Terrell Owens has made a career of being the most volatile player on the field. But today, Owens may not even be the most hot-tempered player at his position.
The Randy Moss situation is worth monitoring in Oakland. Moss, the biggest acquisition in the NFL during the offseason, is getting his yardage. He leads the NFL with 257 yards in receptions. But personal statistics don’t fuel Moss.
He wants the ball because he wants to win. The Raiders are 0-2, and Moss hasn’t gotten the ball enough to help Oakland get the job done. Amazingly, Kerry Collins didn’t throw to Moss on the Raiders’ final possession in their 23-17 loss to Kansas City last week, even though Oakland needed a touchdown to win. After the Raiders’ final possession, Moss looked confused.
Moss won’t stand for being shut out. If it continues today in Philadelphia, expect him to blow.
For once, T.O. may be a bystander to the chaos.
Fassel not fixing offense
* Baltimore: There is growing talk that offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and coach Brian Billick are having problems. That will not help the Ravens, a supposed playoff contender, get out of their 0-2 doldrums.
Fassel was expected to help Billick improve the offense, but the Ravens’ scoring issues continue. The trouble likely won’t get any better now that injured quarterback Kyle Boller will be out at least another month.
Even though Billick won a Super Bowl five years ago, ownership could be growing tired that he can’t get the Ravens’ offense in gear. Issues with Fassel can’t help matters.
Bengals mean business
* Cincinnati: Do not discount the Bengals’ 2-0 start as lucky. This team has been on the rise since 2003. The Bengals should contend for a playoff berth. If they win at Chicago today, it will be their first 3-0 start in 15 years.
Coach Marvin Lewis is comfortable in his role, players are buying into his system and, most important, there are good players on both sides of the ball.
Don’t be surprised if the Carson Palmer-Chad Johnson combination is one of the NFL’s most dangerous by the end of the season.
Droughns delivering
* Cleveland: The Browns are happy with running back Reuben Droughns. He has become a starter, and his work ethic and attitude have the team thinking about trading Lee Suggs.
Droughns, acquired in a trade with the Broncos, has 128 yards on 32 carries. His career with Cleveland got off to a rocky start when he skipped town during the offseason because of contract issues. However, he decided it was best to make his case for a new contract on the field. If he continues to be a starter, that new deal he wanted dating to last December with the Broncos will come his way.
Lions look desperate
* Detroit: The fact the Lions are working out former NFL quarterback Jeff George points out two issues.
One, the Lions are desperate to get help and are concerned that Joey Harrington, a bust, is their quarterback. With Jeff Garcia out with a broken leg, the Lions don’t have a lot of options.
Staying with Harrington, who struggled against Chicago last week, may not be a wise option.
Also, the George workout shows how little quarterback talent is available on the league’s open market.
The list of available players at the position includes Vinny Testaverde, Tim Couch and Jesse Palmer.
Capers could be next
* Houston: This organization is restless. Owner Bob McNair has been waiting a couple of seasons for the Texans to make a playoff run.
There was talk going into this season that several key members of the organization could be in trouble if the Texans faltered.
After an 0-2 start in part because of a struggling offense, coordinator Chris Palmer was fired Monday when he showed up for a coaching staff meeting. If Palmer’s departure after only two games doesn’t wake up this team, there could be more firings.
It’s clear Texans coach Dom Capers needs to win soon, or the firing bug will spread.
Tice on hot seat, too
* Minnesota: Speaking of coaching changes on the horizon, the Vikings’ Mike Tice may be in danger of becoming the first NFL head coach to be let go this season. In-season NFL coaching changes are rare, but the Vikings may be heading that way. Tice, in the final year of his contract, knew he had to win this season and that expectations were high. After another year of defensive reconstruction, the Vikings were considered the top team in the NFC North. However, they have been beaten easily in both games.
Tice’s most likely replacement would be defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. But his unit hasn’t been that good, either.
While the Vikings’ new ownership wants quick results, it may decide to evaluate the situation after the season. However, the new ownership also may decide to show Vikings fans it is quick to react and won’t stand for disappointment. The bottom line for Tice is that he has to win, and fast.
Rhodes recovering
* Seattle: Here’s to Ray Rhodes working through his health scare. The former Broncos defensive coordinator is recovering from a mild stroke and is back to work.
Rhodes’ doctors want him to take it easy and say if he does, he can perform his duties as Seattle’s defensive coordinator. But taking it easy won’t be easy for Rhodes. He is a high-energy, high-intensity coach who spends as much time in the film room as anyone. He is passionate, studies the game and gets involved with his players.
Here’s hoping Rhodes finds a way to combine his passion for football with good health.
Thanks a lot, Redskins
* Washington: Don’t think for a minute there weren’t disappointed folks at Dove Valley on Monday night. While the Redskins’ comeback late in the fourth quarter to beat Dallas 14-13 at Texas Stadium may have made good television, it put a dent in Denver’s draft plans.
The Broncos own Washington’s first-round pick next year. They were hoping preseason speculation that the Redskins’ pick could be as high as a top-five choice would pan out. How- ever, after two poorly played games, the Redskins are 2-0. Thus, even if the Redskins go 5-9 the rest of the way, the pick may not be in the top 10.
But the Broncos will get a chance to improve their draft position Oct. 9 when they host Washington.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
