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Moss gets targeted once on Sunday

Randy Moss

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) loses control of the ball as New York Jets free safety LaRon Landry (30) and teammate Antonio Cromartie (31) defend during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

AP

Randy Moss has given the Jets fits in the past. On Sunday, the ball came his way only once, on a deep ball into triple coverage.

While the Moss of old would have caught it, the 35-year-old version of one of the greatest wideouts in league history didn’t bring it down.

It’s unclear why Moss isn’t getting more looks. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice addressed the situation prior to Sunday’s win.

“I really don’t know what the plan is for him. I thought he would be more involved and that they would be throwing the ball downfield and that he would be on the field more,” Rice told KNBR, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “So I don’t know what the game plan is for using him, or what Jim Harbaugh is thinking right now. I do think Randy Moss still has some football in him, but he’s going to have to make those plays.”

It’s hard for Moss to gripe, given that the 49ers are 3-1. Still, with the Jets possibly in the market for a receiver, maybe Moss would prefer to actually contribute to a so-so team than coast on a contender.

That could be the thing to watch over the next four weeks, given the adjustment to the trade deadline. If one of the top-end AFC teams develops a need and expresses an interest in swinging a deal, maybe the Niners will flip Randy for a draft pick, like the Pats did during the 2010 season. Then again, with the 49ers looking to be on track for the Super Bowl, the last thing they want to do is help any team they may be facing, from either conference.