I was in a great mood on my ride back from my dad’s house Sunday afternoon. The Patriots sent a message in their first game of the 2010 season, thoroughly dismantling the Cincinnati Bengals in all facets of the game.

Were there chinks in the armor? Of course. But, by all accounts, New England football fans had plenty of reasons to smile following a 38-24 victory.

After the so-called NFL “experts” picked clubs like Green Bay, Indianapolis, Baltimore and Dallas as their Super Bowl favorites, the forgotten Patriots made a statement.

And then Moss made his statement.

The 33-year-old wide receiver sounded like a spoiled child trying to talk his way out of trouble. One minute, Moss was claiming that he didn’t want the local sports media “to take anything out of context,” and then he blatantly contradicted himself by saying that he doesn’t care what people write about him.

Moss, a 13-year veteran, said he wasn’t trying to ruffle any feathers, yet, during the course of his self-indulgent rant, he had a whole lot to say: he expects this to be his last season in New England; any contract offer from the Patriots in the offseason would be a “slap in the face”; and he has a “fair” relationship with team owner Robert Kraft.

He also alluded to being overworked by coach Bill Belichick. At the tender “old” age of 33, Moss said he’s bruised and battered. Raking in millions upon millions of dollars over the last 13 years, Moss needs to, in his words, “look out for me and my family.”

Wow. Really, wow.

Cut him. It’s as simple as that. If he’s not happy (and clearly he’s not), then send him home. The Pats just won their first game (with the help of Moss’ five catches for 59 yards), yet Moss didn’t want to talk about the win; he instead drew attention to himself and his contract. Just pathetic.

I gave the guy the benefit of the doubt earlier in the week, following his comments about being “unwanted.” Pro football is a business, as Moss reminded us several times on Sunday, so for him to make a power play in the week leading up to opening kickoff, so be it.

But venting your frustration mere moments after your team’s victory, there’s no excuse. My advice to Belichick and the rest of the Pats’ brass, cut him loose. The team may not be as good without Randy Moss lining up for passes, and Tom Brady might be a little disgruntled without No. 81 at his disposal, but that’s too damn bad.

The Patriots built their dynasty on the “team first, me second” philosophy. Moss doesn’t seem to get it.

Here’s the most laughable statement he made at the podium: “I am a man and this is a job. And I take my job very seriously to heart.”

The unemployment rate in this country is almost at 10 percent, yet the lavishly-paid Moss isn't happy?

This is a man who should lose his job.