Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
| |  |
| | Joe Robbins/Getty Images |
There is an interesting name who was a runner-up behind Pittsburgh receiver
Hines Ward as the league's
smartest offensive player in ESPN.com's survey of the league's head coaches: New England wide receiver
Randy Moss.
Yes, Moss was just one vote behind Ward as the smartest (non-quarterback) offensive player in the league. That has to be surprising to many. I covered Moss for four years in Minnesota. It's not surprising to me that the coaches around the NFL have more regard and respect for Moss than for just his athletic ability. The guy is a brainy player.
Knock him for taking plays off, for his two bad years in Oakland and for his off-field transgressions, but you can't knock for Moss for his approach to the game. He combines his mind-boggling athletic ability and size with his knowledge of the game. His 2007 season with New England is proof. Moss was at another level and it is because he used every facet of his game.
When reporting this story, I talked to Denver safety John Lynch. The 15-year veteran received votes himself as the smartest defensive player in the league in the survey. Lynch was not surprised Moss received three votes as the smartest offensive player.
Lynch said he has always thought Moss was one of the brighter players in the league and he was pleased to see the coaches recognize it. Moss' inclusion on this list shows that coaches do have an open mind and don't allow reputations and past misgivings take away from recognizing a player's gifts.
