Patriots receiver Randy Moss made a lot more noise in his postgame comments than he did on the field Sunday. When someone announced over the PA system that Moss was headed to podium No. 9, reporters treated it like the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.
Moss, who rarely grants interviews, gave the crowd what it was looking for. Without any prompting, he basically took a shot at his coaching staff.
"The Giants just had a better game plan," he said. "They played heads up football. They came ready to play for four quarters, 60 minutes. My hat's off to the Giants."
New England's star receiver finished with five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. He was asked repeatedly about his desire to return next season.
"It just makes me hungry to play football," said Moss, who can test free agency. "If I am in a New England Patriots uniform next year I would love to be in one. If I am not, the show must go on."
Moss wasn't specific with his criticism of the game plan, but it was pretty obvious he didn't think it included enough of No. 81. Giants cornerback Corey Webster did an excellent job on Moss for most of the game, and he had plenty of help along the way.
"I think their intensity from the beginning snap to the end of the game was really higher than ours," said Moss. "We just couldn't meet that intensity."
It seems unfathomable that a team that's been referred to as the best ever could come out flat at such a huge moment. Across the room, Patriots safety Rodney Harrison and linebacker Junior Seau talked about how wonderful the journey had been. Moss wasn't looking for silver linings, though.
"Basically we didn't do anything this season," he said. "Nothing that happened in the regular season mattered since we didn't finish it up. This season was exciting, but it was definitely a disappointment. This season means nothing now."
Moss referred to the Giants' secondary as "ordinary," and gave all the credit to the front four.
"I think they wanted to get after Tommy [Brady], and they did that," said Moss. "I heard the fans screaming, and when I looked back, he was down."
