It was an eventful week for Patriots fans. After Monday night’s impressive road victory over the Dolphins, the focus was quickly shifted to the enigmatic Randy Moss.  

Good riddance, No. 81! Your “Me First” attitude will fit in quite nicely in Minnesota, where other inflated egos (No. 4) have gone to roost. I doubt Randy’s presence will help the Vikings win the NFC North, but here’s hoping that he makes a difference against the Jets. By the way, Moss will be playing on Monday Night Football for the second straight week. I wonder if that’s ever happened before?

Moss’ tenure in New England wasn’t a complete disaster – not in the least. He was a member of one of the greatest offensive squads (2007) in the history of football. If not for a miracle catch by David Tyree in Super Bowl XLII, Moss could brag about having the game-winning touchdown catch to cap a perfect season.

Over the last few years, Moss has raked in some of the greatest catches in the team’s 50-year history. Two stick out in my mind: A game-tying catch - off a Matt Cassel pass - as time expired in a 2008 matchup against the Jets, and the one-handed grab against Darrelle Revis a few weeks ago. Aside from David Patten’s catch – after being knocked unconscious - during a game-winning drive against the Bills in 2001, Moss has provided more “are you kidding me?” moments than any New England wideout I’ve ever seen.

That being said, he had to go. I said it in a blog post a few weeks back following his mind-boggling press conference: the guy just didn’t fit the Patriot mold, and it was time for him to hit the road. I’m hearing a lot of football fans expressing their concern about New England’s offense. All I’ll say is take a look at the offensive starters on the 2001-2006 teams. I’m flabbergasted that people still question Belichick’s philosophy. In 2008, he coached a team to 11 wins WITHOUT Tom Brady (“franchise” player).

Belichick wants his players to fit into a system, play a role, do their job. Moss cared more about his contract than fulfilling his specific duty for the betterment of the entire team. The Patriots are a better unit without him, especially from an intangibles standpoint.

Earlier this week, I was running late for work and, in my mad dash to get ready, I forgot about my cell phone. So, for about 10 hours I didn’t have it in my pocket. The first few hours, it felt weird. I felt almost naked, kind of vulnerable, without my cell. About midway through the day, a coworker could tell that I was a little off, so she said ‘You know, about 15 years ago, we all survived and got through the day without cell phones.”

So true. And that’s how I feel about Moss. Yea, it’ll be a little weird without him for a few series, but then the offense will move on. Just look at those three Super Bowl banners. The Patriots did just fine – and thrived – before Randy Moss came to town.

WEEK 5 NFL PREDICTIONS

JACKSONVILLE AT BUFFALO: Pick – Jaguars

NEW YORK GIANTS AT HOUSTON – Texans

KANSAS CITY AT INDIANAPOLIS – Colts

TAMPA BAY AT CINCINNATI – Bengals

GREEN BAY AT WASHINGTON – Redskins

ST. LOUIS AT DETROIT – Lions

CHICAGO AT CAROLINA – Panthers

ATLANTA AT CLEVELAND – Falcons

DENVER AT BALTIMORE – Ravens

NEW ORLEANS AT ARIZONA – Saints

TENNESEE AT DALLAS – Cowboys

SAN DIEGO AT OAKLAND – Chargers

PHILADELPHIA AT SAN FRANCISCO – 49ers

MINNESOTA AT NEW YORK JETS – Jets

Last week: 9-5

Season record: 36-26

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.