The NFL has seen some great passing combinations, but perhaps the best resides at Gillette Stadium. The Tom Brady to Randy Moss connection produced record setting years for the quarterback and the wide receiver. Brady threw for a record 50 touchdowns and Moss caught a record 23 touchdowns.

Fans of the 49ers can argue that Joe Montana and Jerry Rice is the best ever, but the Montana does not even rank in the top three for touchdown passes in a season or a year. Moss broke Rice’s record. Of course Rice was playing in a shortened season so his season is even more amazing.

Another argument is that Montana and Rice played together for years, while Brady and Moss have had one season. The thing is that it was an incredible season. Everyone with Patriots tickets was almost guaranteed to see at least one of those touchdowns a game.

The other argument that the rules are set up in favor of passing and higher scoring are bunk. Yes the rules are different, but guess what; the modern defenses are far more complicated as a result. They have adapted so brute force alone is not enough. Teams need speed now-speed and quickness at every position.

The changes came as the league became more athletic. Moss is a freak of an athlete. His 40 time would blow out just about every player in the league back then. A few more may be able to compete, but at 6 foot 4 no cornerback can cover him alone.

Unlike Terrell Owens, Moss’ hands are not suspect. It helps that he has Brady throwing the ball though. The sixth round draft pick from the 2000 draft has been one of the greatest against-all-odds stories ever. How many sixth round pick get to start on multiple Super Bowl teams? One. Tom Brady.

The question will probably be debated for years to come and be one of those agree-to-disagree things, but the record books do not lie and they own both records.