Quote:
Originally Posted by VTDragon
Mixed feelings on this one. He is great when he wants to be. Other times, like Mon. in Miami, he just doesn't show up.
He made a telling comment after the game when asked about not having any receptions, he tartly responded about "the game plan" while making it obvious that he did not like "the game plan" at all. It was then reported that he and Belicheck got into a heated "discussion" at Gillette the next day. I wonder what they were talking about?
The sad fact is that Randy is all about only Randy. Brady and Belicheck got him to appear to buy into the team concept for a while, but as with any prima donna, he sulks and becomes disruptive when things don't go his way.
Having said all that, I'll be sorry to see him go... he is a GREAT talent, but the TEAM has to come first and I would rather see us get something for him now than let him go for nothing at the end of the season and still have to endure all the attendant distractions he is sure to bring if he stays. Remember the last month of Manny with the Sox. We do not need more of that.
|
It's understandable to say that, and has been said many times about him. Would it be different had they gotten that perfect season (which I was rooting for them to do, btw)? Had he been teamed with a HOF qb in the prime of his career early in his career would he be viewed differently (ala Michael Irvin with Aikman)? Quite possibly. Look at his early career and the fact that the QB was changing left and right, and he still put up the big numbers. the last few years in NE have been a lot better and more calm. I see his comments being just what they were...him saying what he felt about his contract situation. He was just to honest about it. I could easily be wrong, but that's what I see.
As far as him not showing up, honestly, it's different for a receiver, as they rely on someone else to get the ball to them. Not every great RB was a stud every game they played. Look at AP, for example. He's had a 297 yd game, and then another at 20 yds. When measuring anyone against Jerry Rice, you have to remember that Rice is the PLATINUM standard (beyond gold). He is so far above everyone, that there is no comparison. As of right now, he's 4th in receiving yards in NFL history, and could conceivably pass TO this year with Isaac Bruce sitting at the #2 spot.
And let me say this...I had a conversation one time with a former teammate of his (Moss), and essentially was told that Randy does give a great effort, but the problem was that when things got tough and weren't easy for him, he wasn't used to it and at the time didn't know how to respond and people viewed it as a lack of effort. Has that changed? No clue, but once labeled with a reputation like that, it is tough to shake. I'm sure that there are MANY players out there that are as bad or worse than he actually is. Just my
