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
DawginLex
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
Who cause the fumble after someone threw a pick, without white the falcons have no other wideout playmakers and then TG won’t be so open
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
11:57 am
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
11:47 am
Matt Ryan has had many moments of greatness this season as well.
Yea throwing interceptions at key moments is greatness, the falcons would be nowhere without roddy white who caused the fumble against 49ers and the catch against the ravens
****************************************************
when have you bashed Ryan?
How much more proof do you want me to go find?
rollo lawson
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
The MVP is still up in the air, and it is between Vick and Brady, with Brady holding the slightest edge. If Vick has two more signature performances like the N.Y. game, the award is his. Don’t be surprised if we see co-MVPs, a la Peyton and McNair a few years back. That seems just as logical. Both are having career years.
“Larry” and “Vick is a Murderer” are two ignorant individuals. Let me ask you this question, if Sarah Palin was black, would white America embrace/glorify her and her family? I thought so, lol!!
MLH
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
MV7
Actually it is a debate considering Ryan is only in Year 3, and can break the record for most wins EVER by a quarterback in that amount of time. I never even said he was better than Vick. Just calling you out for bashing him for no reason other than your Vick crush.
Mike
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
@Larry … you’re wrong. Folks were mad at the town halls because he was convicted in the public eye before he was in court.
That’s all … this small minded black guy just wanted to get that in.
PMC
December 21st, 2010
12:27 pm
Mike, I think I’m in your camp man.
USAF92… SALUTE!
Tyler
December 21st, 2010
12:28 pm
MV7. Please shut up. As a Falcons fan i still pull for Michael Vick even after all that he did to tear down the franchise after he had built it up. But you are jealous that your “boy” Vick has been replaced by a better QUARTERBACK in Matt Ryan. Part of the MVP debate is settled in the Win Column, and Ryan has the edge there buddy. Enjoy your blind loyalty to the dog killer and I’ll enjoy our Superbowl.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:28 pm
I read that TO will not be sighed by the Bengals for next year. Mr Blanks U must go get TO. If U want this team 2 go 2 the Superbowel, U must have Quatily recievers on the rooster. If U dont do this ai am gone 4 ever as a fan.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:28 pm
MLH
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
MV7
Actually it is a debate considering Ryan is only in Year 3, and can break the record for most wins EVER by a quarterback in that amount of time. I never even said he was better than Vick. Just calling you out for bashing him for no reason other than your Vick crush.
NEWS FLASH: Nobody is talking about Ryan on any media network for MVP. Jeff only did that so you falcon fans won’t be left out
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
USAF92
December 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
How about this…
Tom Brady – MVP
Mike Vick – Comeback Player of the Year
Matt Ryan – Superbowl MVP
I’d take that without complaint.
I like it!
PMC
December 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
I think Farve’s transgressions are probably the closest to Vick’s trials and tribulations, but he’s never come close to the evolution that Vick has shown this year.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
Part of the MVP debate is settled in the Win Column, and Ryan has the edge there buddy
How many playoff wins does Ryan have????
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
hmmm, i like the sarah palin/mike vick analogy.
maybe we could lock them both in a closet and see what happens.
Tyler
December 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
And Pats For Life!!!, it’s “flash in the pan” not “flash in the pants”. Just trying to help you out buddy.
DawginLex
December 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
MV7,
Still say you never bashed Ryan?
Yeah, didn’t think you would have a comeback for the truth.
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:28 pm
MLH
December 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
MV7
Actually it is a debate considering Ryan is only in Year 3, and can break the record for most wins EVER by a quarterback in that amount of time. I never even said he was better than Vick. Just calling you out for bashing him for no reason other than your Vick crush.
NEWS FLASH: Nobody is talking about Ryan on any media network for MVP. Jeff only did that so you falcon fans won’t be left out
Well no duh…they never talk about the falcons but that isn’t Ryan’s fault. The only time they do talk about the falcons is when they lose…it stinks.
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:29 pm
hmmm, i like the sarah palin/mike vick analogy.
maybe we could lock them both in a closet and see what happens.
Idiot…sarah palin didn’t kill any dogs or do anything illegal. What a stupid thing to say!
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
yeah, the “flash in the pants” typo/screwup made me laugh.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
Well no duh…they never talk about the falcons but that isn’t Ryan’s fault. The only time they do talk about the falcons is when they lose…it stinks.
Its sad the falcons don’t get the respect they deserve on espn, like someone just picked the bears over them, they are a great team
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
no one said she did something illegal, katherine. work on your reading comprehension, sweetie.
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
Killing dogs is illegal….honey
john
December 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
When comparing Vick to Brady, I think Vick has been more valuable to his team for this year. So if he won the MVP, I’ve got no problem with it. He’s deserving. However, Brady is the better QB by far. I’d take Brady over Vick as my QB without any hesitation. Brady has proven what he can do & he’s still proving it. Vick has a long way to go to reach Tom Brady’s Status.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
DawginLex
December 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
MV7,
Still say you never bashed Ryan?
Yeah, didn’t think you would have a comeback for the truth.
The points you just made was my case for white for the MVP, I never bashed Ryan
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:35 pm
errr, for the record, i never said she did what mike vick did.
i said i like the analogy between redneck’s love affair for sarah palin, and black people’s love affair with mike vick.
both fly in the face of logic, but you will NEVER get a black person to say they don’t like mike vick, just like u will NEVER get a redneck to say they don’t like sarah palin.
thus the mike vick/sarah palin analogy.
katherine, u need me to say it again, with smaller words?
Larry
December 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
rollo,
Actually, if a black woman that has conservative values, family orientation, faith based beliefs, a dedicated wife and mother, I would vote for her in a second. Let Condoleezza Rice run for anything and she has the vote from this white boy!
You see, that’s where me andyou, and those like you, are so different–I vote and pull for the best of the HUMAN race while you vote and support exclusively the BLACK race! This is called “integrity”–look up the meaning!
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
lol no I don’t but thanks for the offer. I am not a redneck and I do like sarah palin. I don’t think putting them in the same paragraph is right. You don’t have to be condescending because I am a woman, sweetheart.
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
i am condescending to everyone. don’t think it’s because you’re a woman
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
Katherine needs 2 be at home cooking and cleaning. Otherwise she will never get her a man.
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
^moron
The Real Truth
December 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
Katherine needs 2 be at home cooking and cleaning. Otherwise she will never get her a man.
Amen, Keep speaking the truth. All women needs to be cooking and cleaning
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
Katherine needs 2 be at home cooking and cleaning. Otherwise she will never get her a man.
Typical…why don’t you cook and clean for yourself. Then you might get out of your momma’s basement.
Terrell
December 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
Vick is a Murderer
It’s kind of hard to think you’re not being a smart a** with a name like and asking the question you asked. Some of it does have to do with race because of all the sterotypes that has been out there. There are still people who feel a “African American” QB can’t lead a team consistently. The other issue is the fact that another African American has been made an example by the Federal Court and the NFL. Vick was suspended before he was sentenced and while we have come a long way as a country there are still times when many feel like we take a lot of steps backwards. I could go on but there’s no point to re-hash what is already known
My question to you sir, if Vick looked like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady do you think society would be as critical? If the animal in question was a deer (wildlife) would you have acted differently and would you have the screen name “Vick is a Murderer?”
I want you to look at how “Big Ben’s” case was handled. Regardless on the conviction or not the NFL and everybody across America seem to think dogs were more important than Women because the reaction was not as strong. What do you think the reaction would’ve been if Ben were African American?
And in your words, “I mean no disrespect if taken that way. I am just curious……”
WHAT ARE VOTERS THINKING?
December 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Let me start by saying that I hate the Patriots!………But how can anyone put Vick ahead of Tom Brady…What are they Smoking??.I’m not knocking Vick but he hasn’t started 3-4 of the Philidelphia games and has showed that he is a Dynamic Force when he is Coached Properly like he is now(Too bad the Falcons never had anyone that could coach or keep Vick in Line)…BUT………Brady has 2 Rookie tight ends,a short guy who packs some Wood(Woodhead)and another Short Guy(Welker) who they stole from the Dolphins for a 2nd round pick!.Also a Guy that was washed up in Seattle(Branch).a Motley Crew at Best!………No Interceptions in 8 games!.Shreaded the Steelers,Bears,Jets recently…..all good playoff teams…..A No Brainer!………..People who Vote for Vick just feel sorry for him……….What will he do after he gets that Hefty Contract after this season??Who Knows and Who really cares in Atlanta….I know I don’t….I don’t want to see Brady get Mvp either………now the Guy who Mentioned Matt Kassel makes sense to me….where would K.C. Be Without him………looking at who they would get with the first or second draft pick…that’s where!.Philly without Vick…still a good team with Kolb………..Patriots without Brady?………Right where the Dolphins are looking at another 7-9 season or worse!…..Sorry Matt…..Tom is the Sensible Pick!
cjw
December 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
As much as I don’t want to agree with MV7 for MVP, Mike Vick has taken the QB position to another level this year, and is by far THE MVP of the NFL( I guess give him comeback player also)
Ruff
December 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
I couldn’t agree more with the assessment that Vicks “Body Of Work” should exceed the 3 games he was out recovering from and (injury), which I think should have been pointed out. The 3 games missed isn’t like he was just sitting there and then replaced Kolb. Another point is would Brady still be still having MVP numbers under the same conditions as Vick due to a lesser talented offensive line, or what would Vick’s stats look like if he had the line that Brady has?
Though Brady, and Vick are the cream of the with 2 games remaining this season they clearly aren’t playing on level fields Vick- missing 3 games (who knows what stats he would have compiled in them), and Brady- having excellent protection (who knows how he would perform with the Eagles type of protection). Overall they are good at what they do with what they have.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
My momma no beter than to talk back to a man. U prolly look like Hillary.
Nobody
December 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
I’m not white nor black. In my view Tom brady is the best QB right now in the league (this season) and he should win the MVP, while Vick comeback is a great, and i tend to think that more of a comeback player of the year award. Brady pretty much out ranked Vick in every stats there are as a QB. MVP should be to the player playing the best throughout the league, and only based on stats ( team wins, TD/Int, rating, etc.) and shouldnt based on emotion. Vick made a mistake and paid his due and now he is a changed man, his story is unbelievable. However, MVP is the best player (usually only for QB type of award) Brady > Vick ( stats, rating, team wins, competition etc). Brady is even outplayed peyton manning, which dont often happend. Just my two cents.
Katherine
December 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
My momma no beter than to talk back to a man. U prolly look like Hillary.
LOL I hope your momma can spell unlike her son. Not every woman who likes sports and doesn’t take crap from idiots looks like hillary btw. A very stupid assumption..but look who it’s coming from.
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
really, cjw?
mike vick is by far the mvp?
even though brady has thrown for 31 tds to mike vick’s 20? and has more wins?
what exactly are u judging mvps on these days? the greatest number of felony convictions?
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
Tom brady is the best QB right now
Are you serious? Dude Tom brady can’t do anything Vick is doing to Great defenses right now.
People in atlanta r a joke
December 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
I have read many blogs from various cities and its a damn shame how people in atlanta make everything abt race yet nobody in that city has the heart to try and put that bull$#@t to rest. Its almost 2011 and you people r just as racist as the folks were in the 50’s. Only in this society can a person be openly racist but the minute they speak against homosexuality(atlanta is the mecca for gays) they are looked at like they are public enemy number 1. Back to the topic had vick played the entire season then he would be mvp hands down but depending on how these last two games go I think brady wins by a hair
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:50 pm
even though brady has thrown for 31 tds to mike vick’s 20? and has more wins?
Vick has 28 total tds and is 10-1 as a starter
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
12:50 pm
Prepare your eyes, and ears, for Vick’s return to Atlanta
Posted to: Sports Tom Robinson
Tom Robinson
Sports columnist for The Virginian-Pilot
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 21, 2010
A few things…
You do realize where all this is headed right?
Sunday, Jan. 23, 3 p.m. in the Georgia Dome. The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC championship and a Super Bowl berth.
Michael Vick, back where it all came crashing down.
My oh my. Pad your walls. Find your ear plugs. Prepare now for every sonic Tweet, commentary and media roar – present company very much included – that will bombard your world if this transpires, because it’s going to get noisy.
The din already enveloping Vick and his combustible Eagles (10-4) hides the fact that Atlanta (12-2) is one win from locking up top seed in the NFC and home field through the postseason. The Falcons are 6-0 in their dome this season, 19-3 there the last three seasons.
Usually, I disrespect teams that play the “disrespect” card, but the overlooked Falcons might have a case. They’ve lost only to the Steelers, 15-9 in the opener, and the Eagles, 31-17 in Philly in October, but don’t get nearly the media credit or attention merited by a 12-2 club.
The path’s not been the toughest: Atlanta has beaten five teams with winning records, including 8-6
Tampa Bay twice. Then again, same for the Eagles; five victories over winners, though two fewer overall.
Know what? Nobody’s going to care about any of that if these guys are still standing in a month. So clear that afternoon to be ready. You have been warned.
An ensuing drama with Vick is the richness of his next price. He can be a free agent, but at worst, the Eagles will lock him up with their “franchise” tag – or what passes for that status depending on the NFL’s labor talks. But there’s little question that Vick, potentially the league’s offensive Player of the Year, will stay an Eagle or that he wants to stay, as he’s said, because they offered him his chance when he was toxic.
A source familiar with Vick’s contract plans, who requested confidentiality, told me weeks ago Vick would aim for the $15 million-a-year range. One would presume that number’s higher now. As a handy reference, the four-year extension signed this season by New England’s Tom Brady, another MVP contender, was for $18 million per, with $48.5 million guaranteed.
To be sure, this season’s soundtrack for Vick, who’s emerging from bankruptcy and has countless debtors, is one note, played on an endless loop: ch-ching ch-ching ch-ching.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
12:51 pm
So sory. I guess U look liek Rosie ODonald
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
12:51 pm
Terrell to answer your question society would be more critical of Brady/Ryan is they had committed the same crime..there would be none of that “its in my upbringing” song and dance..Mike paid for his crime he got a 2nd chance and he is by all indications making the most of it..and my hat is off to him for it.
Injury Proon
December 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
Joe Tess,,, I dont think Mr Blank wants to go to the superbowel,,,, I’m just sayin
rollo lawson
December 21st, 2010
12:52 pm
Condoleeza Rice is smart and qualified to be president, Sarah Palin is not. Also, are tea partiers and conservatives pushing Condoleeza to run in 2012? Not!!! Also, I’ve voted for both white and black candidates for President in my lifetime. Can you say the same? Let me guess, none of those black candidates possessed those “All-American” values you referenced.
PMC
December 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
Terrell, doesn’t it make you really proud though that even though they threw the book at Mike for his part in the crime, he’s succeding and thriving inspite of it?
Terrell
December 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
Larry
You have a lot of people rooting against him because he’s black, but you don’t mention anything about that. I’m happy with Matt Ryan at QB and I’m a Falcon fan before anything or anybody else, but you know what? Not everybody watches the game like that. A lot of casual fans have their favorite players rather than the team and will cheer the player on.
I don’t diagree with you but you also have to acknowledge the other half as well when it comes to this issue. Yes, you will have some that want him to be MVP because he’s black but then you will have some that want Tom Brady to be MVP because he’s white, and then you will have some on either side who will want Brady or Vick for various reasons, but the winner of the MVP should be the player that is most valuable to his team’s success this year and right now it’s hard to pick one over the other, but I want Matt Ryan to win MVP!
rollo lawson
December 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
If you haven’t figured it out,that was for you Larry.
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
so brady has more wins, more games started, more games finished, more passing yards, a higher passer rating, more touchdowns (all to a weaker WR corps) and vick has more rushing touchdowns? and more hype from past mistakes?
well, then i stand corrected. vick is obviously more deserving of the mvp award this year. it would be a crime (oopos, there’s that word again) to give it to the better qb when there is a mike vick ready to be handed an award he hasn’t earned.