It appears that the Vikings have agreed to trade Randy Moss to the Raiders. Moss has said the trade can't be announced until March, but supposedly the Vikings will recieve two draft picks and a linebacker. Moss should fit in with the Raider mentality better than he did at Minnesota, so it may work out for him. I'll be curious to see how it affects the Vikings.

The Vikings will certainly be a different team this year. Rising stars like Nate Burleson and possibly Marcus Robinson will take the wide reciever light, Jim Kleinsasser will be returning to the TE position after sitting out all of last year, and if we can get some good quality defensive players, I think we'll be looking at a better-than-most season for the Vikes.

It will definitely be interesting to see if the other receivers for the Vikes have what it takes or if having Moss around took the pressure to get open off of them. My guess is that they'll do fine without Moss, but I'm only basing that on watching them play against the Pack's "defense."

The details of the trade have been released. The Vikings will recieve Napolean Harris, the 7th overall pick in this years draft, and a later round draft choice. I think the Vikings probably got the better of the trade. The Vikings should be a better team this year than they were last year.

Originally posted by Imagineer
I think the Vikings probably got the better of the trade
I guess that all depends on what your view of Napoleon Harris is. Supposedly, he's one of those players that hasn't perform well at his position in his three years with the Raiders, and always getting into trouble with penalties; a silimar scenario with Larry Ned at the same position. So, in a way, if you think about it, we're giving up our best player for a mediocre one to fill a position we really don't need to do...Although I really hope the Vikes will use the 7th overall pick to get a good quality player, looks to be some fairly high prospects on defense this year.

yea....but winning football is all about chemistry...and when you have a Randy Moss on your team, you can throw chemistry out the window. Moss is all about himself, he emits it with every action and comment, there's no need for speculation. Having a guy like that on your team zaps any build-up of team beleif, unity, or hope.... Thats from my experience and opinion. No i havn't played with Randy Moss, but ive played with unbeleivably talented players who were all about themselves, and honestly didnt care nearly as much as when im playing with people who i know are all about winning and all about what's best for the team.....

I guess what I see in the trade is that each team got rid of a problem. On the field, Moss has achieved more, but he also brings a lot of problem attitude with him. Harris has a large upside in his potential, but has never achieved what he should have. Minnesota, however, gets a high draft choice and a later draft choice in the bargain. It is those draft choices that tip the balance in favor of the Vikings on this trade in my opinion.

Originally posted by Decka
yea....but winning football is all about chemistry...

Look at McNabb and Owens, they have what it takes to get it done... chemestry... all about chemestry...

Originally posted by DracRomin
Look at McNabb and Owens, they have what it takes to get it

Oh really? I think Tom Brady and Co. would beg to differ.

I think Culpepper has a lot of potential on his team. Sure it may be a loss at first, trying to fill the void and all, but the offense will be just fine without Moss.

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
Oh really? I think Tom Brady and Co. would beg to differ.

They only got lucky. Eagles made so many mistakes, that's the only reason they won. The Patriots are not a good football team...

Originally posted by DracRomin
The Patriots are not a good football team...
Whatever you're smoking, I'll take some!

LOL i agree... sounds like some eagle fan is crying over spilled milk because his team lost..... Patriots are a great team, this coming from a die-hard colts fan.

I think oakland ripped minnesota off Great Trade Oakland
Lets go Oakland

Randy Moss was a huge chunk of the Minnesota offense. The other receivers needed him to get constantly double teamed to get the stats that they got. And Culpepper will no longer be able to just fling the ball blindly down the field and let Randy come down with it. Daunte will have a real test of whether he is as good a QB as the media makes him out to be. I pick him to have a horrible passing year, and to try to go back to the scrambling game, ala Vick. Defenses against the Vikes can quit worrying so much about the deep threat, and will be able to tighten up. Minnesota's offense will be badly hurt.

Minnesota is only in a hole if they don't take advantage of all the cap space they now have. Keep in mind they do have a 7th round draft pick this year, to which they can use to get a good defensive player. Plus, Napoleon Harris, if in the correct defensive setup, can really do some damage. He'll have Kenechi Udeze and Kevin Williams (both rising stars IMO) to back him up. Jim Kleinsasser will be returning as well. Not to mention, too, that rumors are flying around abuto Pittsburgh's Plaxico Burress could be headed to the Vikes to fill the void Moss left behind.

Also consider the other teams in our division. With Green Bay losing 3 offensive linemen, and the Lions and Bears still struggling to build quality teams, The Vikings could rise to the top of the division...only if their cards are played right.

The Packers will actually only be losing two offensive linemen. Bubba Franks has been designated as the transition player, which will allow Green Bay to retain him, although they will have to match any offers to do so. The loss of Rivera and Wahle at guard will be difficult to make up. Neither has recieved an offer by the Packers yet, because everything depends on whether Favre decides to retire. It is possible that one of those two could be retained under the cap if Favre returns. If he decides to retire, both will probably be gone, and a major rebuilding process with younger players will be the plan.

Originally posted by silverbulletkc
The Vikings could rise to the top of the division...only if their cards are played right.

More like, the Vikings should rise to the top of the division - but probably won't. My money's on Detroit this year.

Ack, who said that?

You know, Lionel...it would be a complete turnaround (all-be-it interesting) to see our teams at the bottom and watch the Bears and Lions steal the show in the NFC North...

I've seen several such turnarounds. The Bears and Lions were on top in the 1980's. Minnesota was the best in the 1970's. These things go in cycles, especially with free agency and the salary cap. The Packers right now are shedding high salaries. The older players will be replaced by younger and less expensive players. In a few years, the Packers will be on top again, if the General Manager is competent.