A surprising player from the Dolphins has been mentioned in MVP talk. Multiple players are having career years for the Miami Dolphins. The surprising part may be that the player being talked about for MVP’s last name is not Hill or Tagovailoa.
Surprising Player From Dolphins in MVP Talk
Tyreek Hill is attempting to have the first 2,000 receiving yards in a season. Tua Tagovailoa has managed to silence most of his critics. However, one of the surprising names that was mentioned during the Dolphins versus Jets game on December 17, by commentators Jim Nantz and Tony Romo was running back Raheem Mostert.
The NFL MVP award was first presented in 1936. In the 86 years since the award was first presented, a running and/or halfback has won the award 21 times (24%). Quarterbacks have won the award 56 times (66%). In the last ten seasons, a quarterback has won the MVP award every single time. The question becomes, does Raheem Mostert have a legitimate chance at winning the award this season? As some have said, while a surprising name in MVP talk, he deserves to at least be mentioned.
Mostert in 2023
Thus far Mostert has broken the Dolphins franchise record for touchdowns among running backs in a season. He surpassed Ricky Williams‘ 16 in a season (2002) and currently sits at 18 rushing touchdowns so far. Those 18 touchdowns also tied the Dolphins franchise record by an offensive player in a season with Mark Clayton back in 1984. Franchise records are one thing, but how does Mostert stack up against other players in the league?
Mostert currently sits fourth overall in rushing yards among NFL running backs with 1,012 yards. He is behind the 49ers Christian McCaffrey; the Rams Kyren Williams, and the Bills James Cook. Mostert does lead all running backs in touchdowns, however.
Mostert’s Running Mates
When a teammate is chasing a historic NFL record, trying to insert oneself into MVP talk seems unfathomable. However, with Tyreek Hill trying to eclipse 2,000 yards in a season, that is the boat that Mostert finds himself in. Should Hill surpass the 2,000-yard mark, it would be hard not to award him the NFL MVP award.
Having the past 10 MVP awards given to quarterbacks also does not bode well for Mostert hoisting the MVP award. That includes teammate and maybe, also, Comeback Player of the Year Award candidate, Tua Tagovailoa. That does not include other quarterbacks who also could win the award, including Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, or Patrick Mahomes.
While he may be a surprising name in MVP talk for the Dolphins, Raheem Mostert simply is not the most deserving player, even on his team. However, Mostert’s name being talked about for MVP should at least be entertained. It is true that a great deal of the Dolphins success this season is in part due to Mostert. While it would be a great story for Mostert, who after several seasons of being on teams’ practice squads and seeing minimal action has become a top running back in the league, it is a story that is not worthy of an MVP award when compared to other running backs in the league, alone. Figure in other offensive players including teammates Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa’s performances this season, and the notion of Mostert being named the league’s MVP is even less likely.
Main Photo: David Butler – USA Today Sports
