During both of former head coach Joe Gibbs’ reigns; there was a huge amount of emphasis placed on players being “character” guys. Even after Dan Snyder took over in the early 90’s, the word “character” was heard around Redskins Park. Whether or not former Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato really and truly knew what that meant is questionable (as evidenced in the signing of one very absent, very large man). But it is still something that a diehard fan would associate with the team if they’ve been around for long.
One guy who continues to model the role of a “character guy” is wide receiver Santana Moss. No matter what the situation, no matter what the current drama in the locker room has been about, wide receiver Santana Moss has remained in the background, quietly doing his job. He works hard and consistently shows up ready to play and he cares about the product that goes onto the field. During his post game interview after the Jacksonville Jaguars win, this was apparent.
“It feels great,” Moss said after the win. “Man... we’ve been fighting week in and week out and coming up short. And just to come down here to Florida, you know, my home state to get it done… it feels real great.”
For a Redskins fan, it is especially fun to watch Moss play against Washington’s arch rival, the Dallas Cowboys. There is something about playing that team that puts Moss on his A-game.
In 2007, in the last game of the season, the Redskin beat the Cowboys 27-6 and Moss had eight catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
In 2008, when the Redskins went to Dallas for the first game, Moss caught eight passes for 145 yards. In the second quarter, he caught a 53-yard pass from then quarter back Jason Campbell at the Dallas eight-yard line and set up a field goal which was part of a 26-24 win over the Cowboys that year.
Let’s leave out 2009. The year was just too bizarre.
When the Redskins played Dallas in Week One of this season, Moss was again “on” – catching six balls for 77 yards. While he did not score any touchdowns, he caught some key passes… most especially a 16-yard catch in the first quarter which helped set up a Graham Gano field goal. He had several 10-yard+ passes in the second quarter and throughout the game which helped move the chains.
Two weeks ago against the Cowboys – a 33-30 loss in the final minutes – the “Cowboy Killer” had another good day.
Moss caught 7 passes for 72 yards in that contest but the impressive statistic is the two touchdowns. The Redskins looked like they were going to score again with the game tied at 30 when quarterback Rex Grossman tossed a ball to Moss at the Cowboys' 49-yard line. Unfortunately, Moss dropped the ball. He doesn’t drop a lot of passes so when he does, its big news. It was easy to see the former Miami Hurricane felt terrible about it but even worse about the fact that the team lost - again.
“We didn't get the win,” Moss said in the locker room. “You can sit here and be hip-hip-hurray, we scored 30 points. That's nothing. Unless you get that 'W', then we can talk. Then we can feel good about it."
Because the team has not been winning and the offense has been so lacking, Santana Moss hasn’t gotten much league-wide notice t his season. But he is having a very good year. He has started all 15 games this season, racking up 1,041 yards on 84 catches and his average is 12.4-yards-per-catch. In 2005 he logged nine touchdowns and 1,483 yards, averaging 17+ yards per catch which set a Redskins single-season receiving record. He also went to the Pro Bowl. While he has not matched his first year with the Redskins, he has stayed consistent.
But according to the receiver, it’s not all about him. He appreciates what his teammates do to help the team and made specific note about some of the non-starters who had to step in and play in the 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week due to injuries to starters.
“There [are] a lot of guys out here who didn’t play all year and they stepped up big,” the wide out told Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen after the game. “I watched Rob Jackson… I’ve been watching this guy for the last two or three years and he flies around in practice. And I’m saying to myself, ‘why isn’t this guy out on the field?’ I’m happy to see him get his opportunity… he did a great job today.”
This is not to say that other guys on the team aren’t happy for some of the less well-known guys to get a chance to play… but it’s not often you’ll hear such specific accolades for a second or third string player from someone as well-known as Santana Moss.
Moss will be a free agent after this season but it doesn’t seem to worry him very much, probably because he has always worked so hard and his work ethic –well known in the league – speaks for itself.
“You know… I always say to myself, ‘as long as I go out there and put the work in, the numbers will come.’ I’m just pleased to say I put the work in so the numbers have granted me what I’ve been wishing for.”
In the time he has been with the Redskins, I can’t remember a single time that Moss has not been above reproach in what he has said and the way he has behaved on and off the field. He is respected by his peers as well as by fans and the press. Even guys in the AFC knew they can count on the smaller receiver.
“Reggie Wayne – he texted me this weekend,” Moss said. “He said, ‘Do me a favor and beat those Jags…’ I’m going to text him back and say, ‘We got it done for you.’”
In 2002 Moss was 1st team Pro Football Weekly All-Conference, All-NFL for both Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News. Then in 2005 he was again 1st Team All-Conference for Pro Football Weekly and All-NFL for the Associated Press.
