Moss' blocking impresses coaches, inspires teammates

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SANTA CLARA -- In a span of four plays in the 49ers' last game, veteran wide receiver Randy Moss revealed a new part of his game, as well as something for which he has always been known.Moss leveled Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes with a block at the end of Michael Crabtree's 30-yard catch and run. Then, he took a short pass and his speed turned it into a 47-yard touchdown.Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was asked on Thursday which play made him take notice?"Did we score on the knock-down block?" Roman asked."No.""Then, I'll take the touchdown," Roman deadpanned.But that might not have been the consensus among his teammates. Running back Anthony Dixon went up to Moss afterward and told him if Moss makes a block like that every game the rest of the season, the 49ers will not lose again."I've never seen him do that before," Dixon said. "You saw what it did to our sidelined. It inspired everybody to see him do that."Moss told CSNBayArea.com recently that he is having a great time with the 49ers because his football knowledge is expanding with his exposure to Roman's running game. Moss often peppers Roman with questions."He asks the questions on the smallest details, even in the running game, let alone the passing game that it makes you say, 'That's the question that should be asked right now,'" Roman said."He understands there are a couple different ways to do things. Also, he understands the game well enough, where he says, 'Have you thought about this?'"Quarterback Alex Smith said Moss shows a lot of attention to detail in the meeting room."Especially in the run game," Smith said. "You can tell it's something that he thinks about a lot and takes a lot of pride in."Not only is he asking the questions about the run game, Moss is sacrificing his own body to help the 49ers be successful"Starting in the Houston the game, in the preseason, Randy was wearing people out, blocking," Roman said. "And I can't stress enough how professional, how team-oriented Randy Moss is."All I can tell you, as a 49er, he's busting tail on everything."

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