Since 1957, there have only been three times the award has not been handed out to either a quarterback or a running back(1972 Alan Page Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle, 1982 Mark Moseley Washington Redskins placekicker, 1986 Lawrence Taylor NY Giants linebacker). So it is no surprise that the leaders in the race for MVP, in my opinion, are three quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre. Through 12 weeks, these three quarterbacks have lost a combined total of 1 game, and that was on the road against the defending superbowl champs who had to get lucky to win. They are all carrying qb ratings greater than 100, and the lowest completion percentage among them is 68.8%(Brees). Their teams are all in the top five for offense and points per game. You would be kidding yourself if you didn’t think the quarterback is the most important position on the field, and these three are clearly at the top.
To keep it simple: you take away Peyton Manning from the Colts and they are struggling to stay around .500. He is everything to that offense. I wonder when the last time their offensive coordinator actually did any work? If my team has 1:30 left in the game, down by 5, and I’m starting the drive at our own 20, I don’t want anyone but him leading the way. And not only is Manning controlling an offense the way no other can, he is posting numbers that may end up to be career bests. He’s ranked 1st in yards, 2nd in tds, and completing 70.4% of his passes. Granted he has arguably the best WR(Wayne) and TE(Clark) in the game catching balls, but he also has guys like Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon to throw to. His primary run option has been a health risk and his secondary run option, who is a rookie, is turning out to be a health risk also. Manning definitely elevates that team to a point where they can never be counted out of a game.
Drew Brees is insane. I think he legally is considered a midget? Yet somehow has enough in that arm to get the ball downfield 50 yards just about every other play. I think it is safe to say that his early career injuries, which got him shipped to the Saints in the first place, are not affecting him the way the Chargers thought they might. The Saints offense operates at a very high level and love to spread the ball around through the air. Overall, I think they have the most talent to work with. Colston: freak. Pierre Thomas is a bruiser who has picked up nicely where Deuce McCalister left off. Shockey can still make is presence known when needed. Reggie Bush is still dangerous. But if Brees was not there to tie all these weapons together, the Saints would not have a chance. Is Mark Brunell really your backup? Really? Brunell to Meachem is not going anywhere. Brees is 1st in the league in qb rating as well as touchdowns. He also has a chance, like Manning, to lead his team to an undefeated season. And after they destroyed(understatement?) the Patriots, I really don’t see a team remaining on their schedule who can hang with them.
We were all sick of Brett Favre before this season started. After retiring for the 17th time, he decided to, again, return to the NFL. This time it was for the job he has wanted for the past two years. And as soon as Brad Childress picked him up from the airport, we had a feeling this is gonna be something different. This is not the New York Jet Brett Favre. This is the final season with the Packers Brett Favre, only better. Favre is 3rd in tds, 2nd in qb rating, is completing 69.3% of his passes, and has only thrown 3 ints. And this is on a team who has the best running option in the game. Favre came in to a perfect situation: great defense, great O-line, great running back. The reason he is in the race for MVP is because he has transformed that team. Adrian Peterson still has great games, but he is not running as well as he did last season. He doesn’t have to. Did you know who Sydney Rice was before this season? Or Visanthe Shiancoe? You do now. Favre is valuable because he is taking a team who was pretty close and making them the best in the NFL. Seriously. There is not a more complete team out there. He’s not making the stupid Brett Favre mistakes. He’s elevating the play of his surrounding cast. He is redeeming himself from last season in NY.
So who you got for MVP?
Here’s my MVP ballot. If the Colts and/or Saints finish unbeaten, their QB will get the MVP or share it if they both go 16-0. If any one of them leads 2 major categories, QB rating, TDs, yards, he’ll get the MVP. If none of these happen, Favre will get it just for media purposes.
If the Saints continue to play the way they have so far, Drew Brees should be a shoe-in, or at worst share the MVP with Peyton.
Before week 12 it was all Manning, but after Brees dismantled the Patriots it seems to be much more even. But after the Colts lose to the Titans it’ll be all Brees (I’m kidding… kind of)
I was pretty much going to say what Chris said, Brees DESTROYED the Patriots. If he takes them to the Super Bowl he should get the MVP. And if he doesn’t get it, Peyton is a shoe in by far.
Even if Favre and the Vikings go to the Super Bowl I say you give it to Peyton. Favre has sooo much help around him that it’s unfair to single him out as the MVP of the league.
WHO DAT?!
I expected Brees and Manning to have great years. Favre is a suprise. All have a case. It’s the year of the QB.
My vote goes to Brees.
Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post.
Thank you
Garretot