Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss at training camp (via Wikicommons flikr user dbking)

 

Saturday morning I was doing my usual routine of reading my mail and news when I happened upon Evan Silva (NFL writer for NBC Sports, Profootballtalk.com, Rotoworld) in my Twitter timeline.

He was giving a big plug for Santana Moss for any teams out there that need a free agent WR.  From there we went to Steve Smith and a question about the Rams releasing OJ Atogwe.

Thanks to @lannyosu, @BBdaram, @ramscentral, @DB_comb, @TurfShowTimes, @Ftblsickness, @RossMiles, @BNQuinlan, and @Shields3L for chiming in.

And a special thanks to @evansilva and @ChrisWessling for the spark.

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Here are the tweets that got the conversation started Saturday morning:

@evansilva – If I’m a contending team with any kind of WR need, putting big target on Santana Moss in free agency. Great in locker room. A LOT left.

@evansilva – Santana Moss had career high 93 catches last year. 2nd most yds of career. Dominated slot, playing it for first time ever. Versatility a +.

@evansilva – Santana Moss is 32 but has been durable. No recent playoff opportunities so may be willing to take a bit less to play for a winner.

So I posed three questions throughout the chat and many of you were available to add your opinions:

Q1) @Aerys_Rams: What do you guys think about possibly adding Santana Moss to the mix? I like @evansilva‘s reasoning.

@lannyosu – have not watched tape… durable, hands?

@BBdaram – Good question

@ramscentral - Not sure about Moss… don’t know if would impact the game enough to make signing worth it. Solid player though.

@Aerys_Rams – 2010 (his 10th yr in the league) had 93rec/1,115yds despite QB issues.

@Aerys_Rams – True, but he’d be an (instant) upgrade to what we currently have.

Then I saw @ChrisWessling (NFL football writer for Rotoworld.com, NBCSports.com, and Sons of the Tundra Dynasty Rankings blog) and Evan Silva talking about Steve Smith (CAR).

Q2) @Aerys_Rams: (Then how about) Steve Smith vs. Santana Moss. Which would be a better fit for the #Rams?

@ramscentral – No doubt. And def him over Steve Smith. Moss consistent no matter who is at QB.

@DB_comb – Steve smith without a doubt

@TurfShowTimes – Neither

@FtblSickness – Agree. Just holding up youth.

@Aerys_Rams – SS has more upside if healthy but I’d take SM for his consistency

@TurfShowTimes – (re: SS) His speed is gone. Why give up a draft pick for spare parts

@Shields3L – Syd Rice

@TurfShowTimes – Have plenty of slot guys already

@DB_comb – oh no not a draft pick but everyones fast on D we just need a good go to third down receiver that’s dependable

@RossMiles – If we go get a WR, it HAS to be a prototype #1 guy, surely???

@Aerys_Rams – That would make the most sense

@RossMiles - Although I do love NYG Steve Smith’s route-running, it would be a frivolous pick-up

@BNQuinlan - Gonna join in here and say I like the current Rams WR’s. Young but talented. Need to stay healthy.

@Aerys_Rams – Healthy, key word

@RossMiles – I think they deserve a shot in McD’s system in 2011

@RossMiles – CAR Steve Smith is not a “4 pillars” guy but is a bit old now

@RossMiles – Rice is interesting but only has one solid year behind him. A slight risk for big $$$?

@RossMiles – I’d like to see DX given an opportunity. Cheaper too

@Aerys_Rams – Stay “healthy” my friends (What the Most Interesting Man in the World would say to the current Rams receivers.)

Q3) @patycake15 – Are you guys upset that the Rams let Atogwe go?

@BNQuinlan – As a non-Rams fan I’m not upset, but they probably shouldn’t have let him go

@patycake15 – $8M bonus was due on top of his salary

@Shields3L – letting OJ go was cost effective But not sure it was a good move yet.

@BNQuinlan: yeah that’s alot of dough, but is a pretty good player.sometimes you gotta spend some cash

@Aerys_Rams – Exactly my point

@Aerys_Rams – Haslett was happy to take him off our hands.

Back to the WR debate:

@DB_comb – (re: SS) & I wouldnt say his speed is gone its just difficult to show ur speed when ur triple teamed that’s all nc had

@RossMiles – I thought this article by @3k_ sums up why we did what we did > http://sbn.to/ltfefB

@Aerys_Rams - Thanks, this is great

@lannyosu – neither, as i’d like to see how mcd uses what we have (drafted & injured 2010)

@Aerys_Rams – I can’t wait either. Let’s see what Hoodie Jr. can do.

@Aerys_Rams – So far, 1 vote each for SSmith & SMoss. 1 vote for neither, 1 vote SydRice. Keep the opinions coming!

@BBdaram – Sidney Rice

@BBdaram – Sidney is a young vet that has been trained by 1 of the greatest QBs of all time when healthy he can be a true #1 WR

Final results: In general there were lots of opposition to bringing in the older over-30′s WR group.

Steve Smith and Santana Moss was a draw. 2 votes for Sydney Rice, 3 votes for neither SS nor SM, and 2 for seeing what the existing Rams roster can do with Josh McDaniel’s playbook.

My take:  If I had to choose between Steve Smith and Santana Moss, I’d take Santana Moss.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Sydney Rice on the roster but think Minnesota would be foolish to let him go.  I don’t know who’s going to throw the rock to Rice though…

Ultimately, I think the Rams resign Mark Clayton and execute McDaniel’s offense using the existing WR’s.  If they can pick up a bargain veteran along the way I could see that too.

As for who the Rams would cut to make room for potential new hires I think we’d have to fair to the injured receivers from last season.  They should get their shot to reclaim roster spots during (IF WE HAVE) training camp/preseason games.

What do you guys think?  Anything else you’d like to add?  Let us know by leaving a comment.

We should do this again soon!