Terrell Owens or Randy Moss: Which legendary NFL wide receiver was better?

Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are both legendary NFL receivers and Hall of Famers. But which wideout was better?

With the NFL schedule release and the league moving toward re-opening facilities, it appears we will have games to look forward to. But in the meantime, all we can do is look back. And while the great Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate has raged in the NBA, the NFL has arguments of its own.

Generally, Jerry Rice is considered the best wide receiver of all time. But I've personally never been able to decide between his top competition for that spot, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss. So, who was better, Moss or T.O.? Well, there's a case for each.

Moss: The scariest deep threat ever. Moss' combination of size, speed and hands gave him a chance to score on every single play.

Randy Moss's 5th game in the NFL against an undefeated GB team that hadn't lost at home in like 2.5 years.

Goes for 5-190-2 TDs.

And this 75-yarder didn't count. Negated for holding: pic.twitter.com/mORsB6KYrO

— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) May 4, 2020

That allowed his presence to open up the game for others even when he wasn't directly involved. And he was involved plenty, registering double-digit touchdowns in nine seasons, giving him the slight edge over Owens in TDs as well as yards per reception. Moss was indeed a freak with perhaps no peer at his most elite.

Owens: While there may have been questions about his attitude, unlike with Moss, one couldn't have issues with his effort.

Terrell Owens played in Super Bowl 39 after breaking his leg and tearing an ankle ligament seven weeks prior.

He caught 9 passes for 122 yards.

“I’m on half a leg and they can’t stop me.” @brgridiron

(via @nflthrowback)pic.twitter.com/Rk5ZyuJrW9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 3, 2020

Owens may not have been quite the over the top target Moss was, but he was still very good. And I'd argue was better in more areas on the field, including across the middle and after the catch. T.O. also finished with the edge in total yards, yards per game and receptions in large part due to his physicality.

Ultimately, I think this is a tie. Both brought some baggage, but far more production. And I could easily convince myself each was the best receiver I ever saw along with Rice. 

However, if I have to choose, I'll go with the guy I think was slightly more reliable every down in Owens.