What the Randy Moss Trade Means for Broncos Fans

The Patriots acquired Moss for a mere 4th Round pick.

The New England Patriots’ recent acquisition of Randy Moss could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back – the camel, naturally, being every other team in the National Football League. It’s also a sense of cleansing for our bitter rival Oakland Raiders – cutting the fat, so to speak, effectively ending that era of frustration and beginning anew with lesser talent, but lesser problems. How will these moves affect our beloved Broncos as we approach the season and ultimately playoffs?

First of all, it should be noted that the Patriot’s acquired Moss for a 4th round pick. A real steal at first glance, but of even more importance is that Moss restructured his deal, effectively guaranteeing him one year with the Pats. That’s it. One year and this marriage is likely done. I doubt the Patriots would be willing to pay Moss at the end of the year, and I doubt Moss would be willing to take whatever lesser money they’re giving him. No, this move is most likely intended to give Moss the chance to A) win a ring, and B) (and more importantly) prove he’s still “got it” and to get a fat contract as a UFA in 2008.

But before I get into more details about the Patriots’ point of view on the matter, it needs to be discussed from the Raiders’. Much like the Eagles improved once they cut Terrell Owens in 2005, removing Moss from the silver and black is effectively removing a cancer from the team. Maybe now the players will actually listen to their coach! It’s a good move for the Raiders, and I actually expect them to be less talented, but better, because of it. But they still can’t beat us so we move on…

Back to the Pats. I believe they are the frontrunners to win it all. I thought it was us and them until we cut Al Wilson, but we’ve got to move on from that and look forward to still being competitive. I believe they can beat any team in the league – hell, they could go undefeated. That’s how much talent they’ve compiled by adding Moss, Donte Stallworth and Adalius Thomas (not to mention a solid draft, addressing “needs” at safety and linebacker). But lucky for them they won’t be facing us this year, or else I don’t think that undefeated record would be nearly as in sight.

Why? We match up so well against them. We have Champ Bailey, who can shut down anyone in the league, including Randy Moss. We have Dre Bly, who matches up well against Stallworth. While I wish we had better coverage at safety, I’m still a Domonique Foxworth fan, and believe he’s a great nickelback / safety when needed.

Plus, the real Achilles heel of the Patriots would have to be their running game. While Laurence Maroney was a stud last year, he’s injured (again), and cutting Corey Dillon only took away their depth at the position. If you can’t run the ball, you can’t go deep into the playoffs (just ask Peyton Manning about that).

If we were to meet the Pats in the playoffs, I feel our defense has improved enough (even with the loss of Wilson) to contain their weapons and fight it out in a classic grudgematch. It would be Jay Cutler‘s first game against Belichick, and that’s always nerveracking. But if I were to tell you now it would be impossible to be the ONE TEAM to beat the Pats all year… I’d be lying. We have all the tools to contain the Beast from the East… and hell, I’m counting on it.