The NFL MVP Race Is as Close as Ever
This year’s award will go to the NFC-winning quarterback
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs proved just how tight this year’s MVP race truly is. One case for MVP is Tom Brady. Although Brady had a miraculous season, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 28:2, he should not get the not for MVP. Much of the Patriots’ success in 2016 is due to the consistent play of their defense as well as a resurgent running game. Brady was also suspended for 4 games — an aspect that almost certainly takes away his ability to win the award, no matter how well he performed over a 12-game span.
Another case can be made for the Dallas Cowboys’ two rookie phenoms — who both set records at their respective positions. Dak Prescott had a historical rookie campaign, tying the records for most wins by a rookie (13) and QB rating (104.9). Ezekiel Elliott lead the NFL in rushing yards (1631) and fell 178 yards short of the rookie rushing record. Both valiant efforts from the youngsters fell short in the divisional round when fellow MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers defied physics and led Green Bay to a game-winning field goal.
With three legitimate MVP candidates playing this Sunday, two will go head to head in the NFC Championship Game. The winner not only gets a ticket to Houston, but also the MVP trophy as well.
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan had a phenomenal game against the Seahawks, where he proceeded to pick apart the “Legion of Doom,” throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. With that performance, Ryan nearly locked in the victory for the MVP award. On paper, he is currently the deserving front-runner for the NFL’s most prestigious honor. Ryan has performed at a high level all year, which has helped take the Falcons to new heights. He is coming off of a less than impressive year, in which he threw for 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
The much-improved Ryan threw for over 4900 yards this season — with 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a league-best QBR of 117.1. We’ll see if his MVP-caliber season can help Atlanta secure a trip to Houston.
Aaron Rodgers
Although Ryan seems to be the front-runner for now, Aaron Rodgers is right on his heels. Rodgers is coming off a spectacular game, throwing for 355 yards and 2 touchdowns. And let’s not forget he drove the Packers into field goal range to set them up for the game-winning 51-yard field goal. Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate in the postseason, and is currently putting up numbers that could earn him a Super Bowl victory as well as the precious MVP. Rodgers hasn’t just shined in the playoffs — he led the Packers to an eight-game win streak to get them into the NFC Championship. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and only one interception in that eight-game span. Rodgers finished the regular season with 40 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, while totaling 4,400 yards passing. Rodgers has carried the Packers on his shoulder for most of the season, mostly because the team has been decimated by injuries — especially on offense. Rodgers’ ability to make things happen without key players such as Jordy Nelson is nothing short of historical.
Both quarterbacks face off this Sunday to determine who will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Both teams boast high-powered and very dangerous offenses, with the Falcons averaging 33.8 PPG and the Packers averaging 27. On paper, Matt Ryan would have the edge for MVP — but the award doesn’t come down to just that. Both quarterbacks have shown excellent leadership and have been the reason their teams are in the NFC Championship. It is going to come down to Sunday and who has the better game management ability. Let’s not forget that the NFL MVP is not solely about statistics. Both quarterback’s have proved this year that they are truly the most valuable player on their team by leading them to victories, as well as pushing them to new limits. Personally, the MVP could go either way. There is one thing I am confident of: the winner of this match-up will be crowned MVP of the NFL.
