Why Randy Moss Will Shine Against Green Bay

Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With all the media attention being given to the quarterback situation, many people tend to forget about the biggest free-agent splash the 49ers made in signing wide receiver Randy Moss.

Remember him? The missing piece to the puzzle and the deep threat the San Francisco 49ers desperately needed? Moss was supposed to stretch the field and routinely make those acrobatic catches that the NFL has become accustomed to over the years. However, he has been sporadically used thus far, and as a result, hasn’t made the impact Niners’ fans had originally hoped.

It is unclear why Moss has not been a focal point of the offense. There has been some speculation that head coach Jim Harbaugh wanted to save Moss for postseason play. Whatever the case may be, I strongly believe that Moss will make a significant impact in this week’s Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.

For starters, Moss will have the chance to once again torch the Green Bay Packers. In 15 career games against the Pack, Moss has 73 receptions, 1,320 yards and 14 touchdowns. The receiving yards and touchdowns are Moss’ highest total against any single team, and you can expect more of the same on Saturday.

In the Niners season opener against Green Bay, Moss had arguably his best game of the season, racking up four receptions, 47 yards, and one touchdown. The touchdown celebration by Moss thereafter is one that Green Bay fans have been witnessing since he entered the league as a rookie in 1998, as Moss has scored touchdowns in all but three games against them. It seems like no matter what team Moss plays for, if the opponent is Green Bay, he will score.

Dec 16, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) catches a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Also, Colin Kaepernick will be starting, which wasn’t the case in the 49ers week one match-up. This bodes well for Moss, as 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman will likely open up the playbook and throw a few deep balls early to jump start the offense. If this is indeed the case, Moss will be the beneficiary and be the man responsible for getting Candlestick rockin.’

And lastly, Moss will certainly have his fair share of targets. With wide receivers Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams both out, the 49ers will certainly turn to Moss for leadership, stability, and production. The team’s success will largely depend on his play, so look for him to make some big plays, much like tight-end Vernon Davis did last year.

Whether or not the 49ers win next week, one thing is for sure, Moss will find the end-zone on Saturday and make his presence felt.