005, 08:30 AM	#8
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,253	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Exactly. I like Ramsey's quote too. Definitely need to develop some chemistry. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

04-08-2005, 08:42 AM	#9
rickmmrr Special Teams Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 395	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition I’m happy with the article and it has nothing to do with Moss. You can really sense that Gibbs plan of instilling team spirit, team unity, team chemistry, etc. is really working. That’s how you create a winning team. From listening to these guys you would never know they had a 6-10 record last year.

04-08-2005, 08:47 AM	#10
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,253	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Honestly, I don't think a lot of them feel like they had a 6-10 record. To beat a dead horse, only a few points separated us from flip-flopping that record to 10-6. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

04-08-2005, 09:01 AM	#11
Schneed10 A Dude Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newtown Square, PA Age: 45 Posts: 12,439	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition SC, you focus way too much on what the players actually say than the overall shift in attitude that is taking place amongst the players.

04-08-2005, 11:55 AM	#13
SKINSnCANES Pro Bowl Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Age: 42 Posts: 5,454	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition the chemistry will be developed when practices start. They are just working out right now. Yea you would like everyone to be there but right now Taylor, Moss, Portis, Reed, Lewis, James, Johnson, Wayne.........etc have more chemistry then our team does. __________________ "I'm used to winning, coming from the University of Miami. " Clinton Portis

04-08-2005, 12:57 PM	#14
Daseal Puppy Kicker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arlington, Virginia Age: 42 Posts: 8,341	Re: WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition Why is Portis in DC then? Malcolm - we've been able to make that argument for years. I can't accept that "We almost were good" argument anymore. Close doesn't mean jack shit =p __________________ Best. Player. Available.

WP: Thomas Says Moss Will Arrive in Prime Condition

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