NFL MVP race: Vick, Brady even (Ryan, White close behind)
Michael Vick had four touchdowns against Giants.
Matt Ryan is close to setting an NFL win record.
There are two games left in the NFL’s regular season. Other than finalizing the playoff field, the greatest debate seems to be: Who is the season’s MVP?
The way I see it, it’s a four-player race that’s still up for grabs. But right now, Tom Brady and Michael Vick are at the top, and I’ve got them even. The other two candidates: Matt Ryan and Roddy White of the Falcons.
I welcome your opinion. Also got a poll up.
Loading ...Just one thing: I was on Twitter last night and the rapper @BowWow turned moron when he Tweeted, “If @MikeVick dont get MVP the nfl and commisioner[sic] are [bleeping] racist. Who u kno can go to jail come out turn a franchise around and dominate.”
I will say this once: PLEASE let’s have a civil debate without getting into a race debate. I will grant you that a lot of folks probably hold a grudge against Vick for his past, but let’s remember that at one time he brought this city together like maybe no athlete ever has, and it wasn’t about race then. If, say, Brady wins the MVP, it’s not because the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell are racist. Sorry, Bowwow.
OK, here are my four candidates, listed in order of preference, going into the last two weeks:
1.) TOM BRADY. New England (12-2) is tied with the Falcons for the best record in the NFL. The biggest reason is Brady. He hasn’t thrown an interception since the Patriots’ fifth game against Baltimore. That’s nine straight games (283 attempts) without a pick. He’s tied for the league lead in touchdowns (31), has the fewest interceptions (four) and the highest quarterback rating (109.9). There’s also this: He and the Patriots’ offense got better after they dumped Randy Moss. Brady made Deion Branch relevant again.
1a.) MICHAEL VICK. The New York Giants’ meltdown against Philadelphia Sunday notwithstanding, is there any quarterback in the league other than Vick who could’ve orchestrated that comeback? I don’t think so. He exuded leadership and was the ultimate weapon, throwing for 242 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 130 and another score. Vick’s turnovers have picked up as he’s gotten more beat up as the season’s gone on. But if he can finish with two strong games against Minnesota and Dallas, he is MVP worthy. The biggest reason not to vote for Vick is he sat out three games and was knocked out early in another. But his body of work compensates for that.
3.) MATT RYAN. I’ve gone back and forth between Ryan and White as to who’s been more valuable this season. Right now, it’s a split vote. Ryan is closing in on an amazing achievement: He is 32-13 as a starter and with wins in the final two games can break Dan Marino’s record for most wins (33) in his first three seasons. But let’s focus on this year. Ryan’s been at his best when the game is on the line, leading several fourth-quarter comebacks. That defines a winner (and the Falcons have won eight straight and more than any team except the Patriots). Despite four interceptions in his last three games, Ryan is on the way to the best touchdown-interception ratio of his career (currently 25 to 9).
3a.) RODDY WHITE. There’s a tendency to lean toward the quarterback when picking an MVP. But White has had the best season of his career and he has made the Falcons a better offense and Ryan a better quarterback with his ability to make plays. White leads the NFL in receptions (106) and receiving yards (1,284), averaging nearly 92 yards per game. He was the reason the Falcons beat Baltimore (12 catches, 138 yards, two touchdowns) and Cincinnati (11, 201, 2). Some wondered if White was worth elite-level money when he got his last contract, but he has proven that he is. Without him, this Falcons’ offense becomes ordinary.
That’s my opinion. I welcome yours.
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593 comments Add your comment
Eric
December 21st, 2010
11:51 pm
How much you wanna bet Grimes gets a pick on Brees? I think thats a lock…
Eric
December 21st, 2010
11:54 pm
Saints/Falcons is ALWAYS a tight game. These teams don’t like each other and they know each other very well. Anybody expecting a blowout either way on Monday is gonna be disappointed.
My prediction is Falcons 31-28. Turner will have over 100 and Ryan will throw for 3 TD’s. Brees will get his 300 yards and 3 TD’s but will throw a costly int to Grimes at some point and Matty Ice will drive them down the field in the end for the win. Mark it down folks….
MARLON
December 22nd, 2010
12:22 am
I THINK THAT THE RACE WILL COME DOWN TO VICK AND RYAN…I HAVE A BET WIT PEOPLE AT HOME THAT THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP WILL COME DOWN TO FALCONS AND EAGLES IN THE DOME…MIKE VICK WINS THE MVP….BUT SORRY….THE FALCONS WILL WIN THE GAME….MATTY ICE WILL BEAT BRADY IN THE SUPER BOWL… FALCONS 26-21 OVER EAGLES… FALCONS 34-31 OVER PATRIOTS…IN THE SUPER BOWL…DONT FORGET…SUPER BOWL IS IN DALLAS…THAT MEANS IT INDOOR… U KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE FALCONS…NEED I SAY MORE!!!!
Roger
December 22nd, 2010
12:23 am
Enter your comments here
Greg Mendel
December 22nd, 2010
12:30 am
Greg Mendel
December 21st, 2010
9:21 pm
Hey, Dog fighter. How many fingers am I holding up?
—-
How would I know. I ain’t the god almighty.
that’s right resort to insults and change subject when confronted with facts.
faux news tactic # 135.
___________________________________
How many fingers am I holding up now?
GEMINI4LIFE
December 22nd, 2010
12:30 am
I THINK THAT THE RACE WILL COME DOWN TO VICK & RYAN…IM A FALCONS FAN 4 LIFE…FALCONS OVER EAGLES IN THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 27-24 IN THE G-DOME!!!! VICK WINS MVP…. BUT NOT THE GAME…FALCONS OVER PATRIOTS…27-24 IN SUPER BOWL XLI, WHICH IS IN DALLAS…. U KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE FALCONS… THE 2ND DOME TEAM TO WILL THE VLT… U KNOW WHAT IM SAYIN’
rockus
December 22nd, 2010
12:30 am
Vick will get a new dog and an MVP. Brady gets a haircut from his supermodel Gisele.
The Dogfighter Returns
December 22nd, 2010
12:38 am
I am gay and Mike Vick is my favorite beyaatch!!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 22nd, 2010
12:39 am
I am so jealous of these Falcons!!! Dang they are 12-2!!! Matt Ryan has more wins in 3 years with Atlanta than Vick had in 6 years!!! Oh my god!!! Matt Ryan is GOD!!!
COOLJD2
December 22nd, 2010
12:45 am
What’s up Schultz. We have a hater report. Read what Trent Dilfer said about the dirty birds here is the link.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/16740/dilfer-falcons-can-be-beaten-at-home
Katherine
December 22nd, 2010
1:16 am
I sure hope the falcons make dilfer eat his words…..
Vick Supporter
December 22nd, 2010
1:25 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4sdnrNSCAE
Vick Supporter
December 22nd, 2010
1:29 am
It’s hard to believe that the Falcons are 12-2 and there’s two Vick blogs,lol. I have to admit, this blog is alot better than the Philly blogs…as far as posting. It’s so bad there it takes 10 minutes to see the damn post
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Maurice
December 22nd, 2010
1:34 am
I had this spectacular debate to defend Ryan and Roddy… Then I realized I really don’t care.
Maurice
December 22nd, 2010
1:42 am
Thank you very much Trent Dilfer!
Wagtheworld.com » Michael Vick going to the dogs? Apso-lutely delicious word play – Vancouver Sun
December 22nd, 2010
2:52 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
JB Stoner
December 22nd, 2010
3:37 am
The nigras really love Vick
Mack1124
December 22nd, 2010
6:51 am
Its amazing that MV continues to have supporters in a city that he stuck his middle finger up at, literally. While all of you worked to buy his jerseys and pay for season tickets, how did he pay you back, by building a dog fighting enterprise and not dedicating to the game, he even admits that. Its mindboggling to me that when MV was headed to Leavenworth, everyone thought it would take years for the FALCONS to become contenders and here we sit at 12-2 and I believe built to contend year after year, and if we are one game away from a Superbowl appearance, you have some who will cheer for the other team, PATHETIC ON SO MANY LEVELS.
Buff
December 22nd, 2010
7:55 am
If only all of the dead dogs could vote…………….
True Falcon Fan
December 22nd, 2010
9:11 am
Hey @JB — jus how long did it take “YOU” to come up with that statement, “My bet is YOU really feelin’ better now nice an tucked away hugging the pillow” —–
Saints Next
GO FALCONS GO
True Falcon Fan
December 22nd, 2010
10:03 am
Hopefully we will see who’s the best when MV7 comes to ATL to take on the MR2 / FALCONS — RISE-UP RISE-UP ATL —- again hopefully during the NFC championship game
That way when the world see’s MR2 takes control — “FATE” works in Mysterious ways ATL, RISE-UP
MV7 — that dog will NOT hunt or fly!
Saints NEXT
GO FALCONS GO
P Rose
December 22nd, 2010
10:11 am
Mike Vick and Matt Ryan are both undeniably good football players and, because they played the same position for the same team, comparisons are inevitable. Vick is unquestionably faster and probably has the stronger arm. Ryan has proven to be slightly more accurate overall, and clearly has the edge as the better field general. As players on the field, it is easy to understand why either player would have devoted fans. But Vick has many haters because of his off-field indiscretions, especially his illegal cruelty to animals. Ryan, on the other hand, has a squeaky-clean off-field record. So what I don’t understand is why “MV7 for MVP,” and “Reality Check,” etc. DESPISE this man so much. What the hell has he ever done to bring so much hatred upon himself? The answer, of course, is absolutely NOTHING. These vile bloggers who detest the man obviously have some serious issues.
Angie O'Plasty
December 22nd, 2010
10:13 am
Truth be told Vick is good but he will screw up again. It’s in his DNA….look at O.J.
gbal
December 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
Piece on ESPN this morning on who is projected MVP for the season. Mat Ryan was not even mentioned. Only T Bradley and M Vick.
Bruce Mac
December 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
That is not the trophy we want here in Atlanta anyway. Let Philly have that one, we will take the bigger one thanks.
sp
December 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
to HELL with Michael Vick.
Dan Morton
December 22nd, 2010
11:11 am
Lets’ reframe the debate: Which QB would you most like to have leading your team into an 18 game season next year ( Brady, Vick or Ryan etc ). If it was just one or two games I might pick Vick ( or Rivers ) but for an entire season it would have to be Brady followed closely by Ryan ( or Manning ). The point is that Vick is a phenom and he has had a tremendous 10 games and he has made a huge difference for Philadelphia but to me the MVP has to be more than a short term wonder. If i were a betting guy — I’d put my money on Brady to win the Super Bowl because he is the Most Valuable Player in the league.
randy moss irrelevant along with OC and TO
December 22nd, 2010
11:50 am
My, how the mighty hath fallen…no way Brady doesn’t get the MVP this year over dogkiller.
Sports Review
December 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
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Harrison
December 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
I think Tom Brady will win, but you have to consider when you talk about stats, Vick’s rushing accomplishments, that makes the race so much closer. And if he would have played the whole year, his stats could be just as good as Brady’s and he could have rushed for 1,000 yards. If you think stats Vick has the upper hand
D Man
December 22nd, 2010
12:49 pm
I really don’t care who the MVP is if it isn’t a Falcon. On our great team, there is no real MVP because everyone has contributed to this winning season. So my pick for league MVP is the entire Falcons organization.
hello!
December 22nd, 2010
12:53 pm
what about michael turner?
Top 10 NFL stories of 2010 – SI.com | SportsZrr
December 22nd, 2010
12:54 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
D Man
December 22nd, 2010
1:05 pm
Here are some stats that no one is talking about because it makes Philly and the Pats look weak. Team offensive scoring Pats #1, Philly #2, Atl #5, BUT, scoring defense Atl #4, Philly # 19, and Pats # 28. the most important stat is wins and losses, but the second important stat is points scored and the Falcons are best in the league when you factor in both.
Chainz
December 22nd, 2010
1:53 pm
Just give it to Brady,no one has out performed him this season….. 7 straight games without a Pick…. and against quality teams in blizzards…..thats amazing. lets not forget Ryans slow start…could have been 1 and 5 as easily as 5-1….. if those games where 2 min shorter they would have been L’s
7 reasons
December 22nd, 2010
5:14 pm
@ supes…football starts at the line of scrimmage. give Vick Tom Brady’s line and then we can talk switching skill players.
Taylor
December 22nd, 2010
6:13 pm
I can’t help but wonder if the city of Atlanta (generally speaking) would be so forgiving if Michael Vick was white. Something tells me we wouldn’t have this conversation because he probably wouldn’t have been forgiven so easily, and even if he was, it would be doubtful that there would be this level of backing for a player who is a convicted felon. I completely agree, he deserves every comeback award possible, but isn’t the award for MVP supposed to go to the all-around player? You can’t get voted in to office if you are a convicted felon, and its not like he messed up just one time. Michael Vick himself admitted that he did not try hard when he played for the Falcons. He told Jim Mora that if you put a check for a million dollars inside of game tape, it would still be sitting there since he never once watched the game tape. No I don’t know about you Atlanta, but the reason I take offense to Michael Vick is that I worked hard for the money I spent on all those Falcons games back in the day to watch him. And it was a slap in my face to hear him say he did not work hard for Atlanta in return. What he was convicted of was horrible, but when you remove that, he screwed over the people of Atlanta and real Falcons fans. I don’t actually care if he was purple, you don’t play with my money. Oh, and remember the game when he flipped us off?
Remind me again why it seems people don’t mind having been disrespected by this guy?
Tim are you serious?????
December 22nd, 2010
6:17 pm
Hi, you know what country we live in, right? How is it you say white people don’t accept black leaders? Quit assuming all white people think that way. This MV7 chat has nothing to do with race. Get over it. And yourself. People like you make the situation worse.
Oh and p.s.
Vick’s numbers are NOT the best in the league. Try again
John
December 22nd, 2010
6:23 pm
Taylor: Good point. The very fans Vick flipped off are some of the ones who are singing his praises. SMH
Mike
December 22nd, 2010
11:35 pm
Taylor, I would have forgiven anyone in Vicks position regardless of color, if I felt they were sincere. I think Vick has grown and matured, even he himself has said he did not give the fans of Atlanta what they deserved. I wish back then we had a dedicated Mike Vick, but we did not. Now I feel he has gown as a person and a player and wish him the best. I would love to see him get MVP, and the only the only reason I am not cheering for him to hoist the Lombardi on Feb 6 is because I am ture to my Falcons, and would really love to see Ryan and Smitty raising the Lombardi, as Roddy is named SB MVP.
Chop Buster
December 23rd, 2010
6:43 am
The MVP should be someone, that if he were not playing, the team would not function in the same. If you look at all the candidates which one would fit this description?
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December 23rd, 2010
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Tony
December 28th, 2010
2:18 am
hahhhhhahahahhaaha. all of you delusional falcons fans need to shut up. only one drive in an entire home game led to points tonight. you’ve only had 1 truly impressive win this year. i doubt you’ll win your first playoff game, certainly wont make it to the super bowl. everyone else saying anyone other than brady is the mvp is a joke. he’s ahead of vick in every statistical category except rushing yards and has less help (two undrafted running backs, two rookie tight ends, and a young defense that is ranked very low) this whole message board is a joke. brady will win whether y’all like it or not. vick is most improved player, and matty ice choked tonight as he will in playoffs and shouldn’t even be considered in the convo, there are 3 other qbs i’d take for 3rd place over him