Randy Moss is experiencing a lot of success off the field following his outstanding career on it.
Mark Craig of the *Star Tribune *shadowed Moss **during his ESPN coverage** of the Oct. 2 game between Washington and Kansas City on the *Monday Night Football *stage. Moss told Craig that he "thought about just [disappearing]" after his days on the gridiron came to a close, but instead he "rolled the dice" to see how life on television would pan out.
It's gone extremely well, but it wasn't an anticipated success. Craig wrote:
ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman, who hired Moss away from Fox Sports 1 last year, keeps a list of current players he thinks will be great on TV. The enigmatic self-proclaimed SuperFreak never came close to making that list.
Markman identified Moss' journey as "shocking" and said that although the former receiver certainly had the persona for television, Markman just didn't see him following that career path. But it's all worked out.
*Study the hands. Once used to cradle 156 NFL touchdowns, the supersized mitts now work in concert with a West Virginia drawl that's filled with down-home smarts, a biting sense of humor, some rather colorful language and between-the-eyes candor. *
"He's not afraid to just let loose, be silly on the air, and also speak his mind," *Monday Night Countdown *host Suzy Kolber told Craig. "He's incredibly smart."
To read Craig's entire piece, click ****here***. *
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'Viking Update' Tabs Everson Griffen as Vikings Defensive MVP
The Vikings have eight games – and only two losses – under their belt as they head into a second half of the season heavy with road games.
Through the first stretch, Minnesota's defense ranks fourth in the NFL for yards per game (282.1) and third in points allowed per game (16.9).
*Viking Update's *John Holler reflected over the first eight games and **doled out midseason awards**, identifying Everson Griffen as the Vikings defensive MVP. Holler wrote:
Through the first eight games, Griffen has at least one sack in each game and is on pace to finish with 20 on the season. He has been the leader of the defensive front and set the tone for everyone else on the Minnesota defense. As long as he keeps rolling, so will the Vikings defense and, after being named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, it's clear that the rest of the NFL is taking notice.
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Zimmer is Steve Wyche's early pick for Coach of the Year
Holler wasn't the only media member handing out midseason awards.
NFL.com released a roundtable-style piece recently that asked its writers and analysts to weigh in on a number of categories. One such category was "Coach of the Year" in which 12 contributors for NFL.com gave their early vote.
As the season stands now, **Steve Wyche voted for Zimmer**. Wyche wrote:
I have to move off my preseason pick of Pete Carroll and roll with Zimmer. Rotating QBs, loss of skill players on offense, and the Vikings could still make the postseason.
Seven of the 12 picked Sean McVay, the first-year head coach who has led the Rams to a 6-2 record, including being undefeated in four road games. The Vikings will host the Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 19.
