Despite TD catch, Moss only partially effective

BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com

11:50 PM EST, February 3, 2008

GLENDALE, Ariz. - One of the biggest reasons for the Patriots' undefeated regular season was Randy Moss. The wide receiver caught an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes, including two against the Giants in the season finale.

But prolific as Moss was in the regular season, his production tailed off markedly in the playoffs. He'd caught only one pass in each of the previous two playoff games and was quiet for most of his first Super Bowl Sunday.

Moss caught the go-ahead touchdown pass, a 6-yarder from Tom Brady with 2:42 remaining, but he was double-covered and missed two deep balls in the final 15 seconds of the 17-14 loss to the Giants.

The Patriots did try to get Moss the ball on big plays, but not until late in the first half. Twice on their final possession -- one that started with the Patriots backed up at their 11 -- the Patriots tried to go deep for Moss. The first pass was underthrown, the second overthrown. Both times, Tom Brady was hit as he released the ball.

Moss finished with five receptions for 62 yards.

Ankle not a problem

It had been almost two weeks since Brady was seen wearing a walking boot in Manhattan, and Sunday his right ankle did not appear to give him trouble. Brady, who was sacked five times, didn't wear any extra bracing on the ankle; he had tried that last week but thought it felt too uncomfortable. He said before the game that the ankle was pain-free.

Brady has 97 Super Bowl completions, a record. Wes Welker tied a Super Bowl record with 11 receptions.