On Sunday in Miami, the Jets’ offense will be complete for the first time this season with the highly-anticipated debut of Santana Moss.
Moss, who’s recovered from training camp left knee surgery, will test his 4.3 speed as soon as his cleats touch the Pro Player Stadium field Sunday as the Jets and Dolphins battle for first place in the AFC East.
“I’m not going to go out there and try to be Superman,” Moss said yesterday. “I’m not going out there to try and break records.”
The Dolphins’ defense, however, will likely treat him with Superman respect, though.
“When you learn 87 and 83 are on the field and I’m a cornerback I’m concerned,” Herman Edwards said yesterday, referring to Laveranues Coles (No. 87) and Moss (No. 83). “You’re not driving Miss Daisy when you get those two guys.”
Perhaps having those two receivers, along with Wayne Chrebet, on the field at the same time will perk up the Jets’ 29th-ranked passing offense.
“When you put speed on the field, people get concerned,” Edwards said.
“People have to account for him; they have to take notice every time No. 83 is on the field,” Jets’ CB Ray Mickens said.
“He’s definitely going to add a spark,” Jets’ TE Anthony Becht said. “He’s got speed, and you’ve got to honor speed. Even though he hasn’t played a down, whenever he’s on the field the Dolphins have got to honor his speed.”
In saying, “I’m looking forward to seeing him play,” Becht echoed the sentiments of the entire Jets’ locker room, which has been buzzing about Moss’ debut.
“It’s exciting to have him back,” Vinny Testaverde said. “He’s itching to get out there and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he can do. Put him and Laveranues on the outside with Wayne in the middle and sometimes we’re hard to stop.”
Because Moss made such a name for himself at the University of Miami, the Dolphins are well aware of the perils they face if their defensive backs aren’t attached to the rookie WR at the hip.
Miami coach Dave Wannstedt called Moss “probably the fastest receiver in the NFL . . . or one of the fastest.”
“Any time he’s in the game we have to be aware of where he’s at,” Wannstedt said.
Making matters potentially more tenuous for the Dolphins is the fact that their secondary is hampered by a right shoulder injury to CB Sam Madison and a thumb injury to Brian Walker. Walker is listed as “out” for the game and Madison is “doubtful.”
Moss is on a mission to make sure he doesn’t lose his poise and concentration making his NFL debut 10 blocks from where he grew up. “It’s exciting, but I have to keep a level head about the situation,” he said. “I’m getting my feet wet. When my number is called I want to be able to make the play.”
Asked how he’s looked in practice, Edwards said, “He’s still fast.”
“Now he’s going to have to play,” Edwards went on. “I’m going to have to sit him down and talk to him about being calm. Otherwise, he’ll probably run so fast we won’t be able to see him; he’ll have run off the field.”
Edwards said the coaches “will have a little package” of plays for Moss, adding, “We won’t ask him to do a lot.”
Any little thing Moss might do for the Jets, however, has potential to turn the game in their favor.
