Minnesota Vikings and Randy Moss: Deja Vu All Over Again

Randy Moss comes to the Minnesota Vikings with a chip on his shoulder—again.

In 1998, due to a history of off-the-field issues, Moss dropped in the draft.

Moss, who originally signed a letter of intent to play with Notre Dame, was denied enrollment after an incident in high school.

After having to sit out a year, he transferred to Florida State. In his second year, he tested positive for marijuana and was dismissed.

He would end up at Marshall, where in two years he would catch an incredible 54 touchdown passes.

When the Vikings drafted Moss with the 21st pick in the 1998 draft, 19 teams had a chance to select Moss and passed (Cincinnati, with two first-round picks, passed on Moss twice!).

Currently, only six of the 20 players drafted ahead of him are still active in the NFL.

The most notable picks in the 1998 draft include Peyton Manning, taken first by Indianapolis; Ryan Leaf, taken second by Sand Diego; Charles Woodson, fourth by Oakland; Fred Taylor, ninth by Jacksonville; and Vonnie Holliday, taken two picks before Moss by Green Bay.

Teaming up with All-Pro wide receiver Cris Carter, Moss would help lead the Vikings to a franchise-best 15-1 record.

In the two games against Green Bay, Moss would catch 13 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns.

In a nationally televised game on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys, he showcased his ability with four receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

He was making a statement to show the NFL what those 19 teams has missed.

Moss earned the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year with a 19.0 yards per catch average and a league-leading 17 touchdowns.

In 2010 Moss comes to the Vikings with another chip on his shoulder to prove he is worthy of a contract extension.

With Moss' return, the Vikings are getting a receiver that is as effective as ever.

Over his 12 seasons leading up to 2010, Moss averaged 4.9 catches per game for 77.8 yards and 0.80 touchdowns.

This translates into 79.7 receptions, 1,244 yards, and 12.7 touchdowns per year.

In 2009, his 12th season in the league, Moss had 83 receptions, 1,264 yards, and 13 touchdowns—almost exactly spot on his career average.

There's no indication that Moss is slowing down, and he is certainly deserving of a contract extension.

His 13 touchdown receptions led the league in 2009, the fourth time he has done so in his career, and his 151 touchdown receptions lead all active recivers.

At 33 years old, Moss is the same age as Carter when the two teamed up as the best wide receiver duo on the No. 1 offense in 1998.

In next two seasons, the 13th and 14th of Carter's career, Carter would average 93 receptions, 1,257 yards, and 11 touchdowns. There's every indication that Moss will continue to contribute these kind of numbers or better. 

Adding Moss to the mix with Brett Favre, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, and eventually Sidney Rice, will immediately jump start the passing game.

Right now the NFC North belongs to the Green Bay Packers, who lead the division with a 3-1 record. (Sorry Chicago fans, the Bears' 3-1 record is an illusion that they cannot sustain.)

The addition of Moss tips the balance in favor of the Vikings.

In his first seven seasons with the Vikings, Moss averaged 5.1 receptions, 95.6 yards, and 0.92 touchdowns in 13 games against the Packers—all better than his career averages.  Look for this trend to continue in 2010.

With a revenge game against the Patriots on Halloween, a determined Moss will demonstrate what New England had given up on.

There's still one thing missing on Moss' resume—a Super Bowl Championship. He came close in 2007 when the 16-0 Patriots made it the Super Bowl, but lost to the New York Giants.

A determined Randy Moss, with a chip on his shoulder, is ready to show the Patriots and the NFL that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

2010 Prediction, in 13 games with Minnesota: 65 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and most importantly another NFC North Division title.