Randy Moss Leaves Rob Gronkowski Far Behind In All-Time NFL Ranking
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Randy Moss and Rob Gronkowski gave New England Patriots fans two very different versions of offensive dominance. One climbed over defenders. The other occasionally carried them down the field.
When The Sporting News ranked the 140 greatest players in NFL history, however, there was a surprisingly large gap between the former Patriots stars. Moss landed at No. 21, putting him 48 places ahead of Gronkowski at No. 69. The difference should generate plenty of debate in New England.
Moss spent only three full seasons with the Patriots, but his arrival immediately changed the franchise’s offense. He caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and an NFL-record 23 touchdowns during the 2007 season. That record still stands.
Moss added 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008 before producing 1,264 yards and an NFL-high 13 touchdown receptions the following season. In 52 regular-season games with New England, he caught 259 passes for 3,904 yards and 50 touchdowns. The Sporting News called Moss “the best big-play threat the game has ever seen at wide receiver,” ranking him behind only Jerry Rice among players at the position.
Gronkowski Changed What A Tight End Could Be
Gronkowski did not finish nearly as high, but his peak was every bit as difficult for defenses to solve. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end could beat defensive backs with his strength, run past linebackers and contribute as a punishing blocker. He finished his career with 621 receptions, 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns while averaging an extraordinary 15 yards per catch.
Gronkowski also owns the NFL record for career postseason receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 15.
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His 2011 season remains one of the greatest ever produced at the position. Gronkowski caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and set single-season records for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 17 and total touchdowns with 18. The larger gap in the ranking likely reflects Moss’ longevity and his standing among wide receivers. He finished his career with 15,292 receiving yards and 156 touchdowns, trailing only Rice in career receiving scores.
Still, placing 48 players between Moss and Gronkowski feels severe. Moss created panic before the snap because defenses knew one deep pass could change the game. Gronkowski created a different problem: Opponents knew where the ball was going and frequently could not stop him anyway.
New England was fortunate enough to watch both at their most terrifying. Moss won the ranking battle comfortably. Deciding which player created the bigger weekly nightmare is far more difficult.