It's always disappointing when a situation of high hope and excitement turns to one of despair and disappointment. A month ago when the Vikings acquired Randy Moss it was the move that was going to get this team back on the right track. However, after the team put Moss on waivers earlier this week, Brad Childress told the media that the acquisition of Moss was a poor decision and that he was (obviously and understandably) upset with how it worked out. This situation has really been a lose-lose for both sides - the Vikings, who have underachieved all year, were focused on turing their season around with the acquisition of Moss, and now find themselves in a hole after getting their hopes up. As for Moss, he may be in the midst of a premature and unexpected downfall from his status as a premier wide receiver in the NFL. So now both sides have to be asking themselves one question - what now?
For the Vikings, this season seems to be a lost cause. They're 2-5, and to win the division they'll have to catch the 5-3 Packers, who have a very strong team this year. There is of course a slight chance of this happening, but the Vikings are going to have to be close to flawless the rest of the way if they want a shot at the division. But what are the chances of that happening? Keep in mind this is a team with a beaten and battered quarterback who was only mediocre when he was healthy, a defense that is average and a coach who is losing control of his team more and more as the days have gone by. Unless something changes, I'd say the Vikings can kiss their playoffs goodbye. With that being said, I'd say it's time for the Vikings organization to do a little rearranging, starting with the coach. Brad Childress is losing control of this team, and it's gotten to the point where players are questioning his methods. The players don't seem to have trust in him and when that's the case it's extremely hard to win games. To be a great team you have to have players that buy into a system and philosophy, and if a locker room is divided it makes it almost impossible to achieve success. The Vikings need a new leader - someone that the players trust and someone that is going to bring in the tools the team needs to win. Speaking of which, the next thing the Vikings should be doing is excusing Brett Favre from his role as the team's quarterback, because it's clear that he isn't fit for the position anymore. He had a great year last year and many people thought maybe this was the year, but it clearly hasn't worked out that way, and it seems as if Brett is finally over the hill. The team's current system clearly isn't working so it's time to start fresh. Give Tarvaris Jackson the ball and let him be this team's new leader. It has to happen at some point and there's no use in delaying the inevitable, especially when the inevitable is going to be a better situation than the one you're currently in. The Vikings have a very talented team, but the problem lies with their big pieces - unfortunately, this team's biggest flaws occupy the most significant roles on the team.
As for Randy Moss, I think people foresaw an exit like this. It's nothing new with him. However, I think it happened a lot quicker than people expected it to. Just a few weeks ago Randy was the last piece of the puzzle for the Vikings; he was the savior, and now he's the goat. People are blaming the team's shortcomings on him and his lack of production, and to make matters worse his outburst during Sunday's press conference was the straw that broke the camel's back. Now he finds himself in a difficult position. He's been claimed by the Titans but they were the
only team to put in a claim for him (according to NFL.com). He's been banished from two programs in less than two months, so who would want to sign him? Signing a guy like Moss is a catch 22 - you're getting a proven player who, when he's at his best, is one of the best players in the game, but his ego may cause unwanted tension or division amongst the players and management. Also, when he's not his best - which he hasn't been in a very long time - he's simply a liability. It's a lot like the situation Allen Iverson finds himself in. He's a proven player but no one wants to take the risk of signing him if all he's going to do is complain about playing time, make it about himself and create division on the team. To win these days you have to be able to manage your team - the second you have a player trying to make it about himself you're headed for trouble, and that's why a player's character is such an important factor in the acquisition process.
Would you rather have a solid player who keeps his mouth shut and plays hard or a great player who
may or
may not create a divided locker room. I'm not saying all great players have this quality but it's easy to recognize the risk with a player that does. The key for Moss now is to just keep his mouth shut and play. He's not the receiver he once was and it's time for him to accept that, because if he doesn't he could find himself without a job very quickly.
When it comes down to it, these are two parties that, though uncooperative together, are ironically bonded by their current situations. Both have been doing things a certain way that once brought them success, but now those methods are failing them. So there's two ways to handle this: one, you could stay on course and keep doing what you're doing, even if it's failing you. Two, you can change your ways and figure out what needs to be done to remain relevant. Both parties need to realize that if they want to excel the latter is most likely the best way to do that, although it's certainly easier said than done.
