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
Bosshog
December 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
Schultzy do you really expect to be considered a serious journalist when you mention bowwow?
Come on man. Did you actually quote a rapper?
Are you Serious
December 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
Matt Ryan for MVP? This blog is a joke
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
Joe Tess Fish House is it possible for you to be a bigger idiot….wait for it !
RealFan
December 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
All I will say is that Ryan in less than 3 years has a winning percentage of 73%. He is 32-12, 19-1 at home and just wins, period. He has or will have as many TD’s in his first 3 years as Vick did in 6, and while all want to talk about what Vick did to build the Falcons, his winning percentage for Atlanta was 56% at 38-28-1. No back to back winning seasons, NEVER threw for more than 3000 yards, a 54% completion rate. (Ryan’s is 63%).
I know this is a discussion about who is the MVP for this year, but I am so tired of hearing the talk about how good Vick was in Atlanta, what he did for the city and the team. What he did was SCREWED this city and this team. Although I commend him for finally deciding to dedicate himself to his profession and yes he has had a tremendous year, the fact that Matt Ryan came in as a rookie on the heels of the Vick and Petrino debacle, went 11-5 and took this team to the playoffs was a miracle. Yes as a rookie he lost the playoff game against Arizona, but so did Philly in the NFC Championship game with a veteran QB in McNabb.
Ryan isn’t flashy, doesn’t throw with the Brees numbers, although if he had to he could. (look at Baltimore game). He is 1 win away from tying Marino for the most wins EVER by a QB in his first three years. That includes the Manning brothers, Vick, Brees, Rivers, Favre, Starr, Stabauch, Bradshaw, Unitus, all of them. That is a feat within itself.
So if you want to put Ryan down, and raise Vick up, that’s fine, but back it up. And not with the Ryan hasn’t won a playoff game. That is coming and soon.
If you want to be a Vick fan, that is fine. But don’t say you are a Falcon fan and a Vick fan, and then come to the Ga. Dome with your Falcon #7 Vick jersey on. Be man or woman enough to put on your Green #7 Vick jersey because you aren’t a Falcon fan.
Over the course of time Ryan will rate with the best ever in the league.
Larry
December 21st, 2010
12:57 pm
Now off the race stuff and on to the actual question of MVP……
Right now I would pick Brady for two reasons. He has the better stats and his team would be mediocre without him. Vick is a close second because while he too has the stats, his team wouldn’t be much worse without him in my opinion. However, let Vick pull off another performance in the 4th quarter like he did Sunday and he just might get my vote.
On the other hand, if both Brady and Vick were not having lifetime years then my vote would go to Matt Ryan. Sure White has had a great season, but Mr. Ryan has engineered, I think, six or seven 4th quarter comebacks this season and without him the Falcons are probably a 6-6 team right now and that’s the definition of a “Most Valuable Player–what or where would his team be without him?
Bosshog
December 21st, 2010
12:58 pm
We want vicks, we want vicks, vick sells, vicks is on tv all the time damm it write an article about vicks.
we like vicks, we wants vicks, it’s vick’s world all day. we want vicks. oh vicks u da man. oh yeah vicks. vicks burns teams. vicks is hot.
we wants vicks.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
12:58 pm
when there is a mike vick ready to be handed an award he hasn’t earned.
Wow so Vick hasn’t earned anything to deserve the MVP. Dude have you even watched vick play ths year
RealFan
December 21st, 2010
12:58 pm
BTW, it’s not only the AJC that is talking of Ryan for MVP, look at the link below from the NY Times from Dec. 6.
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/matt-ryan-the-comeback-kid-for-m-v-p/
Vick Swings A Big Stick!
December 21st, 2010
12:59 pm
Vick Swings a Big Stick…..Tom Brady Is a Big Dick…….Matt Ryan Has Ice in His Veins….and some of Roddy White’s Catches are Insane!……………… Brady will win MVP……That’s Most Valuable Prick because that’s what that snob nose is!…………………If I had a Vote I would give it to White because now he is doing everything Right!With the Combo of Ryan and White THE FALCON’S ARE OUT OF SIGHT!
Nobody
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
MV7 for MVP
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.
————-
Put Vick in the AFC, and play those teams ranked in the top 10 D and do you think Vick still have that 10-1 as a starter? ravens, Jets, Packers, bears, chargers, steelers, etc…. i said team wins not starter VIck didnt even start all 14 games. Brady’s team is 12-2. Vick beat giants which is pretty much the only team ranked in the top 10 D, but look at Brady. I like football and watch them and give My honest view. I dont let my emotion in the way. I’m a colts fan and i still brave enough to give credit where it is due and Brady To ME (you may not agree) is the best QB (this season) right now in the league.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
rollo lawson I would vote for Rice or Powell IF they wanted to run…both have declined offers to run..both by the way have something in common with Palin…they are all more qualified to sit in the Oval office than the current occupant…
St. Clarkston
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
Ryan has had as much impact as Vick or Brady. It should be a three way race but espn doesn’t even know the falcons exist.
truth be told
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
“mv7 for mvp”
due, lemme try it once again – vick’s stats pale in comparison to brady’s.
and mvp are given awards for their numbers, not their backstory.
if u have an argument to the contrary, gimme some facts besides how great vick looks in the open field and how many rushing touchdowns he has. we’re talking NFL mvp, not who i would pick in madden football ‘11.
the facts are, vick has had his best season ever which puts him in the conversation, but the mvp goes to brady for the numbers he has put up: wins, yards, tds, passer rating.
maybe next year.
PMC
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
Man Uggs and Hair Plugs for everybody?
Terrell
December 21st, 2010
1:02 pm
how2fish
I can agree with that assessment. Do you think there would be that much hatred though? Do you see how people have seem to forgotten about what Ben did? Conviction or not, he has a prior incident similar to this, but nobody seeems to mention that (media) but every article or report I have read about Vick seems to somehow throw it that caveat about what he did.
PMC
Yes I am proud of what Vick has accomplished but in respect he will play second fiddle to My Falcons and the Franchise’s best QB Matt Ryan.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:02 pm
NFL Playoff Scenarios: Root For Bears If You Want To Avoid Eagles, Falcons Fans
by Jason Kirk • Dec 21, 2010 9:32 AM EST
You’ve seen it coming since Michael Vick first took over for the Philadelphia Eagles back in September against the Green Bay Packers: Vick vs. the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. The Eagles beat Atlanta soundly in Philly minus Vick and in Atlanta last year, though the latter was without Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and so forth.
The media really, really wants this to happen. Vick in the Georgia Dome is the only NFC Championship Game scenario that could possibly match last year’s New Orleans Saints vs. Brett Favre storylines. I, for one, do not want it to happen. If the Falcons are able to beat Vick in the playoffs and exorcise all the demons and what have you, then great. But let’s not take the chance if we can avoid it.
Thus, we root for the Chicago Bears to keep winning. They’ll take home field over the Eagles if they win out, regardless of what Philadelphia does. Besides the fact that you’d merrily take Jay Cutler in the Georgia Dome in January over Vick, this would also force Philly to play in round one. Vick would likely have to get through both a furious New York Giants team and the Bears to get to us.
Not scared of Vick — just keeping it real. This Eagles team carved up the Falcons with Kevin Kolb behind center.
Am I being a sissy coward of a worrywart? Do you want Vick in the playoffs?
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:04 pm
Bye the way this MVP vote is a little early this won’t be decided until after the Super Bowl..and folks if any of the top three win that game…guess who will be the MVP…and that’s a lock…
Dan Reeves
December 21st, 2010
1:04 pm
I hate to say it but Mike Smith is a better coach now then I was after I lost all those Super Bowls!
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:04 pm
St. Clarkston
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
Ryan has had as much impact as Vick or Brady. It should be a three way race but espn doesn’t even know the falcons exist.
LMAO!!!!!
Pepe
December 21st, 2010
1:05 pm
120th
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:06 pm
Big Ryan fan, not a big fan of the Con-vick, but Brady wins hands down over both as MVP. And if Peyton gets his team into the superbowl by some miracle with all the injuries they have had this year, he is the MVP.
rollo lawson
December 21st, 2010
1:07 pm
And I just bought me and my son a Matt Ryan jersey. Not because he is white, but because he is one heck of a football player and he is a Falcon. I would buy a Harvey Dahl jersey and a Scott Case throwback if I could find one. You know why? Because I like/liked the way they play/played. I rooted for Case when he went to Dallas and was happy when he won a Super Bowl ring. But Keith Brooking aka Highway 56, aka Brooking 3:16 gets no love because of his big mouth, lol!!!! Has nothing to do with a player’s skin color in my mind. For some reason, there are some players you just love more than others.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:08 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan nice to see that you are handling Ryan being 12-2 by hiding behind MV’s season since not even you can come up with anything showing what a loser Ryan is anymore..and Yes I’d love to see MV play us in the Dome man what a great game that would be..I was always taught to be the best you have to beat the best..that means to my mind the Eagles and MV here and Brady and the Pats in the Super Bowl..Go Falcons.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:08 pm
Power Poll: Big-play Eagles soar after giant miracle
Vinnie Iyer SN Icon Sporting News
The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles are among the best big-play teams in NFL history. In 14 games, they have had 73 plays go for 20-plus yards, scoring on 15 of them — both good for No. 1 in the league. They also average a league-best 6.3 yards per play.
Although Sunday’s rally from three touchdowns down in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants 38-31 was improbable, considering the Eagles’ quick-strike ability it wasn’t implausible. Michael Vick was responsible for most of the dazzle with his strong arm and fast legs, setting up fellow speedster DeSean Jackson to score the game-winning TD on a punt return.
Are you Serious
December 21st, 2010
1:09 pm
Matt Ryan for MVP? What a JOKE
bob
December 21st, 2010
1:09 pm
Who cares? Who will be the QB hoisting the Lombardi Trophy is all that matters.
PMC
December 21st, 2010
1:09 pm
Terell, If this were a bar, I’d buy you a beer. Cheers man. Fun year for our Falcons regardless of how the awards pan out.
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:10 pm
Vick is an ESPN, CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox story. They love the fact that a convicted felon is playing well, and he is. It makes for good reality television. I have no problem with Vick coming back and doing well. Good for him. He finally is giving to the game that gave to him in a BIG way.
At issue is without Brady, without Ryan, without Brees, their teams would be nothing. Without Vick, the Eagles would still contend. Not taking ANYTHING away from his marvelous season, but his stats and his value to the Eagles in not the same as Brady to the Patriots and Ryan to the Falcons.
Do I believe Ryan should win the MVP, no. Do I believe Vick should win the MVP, no. Do I believe Brady should win the MVP, yes. Why? Name one receiver besides Wes Welker that plays for the Patriots? Can You? And look at the stats. Hell they let Randy Moss go at the beginning of the year and Brady just ticks right along.
The discussion on the board about the Eagles possibly playing Atlanta in the NFC title game is lame at this time.
If Chicago wins out, and Atlanta does the same, they will have first round byes, (Chicago holds the tie breaker since they beat Vick and the Eagles) while Philadelphia will play one of the two wild card teams, probably the Giants for the 3rd time. It’s hard for ANY team to beat one team 3 times in the same year although the way the Giants crumble it’s possible, but yet difficult. In all likelihood IF the Eagles beat the Giants and if the Saints beat the NFC West division winning joke, you have the Bears playing the Eagles, in Chicago and the Saints coming back to Atlanta to play the Falcons. I do not, for any reason believe the Eagles would beat the Giants for the third time, nor do I believe the Eagles would beat the Bears if they did.
All I am saying, quit talking about the difficult road the Falcons would have in the playoffs. This team is capable of beating anyone. They are well coached, the time of possession keeps the other teams offense off the field while wearing down the defense and they believe, whether anyone else does or not.
jay
December 21st, 2010
1:10 pm
falcons showed everyone what they can do..i mean two players considered for MVP…where u at jets, steelers, saints and etc…
RYAN got mvp all day..
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:11 pm
Yes I’d love to see MV play us in the Dome man what a great game that would be
Another Blowout; Eagles 45 Falcons 14
T.O for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:11 pm
Without Owens the Bungles would have won 10-11 games by now!…If the Steelers or Ravens make it to the Super Bowl they ought to lobby for T.O. to be their MVP!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:12 pm
Week 15 power rankings
Posted by Mike Florio on December 21, 2010, 8:32 AM EST
With most playoff spots still undecided, there’s still only one semi-plausible way to draw lines among and between the league’s 32 teams.
Besides, we’ve been doing this for 14 weeks. We can’t stop now.
1. New England Patriots (No. 1; 12-2): A close win against a team starting an untested backup may have been the best way for coach Bill Belichick to get the Patriots to stop believing what everyone is saying about them.
2. Atlanta Falcons (No. 2; 12-2): Stomachs in Georgia already are full of butterflies in anticipation of the possibility that Mike Vick will be returning for the playoffs.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (No. 6; 10-4): Could the first season after the McNabb era be the season when the Eagles finally win a Super Bowl?
Vick for MVF
December 21st, 2010
1:14 pm
At this point of the Season Mike Vick has and edge over Big Ben for the MOST VALUABLE FELON Trophy!
Larry
December 21st, 2010
1:14 pm
Terrell,
You wrote: “Larry, you have a lot of people rooting against him because he’s black, but you don’t mention anything about that.”
Then let me say it– I don’t care for anyone who pulls for or against one because he is a particular color. And yes there are whites that pull against Vick because he is Black, etc, etc. However, I believe as a group blacks are more likely to pull and vote for someone simply because he/she is black than any other race. This is not true with most whites as it would have been impossible for Barak Obama to have been elected without a significant number of white votes.
I am big on integrity and simply doing the right thing, regardless of one’s color or religion, period! Agree with me or not, my integrity is beyond reproach and never will I be accused of being hypocritical! The day blacks-and whites–come together and consistenly chose the right things and the right person that will best serve Americans will be the day our county becomes great again.
KBP
December 21st, 2010
1:15 pm
To Vick is a Murderer: I have noticed that the VAST majority of the people who are NOT on the Vick bandwagon are WHITE. Does that make them racist? I certainly would be on his band wagon if he were white. I root for Josh Hamilton. Some blacks root for Vick because he is black and to understand that you would almost have to be black and live in America. I am not sure an explanation of that will enable someone who is not black to truly grasp the full meaning. So while Vick was his own worst enemy, many blacks are not going to throw him away as easily as others in society do. With the way he has carried himself since his release, how can anyone not root for him to succeed?
On another note, enough of this “he destroyed the franchise when he went to prison”. Bad management destroyed the franchise when he went to prison. If had torn his ACL in 2007 and missed the whole season the results would have been the same because the organization traded Matt Schaub and picked up Joey Harrington. 2007 was a terrible season because we had no good back-up quarterback not because Vick was in prison. Brady tore his ACL in 2008 and Matt Cassell took the Patriots to the playoffs.
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:15 pm
BTW, the MVP vote is PRIOR to the playoffs, not after.
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:16 pm
I love all the hate against Ryan – started from day 1, never had a losing season, playoffs 2 out 3 years, about to tie or pass marino as most wins in first 3 years, gave Falcons first back-to-back-back winning seasons. Falcons have won 70% of their games with an unbelievable record at home. And he gets called noodle arm and choke…… so funny, by morons that don’t know anything about football. My favorite is calling him boring, nothing boring about 12-2.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:16 pm
The Giants were averaging nearly 200 yards a game rushing the ball, with their 2-headed monster with Brandon (6′4 270lbs) Jacobs and with the change of pace faster back and the Eagles shut them down in the 1st game holding them to 39 rushing yards and on Sunday with 100 yards between the two of them.
Then Asante (shutdown) Samuels, who leads the NFL in picks, even after missing 3 games, didn’t get any throws on his side of the field. The Giants can pull that off because they have about 4 good receivers, but the Eagles were able to DOMINATE the Falcons because they shutdown the run and Asante shutdown Roddy, which meant weak armed Ryan was clueless.
So, the Giants were ranked 2nd “overrall” in defense and the Eagles scored 28 points in 8 minutes and 38 for the game. Just imagine how many points they will put on the Falcons soft defense.
That game will be over by the 1st quarter, just like the 1st meeting this season.
Wake up Jeff
December 21st, 2010
1:16 pm
JEFF – GET A CLUE!!!!
There’s an NFC MVP and an AFC MVP.
There’s not an NFL MVP.
DUH!!
What
December 21st, 2010
1:18 pm
@ howtofish – DUMMY, the MVP voting is done before the playoffs.
Go back to your knitting.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:19 pm
Terrell frankly I am surprised at the MV hate and the Matt Ryan hate going around bottom line they are both great players and a blast to watch play the game. I can sort of understand why some animal lovers can’t get past what MV did..frankly every time one of my 3 dogs jumps up on the coach and snuggles with me I understand it…he paid his dues and seems really sorry for what he did..that’s a great lesson for our youth…I can understand how some fathers (me included) that have daughters have a hard time forgiving Ben R for what he was alleged to have done..but what the devil has Matt Ryan done to deserve the scorn he gets..its a mystery to me…hell I hate the Jets but don’t have a axe to grind with Mark S.I want him to lose but don’t down play his ability..
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:19 pm
2008 Healthy Mike Turner in playoffs
2009 Unhealthy Mike Turner out of playoffs
2010 Healthy Mike Turner in playoffs
See a trend
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:19 pm
KBP, Oh come on, you gonna use that “you don’t understand, it’s a black thing” LMAO! Oh please. Thanks man, you made me laugh! Let’s see, the first time I heard that was ah about 35 years ago. HAHAHA…….
Matty Ice
December 21st, 2010
1:20 pm
MESSAGE TO YOU FOOL BLOGGERS:…….I might Blow a Few but I Don’t Choke On The Big Ones!
cjw
December 21st, 2010
1:21 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan , Can I honestly ask you why you are on here, there are several Philly sites to go to and bond with your new teams fans, I for one am glad Vick got his life together and has moved on to a new team and is very succesful. Time for you to move on and let the anger go, good luck!!!!
Truth be Told, I am biased against Brady, he should put up those kind of numbers and win. He is Tom Brady and they are the Patriots, I have watched every Philly game and wow, without Vick that team would be 8-6, I know not really a good argument !!!
Joe Tess Fish House
December 21st, 2010
1:21 pm
Flacons need 2 sigh TO after this season. If they ever want 2 go 2 the Superbowel, they beter do it. They blew it this season.
Dan the Nerd
December 21st, 2010
1:21 pm
Sorry, but I had to laugh at this post. Who can go to jail, come out and dominate? Hitler is the first name that came to mind. I’m just guessing that bowow did worse in history than I did.
Tom Brady’s hair should be named the MVP.
SuperB
December 21st, 2010
1:21 pm
Just our of curiousity, what are Philip Rivers’ numbers? I wouldn’t trade him for Ryan or White– and probably not Vick either. Rather have either him, Manning, or Brady than any other NFL QB’s.
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:22 pm
KBP,
You need to read the reason they traded Schaub. They traded him because of the piss poor two seasons that Vick had in 2005 and 2006 and Vick felt threatened by Schaub. The was one of the worst decision the Falcons made trying to make Vick feel at ease.
BUT>>>>without the Schaub trade the Falcons would be where they are today, with one of the best young QB’s in the game.
And for those fearing Vick coming to the Dome, why? I can guarantee this team is NOT the Giants, thank God. I would say the Falcons would beat them. Why, as the statement above said. This is a team that will wear down ANY defense. And although the Falcons D has holes, they don’t break, hence their #7 ranking in the NFL in points allowed, next to the Eagles #21 ranking. Plus the Eagles have lost their starting safety now for the season as well. Let Vick score 40, just so long the Falcons score 41 and that will be the way it would be.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
Michael Turner is the MVP for the Falcons