49ers count on core guys to keep Moss, Cox in line

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By bringing Randy Moss and Perrish Cox out of NFL exile on back-to-back days, the 49ers borrowed a little of the old-time Raiders philosophy. Al Davis believed in second chances and reclamation projects. It worked for him when he had strong coaches and, more important, a locker room heavily subscribed to his "Just Win, Baby" ethic.

When Jim Harbaugh signed off on these deals, he ultimately expressed confidence in the core of his roster. These players - from the Smiths, Justin and Alex, to Vernon Davis to Carlos Rogers to Donte Whitner to Joe Staley - endured too much frustration before the breakthrough season of 2011 to let the dubious pasts of Moss and Cox resurface.

The best NFL teams are self-policed, self-guided. As they took over a moribund franchise last year, Harbaugh and his staff had to establish a new culture, through an array of details, including blue auto-mechanics shirts and alternating lockers for offensive and defensive players.

At the end of last year's draft, he emphasized that the 49ers' scouts had assessed potential picks for character as well as talent. "You want guys that love football, that are good people and be good teammates because it's a team game," the coach said at the time. Moss absolutely does not love football unconditionally. On a bad team, as the Raiders learned, he will be an anchor. On a good team, he will be a buoy.

Harbaugh has a good team now. So Moss has a contract with no guarantees. He also has incentive to behave impeccably - a full season of unemployment.

Cox has even greater incentive. After being acquitted on sexual-assault charges and then signing with the 49ers, he vowed to prove that the accusations did not reflect his real character. In the NFL, the outcome of serious criminal charges is never the only issue. "Putting yourself in that position" is considered a betrayal of both league and team.

A strong locker room can't fully police that tendency, but it can contain the breakdown of discipline that enables bad behavior. Harbaugh has to believe that some of his blue-collar shirts are now accessorized with badges.