Can someone please explain to me the thought process a person has when saying things like “Peyton Manning is not the 2013 NFL MVP?” Are the people who make this argument simply trying to create conflict? Do they actually believe the words that are coming out of their mouths? Do they even watch NFL football?
Honestly, I am interested in knowing the answer – I mean the answer can’t be that they actually think someone not named Peyton Manning is the MVP – right?
This past week alone I have heard/read three separate people making the case that Manning will probably win the MVP; however there are other players with deserving arguments.
First there was ESPN/Grantland’s Bill Simmons (my idol, for the record) saying a person could make a legitimate case Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is the MVP. His rationale was whenever Johnson does not play, like against the Green Bay Packers earlier in the year, the Lions offense is complete garbage.
While I agree that the Lions offense is garbage without Johnson, what do you think would happen to the Denver Broncos offense without Manning? I can tell you that just two years ago, also known in Denver as B.P. (Before Peyton), the Broncos would be one of the worst offenses in NFL history.
Again, do not get me wrong, my favorite NFL player is Calvin Johnson for the record, so I know how good and dominant the guy is. Nonetheless to say the “Megatron” is the 2013 MVP over Manning is ludicrous.
With that said, at least Johnson is the best at his position so an argument, while absurd, is kind of feasible. You want to know an argument that is not feasible? The people arguing Tom Brady should win the award because he is winning games with a terrible supporting cast.
Now normally The Informer is all for the media hyping Brady as the greatest thing since sliced bread, but in this case to try and give the award to a quarterback who is on pace to throw 23 touchdowns over a guy who is on pace to break every single relevant NFL single season passing record is mind boggling.
Honestly, if we are going to give Brady the award this year for just winning games (fewer wins than Peyton by the way), then I demand we retroactively give the 2011 NFL MVP award to Tim Tebow for doing the same thing – and how much sense does that make?
This brings us to the most astonishing, astounding, moronic, idiotic, ludicrous, absurd “Manning is NOT you’re your MVP” arguments I have stumbled upon. It happened the other day while reading one of the mainstream media half-season award articles.
In the article I actually read the sentence (I’m paraphrasing); “It is extremely difficult to ignore Philip Rivers 72.2 completion percentage with his lesser supporting cast. But Manning’s 29 touchdowns against Rivers 17 won out –for now.”
Excuse me for just a second while I go into a surprised cartoon character voice: What . . . What . . . Whaaaaat!!!?
The above sentence implies that yes Manning is winning “For Now”, but at some-point, River’s 72.2 completion percentage, may make said writer change his MVP vote to Rivers.
Are you freaking kidding me?
Okay just for fun let’s pretend that Manning doesn’t have a better QB Rating this season (119, 3rd best rating in the history of the NFL), that he doesn’t have a better Total QBR (84.2-75.6), that he isn’t averaging 1.5 more TD passes per game, that he hasn’t thrown less interceptions, won more games, or that he is not on pace to throw for 5,824 yards; which is roughly 900 yards more than Rivers.
So is he pretending all of those numbers don’t actually exist, or as the writer points out, they are a byproduct of Rivers having less talent on his team than Manning; then yes a person focusing solely on Rivers 72.2 completion percentages could make the case that he should be the NFL MVP. Just, wow.
Unfortunately that is not how the NFL works.
You have to look at all the relevant numbers; wins, touchdowns, INT, completion percentage, Total QBR and QB Rating when deciding who is the most valuable player.
Now keep in mind the guy from the mainstream did actually say Manning was the first half MVP; so ultimately he made the right call. The pick is not what upset me. I am upset with the fact that the writer tried to make it sound like it was a tough call. It shouldn’t be. Let me assure everyone, there is no tough call about it. Manning has been the most hands down dominant, consistent, awesome, valuable player in the NFL so far this season and quite possibly ever.
Sadly, we have reached the point where the media is bored writing about how great Manning is so they have to start saying things like; “Well Rivers really has been blah blah blah,” or “ Andrew Luck and Drew Brees actually mean more to their team because of blah blah blah.”
Listen, I understand the en vogue trend these days is to always go against the obvious and the main stream – I get it; there is nothing cool or hip about the status quo. Here is the thing though: If you’re one of the people making these against the grain arguments then your argument needs to be backed up factually.
Saying Rivers was almost your first half MVP because his completion percentage is 72.2 percent, compared to Manning’s 71.2 percent, is not backing up your argument; it is a half-heated lazy use of a stat to try and make a point/story that is not there.
Like I said; everyone is entitled to their opinion, but let’s make sure we are using common sense when making said opinions. Just because Manning is running away with the MVP race doesn’t mean we need to try and manufacture a candidate to beat him.
The fact of the matter is, sometimes the obvious answer to the question is the right answer.
This season the obvious MVP answer is Manning and no matter what anyone tries to say from here on out; the facts, the stats, the evidence and every other word you want to use say the same thing–“Archie’s boy” winning his NFL record fifth MVP award is the right answer.
Thanks for Reading. Please take a moment and follow the site on Twitter – @lastwordonsport and like our Facebook Page.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
