Moss

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Randy Moss looked over the microphone at the dozens of reporters in front of him and his eyes widened.

For a guy who's seen his share of heavy coverage during the New England Patriots' playoff run, even this was a little much.

"They said how hectic it was going to be with all the cameras and all the flashes, but I guess I was a little stunned to come out here and see everybody here, especially waiting here at my booth," Moss said with a smile Tuesday during media day for the Super Bowl. "It is an experience, and I'm enjoying every second of it."

He should be, especially with the season he's had. Moss broke Jerry Rice's record for touchdown catches with 23 and set a team mark with 1,493 yards receiving, giving Tom Brady a big, speedy and dominant target to throw to as New England aims for a perfect season.

"I think the thing people don't realize about Randy is his understanding of the game," said Brady, whose 50 touchdown passes set an NFL record.

"He is the smartest offensive football player I've ever been around, from his understanding of the receiver position, his understanding of football, how to get open, how to manipulate his routes, to how to change up his speed. ... He's been an incredible player. He's had an incredible attitude."

That hasn't always been the case with Moss, who had a reputation for being a malcontent who had run-ins with teammates, coaches, fans and even the police. During his first seven seasons with Minnesota, Moss was a dominant receiver who could change a game with one big catch. But also complained and sulked when he didn't get enough balls thrown his way or didn't like the game plan. Once, he even walked off the field before a game was over.

"I approached the game when I was young, very angry," Moss said. "It wasn't at anyone in particular, it was just the game of football. Now, I still carry that same chip on my shoulder, but I do understand that I'm a little bit older."

And clearly more mature. Moss was friendly, engaging and downright likable during the hour that he held court, the first time since the Patriots arrived in Arizona for the big game against the New York Giants that he faced reporters.

"Everything that's been happening has been positive this year and I don't want to reflect on anything negative," he said in his distinctive West Virginia twang. "I've never been that type. I think that's what really drives me and makes me stronger to go out there and makes things happen."