In a trade that surely shocks the NFL world, the Vikings will send a third-round draft pick to Minnesota for one former Viking, Randy Moss. Moss didn't exactly leave the Twin Cities on good terms after the 2004 season. This time around could be different. There are a few factors.
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| Brett will love his new "toy" |
Favre has always wanted Moss as a teammate. Aside from the antics and perceived lack of giving 100%, who wouldn't want Moss as a teammate. Having Favre as the QB can only make Moss' mouth salivate with the possibilities for catches.
2. Potential long term commitment from Vikings ownership
This was the impetus behind Moss' comments following the Patriots opening week defeat of the Cincinnati Bengals. Moss stated that 2010 would be his last in a Pats uniform. The fact that no contract extension was offered to him appeared to be a prelude to his 2010 season. Moss saw the exit door sign shining brightly and it has been reported that Moss even requested such a deal.
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| A rematch with Revis |
The next four games for Minny (who is coming off a bye) are against tough opponents. This coming Monday night, Minnesota travels to New York to face the Jets (3-1), a team Moss has already seen this season. Hmm...a bit of scouting there, too perhaps? Then, the Vikings are home against Dallas (1-2). Two straight road affairs at Lambeau for the Packers (3-1) and then a return to Gillette Stadium for the Patriots (3-1). Those four teams own a combined record of 11-5.
4. Familiar surroundings and familiar expectations
Moss won't have much in the way of adjusting to a new atmosphere. He's played at the dome before. The Vikings are gunning for a Super Bowl and some feel that this deal puts them in the conversation of Super Bowl possible teams. No change in expectations only that Minnesota expects to be in Dallas.
5. The offense
Moss should gel perfectly in the Vikes offense. With Sidney Rice still on the mend, Moss will be Favre's #1 guy. That will also take pressure off of tight end Visanthe Shaincoe and wide receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin. Throw in a running back named Adrian Peterson and Minnesota appears to have all the tools it needs. Plus, Rice could be back in a few weeks. Imagine game planning for all of those offensive weapons.
You can easily surmise that I love this deal for Minnesota. If I'm a Patriots fan, not so much...unless the Pats brass has an ace up its sleeve.
And you never know with Belichick
The Vikings decided before the season that it was Super Bowl or bust, and they have gone to great lengths to trade for a top 5 receiver. They agreed to a deal with Vincent Jackson, but couldnt get the Chargers to lower their ridiculous trade requirements. If Moss and Favre cant get on the same page, this could turn back into one of the elite teams in the NFL. They should certainly contend for the division if they can get past the next 4 or 5 games with only 1 or 2 losses.
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