NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) - Randy Moss apparently is happy with his new role in the NFL as a sage teacher to the Titans’ promising receiver Kenny Britt.
“I’m definitely a proven vet,” Moss said Thursday. “Kenny, this is his second year, and just by his work ethic and the way he studies in the classroom, he wants to make a name for himself. So basically I don’t have a problem with moving out of the way and making room for Kenny. This is his team, it’s not mine. I’m just here to be a part of it.”
The 13-year veteran receiver has not said even a cross word since the Titans claimed him off waivers Nov. 3, even though he has yet to catch a single touchdown pass or win a game since his arrival. He moved from the starting lineup to the sideline in last week’s 30-28 loss to Indianapolis with Britt’s return from a strained right hamstring that kept him out four games.
Fans have even chanted “Randy, Randy” wanting to see the receiver who is only 95 yards receiving shy of ranking fourth in the NFL in that category.
But not a peep from Moss, even though the Titans (5-8) didn’t even throw a pass at him in that loss to the Colts.
“This is not my offense,” Moss said. “This is not his offense. Whatever we’re told to do, we just have to get out there and do it. We try to play off one another and give a guy a break when need be. For the most part, we’re just out there for one another, and that’s all we need to do.”
Britt leads the Titans with seven touchdowns in his nine games played this season. He’s averaging a team-high 17 1/2 yards per catch.
A first-round pick out of Rutgers in 2009, Britt credits the 13-year veteran with helping him study film better and learn how he can improve as a receiver.
“He’s always watching me. He’s always critiquing me, what I can do better or I did a good job, stuff like that,” Britt said. “He’s always trying to keep my head high and keep us focused through the end of the day.”
Britt said Moss is the one who knows how to refocus the meeting room with a well-timed joke to catch someone drifting off. Moss is the one teaching Britt how to make sure his hamstring injury doesn’t bother him during the final three games.
How Moss takes care of his body is something Britt wants to incorporate into his own program, especially to take care of his legs because Britt says he has problems with cramping.
“He’s been doing it for such a period of time that it’s just natural to him to go kill a workout in the weight room and go out there and have a 40-play period practice and things like that,” Britt said.
Moss also keeps a notebook on the defensive backs he’s played against over the years so he can track all the tricks used against him. Britt hasn’t seen the notebook, but that is one approach to the game that the 22-year-old receiver won’t be trying. He prefers to focus on one opponent at a time to avoid preparing for someone who might miss a game due to injury.
And he doesn’t even want to see Moss’ notebook.
“I didn’t like books in school. Don’t like ’em now,” Britt said with a laugh.
The receivers are very similar. Britt is 6-4, 215 pounds while Moss is 6-3 and 210. Britt had 225 yards receiving Oct. 24 against the Eagles in the Titans’ last win, a performance that still ranks as the best day by a receiver in the NFL this season. Moss caught a TD pass once every 6 1/4 receptions through his first 12 seasons, and has 953 career catches for 14,840 yards and 153 TDs.
“He’s here to make a name for himself and get his family fed,” Moss said. “I’m here to help him anyway I can. And I always tell him 10 years down the road, I’m going to make sure I find him to see how his body is feeling to see if he is still playing at a high level.”
So, the next logical question is whether Britt can be the next Moss. The man named Moss had a quick answer.
“There’s only one Moss,” he said.
Notes: DT Sen’Derrick Marks (right ankle) was limited Thursday. He hasn’t played since hurting his ankle Nov. 28 in the loss to Houston. CB Ryan Mouton did not practice. DT Jovan Haye (concussion) practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday. DE Dave Ball (concussion) missed a second straight day.
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