2. I'm fascinated to see what Bill Belichick is going to do about Randy Moss. This is the best coach of recent times against the best receiver who also can kill seasons. Even in victory, this controversy over the Patriots isn't going away. It could become the Dolphins' biggest ally as the AFC East race goes to the final weeks.
Even in victory on Sunday, Moss had one catch Sunday, then fumbled it. Listen to what the Carolina defensive backs told the Boston media:
“We knew he was going to shut it down,’’ cornerback Chris Gamble said. “That’s what we wanted him to do . . . he’d just give up a lot - slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell [by his] body language.
“I know everyone who plays against him, they can sense that. Once you get into him in the beginning of the game, he shuts it down a little bit.’’
The Carolina game plan was the same as every game plan: Be physical with him early and he could shut it down. Against the Dolphins the previous game, Moss had the long touchdown against Vontae Davis, then wasn't heard from again.
“That’s what it is with him,’’ Harris said. “You get physical with him, and I don’t want to say he quits, but he kind of doesn’t run the routes the way they’re supposed to be run. If you get a jam on him, he’ll just ease up. He had the one catch, and he fumbled.’’
Gamble added, “We know from watching film on Moss, once you get him out of the game early, he’s going to shut it down.’’
New Engalnd has a relatively easy road: Buffalo, Jacksonville and Houston.
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