Former Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton told Sports Headliners that head coach Brad Childress is facing his “biggest test” now in his four-plus seasons with the Vikings.
The unexpected release of wide receiver Randy Moss this week creates a situation where Childress could “lose the locker room,” Dalton said. The team’s “psyche” is vulnerable anyway because of the 2-5 record, and the sudden departure of the controversial Moss after just four games might be problematic for the Vikings on Sunday when they play Arizona at Mall of America Field.
Dalton thinks Childress reacted hastily in releasing Moss after his impromptu news conference last Sunday during which he asked and answered his own questions, often finding praise for his former New England coach Bill Belichick and teammates, and some fault and certainly not as much affection for the Vikings organization.
Childress hasn’t detailed reasons for letting Moss go although speculation is that his 33-year-old receiver’s misdeeds in behavior and lack of effort at times added up to a resume not to the liking of the coach. The press conference may have been the final factor. “To make a quick response (by Childress) seems a little reactionary from comment(s) from the press conference,” Dalton said.
There’s a “potential divide” now in the locker room, according to Dalton. Differences of opinion among players about the Moss departure perhaps can be controlled by veteran leadership. Some players could be upset about losing a big play receiver like Moss who was brought in after the season started to help a faltering passing game. Others might believe the sometimes bizarre behavior of Moss (he reportedly cursed out a caterer at Winter Park last week) and his “play when I want to play” attitude is too much of a distraction.
Childress is a disciplinarian and committed to having a roster of players he’s comfortable with. At other times during his tenure with the Vikings he’s irritated players with his moves including when in 2006 he released wide receiver Marcus Robinson on Christmas Eve. Another incident was his clash with wide receiver Troy Williamson about being absent from the team for too many days in 2007. Williamson missed time that Childress didn’t approve because of his grandmother’s funeral.
Dalton said relationships in the locker room and with coaches can’t be counter productive. “With a close knit group it’s important to have the right personalities,” he said.
The Vikings gave up a third round draft choice in 2011 to New England to acquire Moss just a few weeks ago. They also would have had to pay his salary had Tennessee not claimed him off waivers on Wednesday.
The Vikings knew what kind of talent and character they were acquiring. “If Moss didn’t fit, that decision should have been made before the trade,” Dalton said.
Dalton, a former Vikings assistant coach under Mike Tice, follows the NFL closely and has a weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio. He doesn’t agree with those who point to Moss’ minimal stats with the Vikings (13 receptions, 174 yards and two touchdowns) and say he didn’t contribute. “He was drawing coverages that allow somebody else to get open,” Dalton said.
The Vikings have almost buried their season and probably have to win seven or eight of the remaining games to win the NFC North and make the playoffs. “Another loss in the next few weeks and stick a fork in them,” Dalton said.
Dalton, though, believes the Vikings could pull off almost a miracle finish. They are more talented than the team he helped coach in 2005 that won seven of its last nine games. “They’re going to need a lot of momentum because they’re in a really bad spot,” Dalton said. “They’re talented enough to get on a hot streak. And that’s how he (Childress) can win back that locker room. …”