Moss and Cassel

A behind-the-scenes moment from earlier this week seemed to perfectly capture how Randy Moss and Matt Cassel are continuing to develop the all-important relationship between receiver and quarterback.

In the locker room, where they dress side by side, Cassel had turned to Moss and asked if he was interested in viewing some film of the team's next opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, with him. Moss said it was a great idea, and perhaps the two should make it part of their weekly routine.

For Moss, it's been an unexpected getting-to-know-you situation.

After all, part of the reason he re-signed with the Patriots this offseason, inking a three-year, $27 million contract, was to continue to play with his record-setting passing partner, Tom Brady. The two had clicked almost instantly and delivered a season for the ages.

Yet here Moss was with Cassel, offering the type of leadership one might expect from a captain. Asked yesterday what kind of confidence he was developing in Cassel, the 11-year veteran had an unexpected answer.

"Well, I think that first of all he has to believe in himself," Moss said. "I think it will trickle on down to the whole offense. We have seen Matt progress in these last couple of weeks quicker than we expected him to."

Moss believes the challenge now is for the other 10 players on offense to rise up around Cassel.

"We just have to put guys around him," Moss said. "He is the quarterback, so he gets the good with the bad, but with the 10 guys that we put around him we have to make it happen. Not really everything is on his shoulders. He has to be smart and distribute the ball, but at the same time there are still 11 guys out there that have to get the job done.

"We like what we are doing as a whole offensive unit and hopefully we can keep it going."

Moss, who has 12 catches for 163 yards and one touchdown through three games, obviously isn't only focusing on the bottom line as the Patriots rank 28th in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game.

But his comments are telling in that whatever frustration he might show on the field or on the sideline doesn't seem to be making its way into the locker room. That's important considering he is one of the team's eight captains, which he called "a blessing" yesterday.

"It means that the guys still believe in me that I can lead on and off the field - if it is with my play, with my emotions, or if it is verbally," he said. "That is a good thing. It definitely felt good to be appointed a captain of the New England Patriots."

Moss seems to be enjoying the role, despite his reduced production. Coach Bill Belichick pointed out yesterday that Moss is regularly the first player in line for drills, and has been communicative in the huddle, while also participating in weekly captains' meetings with Belichick.

"I think it is just believing in what Coach is selling," Moss said of his captain's role. "When you have everybody on the same page, I guess it's easier to lead a team. I don't think it is just me being a leader, I think it's just that everybody is on the same page. We really have to turn things around and go out with a great week of practice because this is going to be a long road trip. I think we are up for the challenge and hopefully we will get it done."

Moss agreed that the team's off weekend was a bit early for his liking, but he chose to look on the bright side, noting that it provided some important rest for the players.

"We had an early bye week, but the good thing is that we can keep practicing and keep working day in and day out knowing we don't have a week off," he said. "I am looking forward to this run. I am just glad to be back playing football."