The Randy Moss Deal -- Year 2
| 14
|
by user Joebook
In early 2005, the Minnesota Vikings traded star receiver Randy Moss to the Raiders for linebacker Napoleon Harris and the 7th overall pick in the 2005 draft. The Vikings selected Troy Williamson, a wide receiver from South Carolina, widely regarded as the fastest player in the draft.
The Raiders believed they were upgrading their offense and gaining a lethal run/pass combination by signing free agent running back Lamont Jordan from the New York Jets.
The Vikings believed they were washing their hands of a major problem with an egotistical, uncoachable player and gaining a high pick and an average linebacker.
Since the deal, Moss has been a major disappointment, catching only 60 balls and scoring 8 touchdowns... not the impact the Raiders thought he'd make on the offense. He's struggled this season as the Raiders have lost their starting QB Aaron Brooks to a shoulder injury. Moss currently has 6 catches for 79 yards in two games this year.
Williamson looks to be a star receiver in the making, building a rapport with Vikings QB Brad Johnson slowly, but surely. He didn't have a huge rookie year, finishing with 24 catches, but he averaged 15.5 yards per catch and has improved in the offseason. Through two games, he's clearly the #1 WR in Minnesota and is on pace for a season of 80 catches and 1400 yards.
The Vikings are 2-0, thanks in large part to new leading receiver Williamson and new middle linebacker Harris, who led the team in tackles and had one monster sack in Sunday's 16-13 victory over Carolina. Harris played mostly the middle in Oakland and is most effective as a blitzer, so his role in Minnesota fits. He tried to blend in as a strong side linebacker last season, and wasn't effective. As a starter, he'll play a large part in the revival of the Vikings defense this season.
Nobody thought it would happen, but it looks like the Vikings made an excellent move by dumping Moss and picking up a stud WR in the draft and a good linebacker that is turning into a playmaker.
Date
Wed 09/20/06, 5:41 am EST
