Bill Williamson

It was a classic Randy Moss moment. Just by being himself, Moss set the tone for the rest of his career.

It was the perfect Moss combination of distraction meets desire. It was an ugly collision.

In the moments after the Minnesota Vikings were humiliated 41-0 — or as Moss described it “41-doughnut” — in the 2000 NFC against the New York Giants, Moss met the media. The third-year specimen of a wide receiver was asked about the future of the organization after the devastating loss. Moss didn’t hesitate.

“I’m going to get my rings,” Moss said. “I don’t know about the Vikings, but I am going to get my rings.”

Six years later, after more questionable comments, more suspicion of malingering, and evidence of some physical decay, Moss may finally get the chance for his rings. And he’s right. He is closer to a ring than the Vikings. But that was a divorce ago.

Moss’ latest alienation from a team became final Sunday — when Oakland and New England got together to trump the fall of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn to make the headline of the draft weekend by agreeing to send Moss to the Patriots. The Raiders’ compensation: A fourth-round pick.

Yes, the Raiders turned Randy Moss into Cincinnati cornerback John Bowie with the No. 110 pick. This is a guy who two years ago the Raiders gave up the No. 7 overall pick in the draft and a starting linebacker, Napoleon Harris, for the chance to work with the most dangerous receiver in the NFL.

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And that’s why the Patriots are the early winners and the Raiders are the early losers in this deal. The Patriots got a potential Hall of Famer for a fourth-round pick. The Raiders failed in two years to get anything out of Moss.

Moss is the ultimate winner. He departed the most floundering franchise in sports — he won a total of six games in two seasons — and he instantly goes to one of the most successful profession sports teams in the world.

Yes, Moss will get his chance at his rings.

Sunday after hearing about the trade, Denver coach Mike Shanahan — whose team has reloaded this offseason in an attempt to go make another run in the AFC — said New England has to be the favored team to win the Super Bowl next season.

Let’s face it, the Patriots will be one of the best teams in the NFL as long as Bill Belichick is the coach and Tom Brady is the quarterback. However, after losing in the playoffs the past two years, the team has changed its game plan and added serious talent. The Patriots spent some money and signed Baltimore pass rusher supreme Adalius Thomas and finally gave Brady some receivers this offseason in Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth and Kelly Washington.

Moss, of course, trumps those acquisitions. Suddenly, Reche Caldwell, the Patriots’ top receiver last season, is at best the No. 4 receiver on the roster. And Moss is the No.1 receiver on the roster.

Moss gives Brady a legitimate Pro Bowl threat — yes even now.

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