The Minnesota Vikings' trade for Randy Moss means one thing: desperation.
Don't get me wrong. I think Moss can play. I think Moss is still a legitimate deep threat.
But the Vikings have to part with a 2011 third-round pick, and then pay Moss a long-term contract.
That's risky for a receiver who is 33 years old. Does he help this season? Yes. And that's what this is all about.
Brett Favre is in the final year of his career -- or so he says -- and the Vikings have to win now. With Sidney Rice out with an injury, it means they lack a big-play receiver.
Moss is still that, but for how long? It;s not a good move for the long-term viability of the franchise.
From the Patriots end, I ask this: What are you thinking doing this?
The Patriots are 3-1, tied for the AFC East lead, and they don't have a deep threat to replace him. Do they think Wes Welker and Julian
Edelman and any other slot receiver can do what they do without Moss's presence on the field?Moss makes those guys go with his ability to stretch a defense. Without him, the dynamic of the offense changes in a big way.
"It would be a lot easier to defend when he isn't there," said one NFC defensive coordinato Tuesday night.
Yes, Moss is unhappy in New England. So what. His job is to play and as long as he's under contract he has no choice but to play.
The Patriots are dumb to trade him. The Vikings are even dumber trading for him.
If you recall, Favre pushed the Packers brass to acquire Moss when he was with Green Bay. Are his fingerprints on this one? Time will tell.
The way I see it, this is a lose-lose for both teams.
Moss will help the Vikings, but it's clear it's Super Bowl or bust for them now. Anything less is failure. It's all about the now. Favre and Moss together. Whew.
As for the Patriots, they are in rebuilding mode. At 3-1, that doesn't make sense. Do they think their special-teams will get two touchdowns every week?
Then again, Bill Belichick's track record on personnel hasn't been so sparkling lately.
I just don't get this one at all.
