When it comes to Randy Moss and the Dallas Cowboys, it’s a cautionary tale of what could’ve been. It’s arguably one of Jerry Jones’ biggest draft regrets, passing on Randy Moss in the 1998 NFL Draft and selecting Greg Ellis instead. It’s an oversight that has haunted him and the Cowboys for years and could repeat itself if they pass on former LSU Tight End Thaddeus Moss this year.
Thaddeus Moss, son of Randy, is arguably one of the top, if not the top, TE in the 2020 NFL Draft. With Jason Witten more than likely retiring and the unknown starting potential of Blake Jarwin, the Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for a new TE1, and the former LSU Tiger definitely fits the bill.
Thaddeus Moss is already garnering quite a bit of attention around Cowboys Nation. A lot of that has to do with the way he finished his collegiate career in the NCAA National Championship game, but his skill set and productivity throughout college is just as noteworthy. He will surely be linked to the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering how Randy Moss made them pay throughout his career for passing on him in 1998.
Don’t believe me? The Dallas Cowboys are 0-7 against Randy Moss and he has torched them for a total of 734 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in those seven games. Here’s a brief breakdown of those seven games…
Vikings 46, Cowboys 36 (November 26, 1998): With Deion Sanders out with a sprained big toe, a past his prime Kevin Smith and Kenny Wheaton were forced to cover Randy Moss in a Thanksgiving shootout. The rookie caught only three passes, but all went for touchdowns of 51, 56, and 56 yards.
Vikings 27, Cowboys 17 (November 8, 1999): The Vikings were able to come back from a 17 point deficit thanks to in large part Randy Moss’ receiving skills. He hauled in six passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns and once again got the better of the Cowboys. Although, it didn’t help both Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith were knocked out of the game midway through the third quarter.
Vikings 27, Cowboys 10 (January 9, 2000): In the NFC Wild Card game and Chan Gailey’s last as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Randy Moss caught five passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. He caught a 58 yard bomb right before halftime that gave the Vikings the lead and they never looked back.
Vikings 27, Cowboys 15 (November 23, 2000): Randy Moss ruined another Thanksgiving for the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. In this matchup he caught seven passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
Vikings 35, Cowboys 17 (September 12, 2004): After making Randy Moss the primary focus, the Cowboys were able to hold him to just four catches and 27 yards receiving, but he did score two touchdowns. With the majority of the focus on Moss, QB Daunte Culpepper managed to throw five touchdowns.
Raiders 19, Cowboys 13 (October 2, 2005): This was the only time Randy Moss failed to score a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he did manage to catch four passes for 123 yards.
Patriots 48, Cowboys 27 (October 14, 2007): In this matchup Randy Moss only caught six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown, but his presence on the field opened things up for the other Patriots WRs. Wes Welker (11-124-2) and Dante Stallworth (7-136-1) ended up killing the Cowboys.
As you can see, Randy Moss has absolutely dominated the Dallas Cowboys over the years. He has made them pay time and time again for not drafting him in 1998. With his father’s blood coursing through his veins, Thaddeus Moss could do the same if the Cowboys don’t draft him. Don’t think for a second that won’t be going through Jerry Jones’ mind come Draft Day.
Like father, like son?
