Posts
I know I’m approaching the situation a little late, but I have to pose the question: With Peyton Manning being eliminated in the first round of playoffs, was he the real MVP?
There’s a million ways to skin this cat, but let’s start with analyzing the other favorable MVP candidates in this conversation?
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings – “A.D.” had a great season. In fact, he had the best season on the ground of any running back in the NFL. His impact on this Minnesota Vikings team cannot be ignored. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and amassed 1,760 yards on the ground. He also had 20 runs of 20-yards or more, which is 5 more than the next closest player in the league. Hard to knock what he did, but those 9 fumbles do lead the NFL among non-quarterbacks.
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers – Yeah, his team was only 8-8 and was the team with the worst record entering the playoffs, but it wasn’t his fault. He was the most efficient quarterback in the NFL this season, and he tied for the most passing touchdowns in the league with Drew Brees. People have to get off this notion that a team’s record should have anything to do with the MVP. The only weight wins should carry in the conversation of MVP, is what percentage of the wins is the MVP responsible for.
Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins – He wasn’t exactly the most productive quarterback in the NFL, but he always did what was asked of him. His 7 interceptions helped lead the Dolphins to an NFL record fewest number of turnovers. He also had the 2nd highest quarterback rating in the league at 97.4. However, when push comes to shove, he sputtered out in the playoffs, so its hard to separate his playoff doom from that of Manning's.
All that said, it appears that Peyton Manning was indeed this year’s true MVP. While those other 3 candidate—and whomever else you may want to consider—all have an argument, it was Peyton who’s turnaround in production saved his team’s season. Manning had yet another 4,000+yard season, and he put 27 touchdowns on the board as well. Most importantly though, he took this team out of the cellar with sheer will and determination. The Colts faced multiple situations where their season could have been sunk early on in the year. But 4th quarter drives by Manning against the Vikings, Chargers, and Texans (among others), were pivotal in this team’s success this year. The Colts made the most fascinating run to close the season, and it was because of Manning, and Manning alone. Sure, he didn’t come through in the playoffs, but like I said before, you don’t have to win them all to be the best player in the league—sooner or later, more people will realize that.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment