Moss makes debut in silver and black

The New England Patriots marvel at the talent of Randy Moss. They’ll see it up close tonight in Foxboro, Mass., when the receiver who grabs attention as well as passes makes his debut with the Oakland Raiders.

Yet if anyone should know that one star can’t win a game by himself, it’s the Super Bowl champions, who built their success on the team concept.

Thursday night’s NFL opener begins the Patriots’ quest to become the first team to win three consecutive championships.

In March, the Raiders obtained Moss from Minnesota, where he averaged 82 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven seasons, although he was slowed by a hamstring injury last year.

His rare combination of speed, jumping ability and excellent hands drew raves from the Patriots.

“He doesn’t really have any real weakness,” coach Bill Belichick said.

The Patriots have managed the past two seasons to handle teams with exceptionally talented individuals. They’re 34-4 in that stretch, including 6-0 in the playoffs.

The Raiders were 5-11 last year and 4-12 in 2003 but made it to the Super Bowl the previous season and lost to Tampa Bay.

Moss is just part of the challenge posed by the Oakland offense. There’s also quarterback Kerry Collins’ strong arm and running back LaMont Jordan’s chance to show he can be a productive starter after four years as Curtis Martin’s backup with the New York Jets.

“A judge ordered former Raiders center Barret Robbins jailed in Miami for at least two weeks because he possessed marijuana while awaiting trial on attempted murder charges.

Ophelia threatens Jags opener

Tropical weather could play a bigger role than heat and humidity in Jacksonville’s season opener.

Tropical Storm Ophelia strengthened off Florida’s Atlantic coast, threatening parts of the state and southern Georgia with strong wind and heavy rain, which could affect Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Tropical storm warnings were posted along a 100-mile stretch of the state’s central-Atlantic coast.

Robinson gets another shot

Stuck in an alcohol treatment center in South Carolina, Koren Robinson wasn’t sure where his life was headed. Overcome with anxiety, guilt and embarrassment, Robinson tried to figure out how he went from ninth overall draft pick in 2001 to sitting on the brink of career ruin.

Then the phone rang.

Vikings coach Mike Tice was on the other end, and after a few conversations, Tice told the troubled young receiver that he may have a second chance waiting for him in Minnesota when he checked out of rehab.

Robinson signed with the Vikings on Tuesday.

Robinson is listed as sixth on the depth chart at receiver, and Tice said he did not expect him to suit up for at least the first two games.

Around the league

Former University of Montana and San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Scott Gragg signed with the New York Jets. … New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been listed as probable for the opener against Arizona. … Cornerback Gary Baxter and running back Lee Suggs were listed as doubtful for Cleveland’s opener against Cincinnati. … Roddy White, Atlanta’s first-round pick, is expected to play in the opener against Philadelphia.