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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
593 comments Add your comment
timthebrave
December 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
I’m fine with you rooting for Vick or Brady winning MVP as you don’t root for them to beat the Falcons or cheer him on in the dome. Don’t buy playoff tickets if you aren’t a Falcons fan. Just watch reruns of the mike vick show if you are a fan of vick
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
Hey choke, you make me laugh, I give you points for sticking to your lame arguments for 3 years against stats and facts and reality, but you have stuck to your own delusional chants! Never change dude
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
vs Arizona in “only” playoff game
- 2 PICKS
- A fumble
- A safety
I when was the last time an elite qb had a safety in a playoff game?
Dudes a CHOKE and a JOKE
timthebrave
December 21st, 2010
1:25 pm
MV7, My vote would be Roddy White but Turner, Ryan, and Gonzalez are all reasons we are tops in NFC
White Dude
December 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
I am White and pull for Mike Vick for MVP………………..But that doesn’t mean my BLACK LABRADOR has too!
KBP
December 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
GregKennesaw… By the fact that you laugh proves my point.
timthebrave
December 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
It will depend on if Brady or Vick plays better last few games. Right now they are tied. Brady has the slight edge because he played more games but Vick is coming on strong. If Vick plays like he played against Giants in the next 2 weeks he will deserve MVP
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
Someone asked about P. Rivers stats this year. Unreal, that is what they are. As follows:
4141 Yards
29 TD
11 Int
67% Comp. rate
105.7 QB rating
Yet his team is 8-6
cjw
December 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
2006 healthy Vick missed playoffs
2005 healthy Vick missed playoffs
2004 healthy Vick made playoffs
2003 unhealthy Vick missed playoffs
2002 healthy Vick made playoffs Trying to understand how your brain works????
Last year both Ryan and Turner were hurt most of the year, when they came back we won 4 in a row including in New York (Jets) who played in AFC championship game. What happen to us in
2005 and 2006 why did we not make playoffs??? once again I am just trying to figure out your mindset not attacking
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
what point you moron?
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:29 pm
cjw, you’ll never understand how choke’s brain works
Ruff
December 21st, 2010
1:29 pm
I see there is a major race going on for the MVP with the front runners being Brady and Vick, but I see it this way. The Most Valuable Player award goes to the player most valuable to his team. Some are arguing about the Int’s or that Brady has 31 TD’s and Vick has 28 TD’s (3 less games). There are some that says give Brady the MVP, and Vick the Comeback or Most Improved. Neverthless, I look at the 2 like this, if I was starting a team who would I choose? Michael Vick- because the body of work he’s done far exceeds any other QB this year because his offensive line is the worst of all the good QB’s, thus lack of pass protection, and run blocking. Ryan even has big physical runners with his line, Brady, and Brees on most games great time in the pocket, as does the Manning brothers with Eli having a running game at his disposal.
So give me Vick- Thus my vote for MVP, cause sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story people.
KBP
December 21st, 2010
1:29 pm
Realist, trading Schaub because Vick felt threatened is still a poor magagement decision. If they felt Schaub was better, they should have traded Vick.
Are you Serious
December 21st, 2010
1:30 pm
Why are we talking about Noodle Arm for MVP? Is this a JOKE
Fred Macmurray
December 21st, 2010
1:31 pm
cjw,, Chokes mindset is Ryan Chokes and Vick is God,,,, thats about it… if your gonna try to have a reasonable conversation with this clown your in for a long afternoon
cjw
December 21st, 2010
1:31 pm
Joe Tess Fish House I think our recievers have played well this season, TO did have a great season, I think we need a speedster like Jackson from Philly that can fly down the field, TO has definately slowed down and does take plays off, had him on my fantasy team so I watched alot of there games on NFLticket
timthebrave
December 21st, 2010
1:33 pm
Are you serious, 12 and 2….pretty serious sh##
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:33 pm
It has been 13 seasons since anyone other that Vick has won a playoff game for the Falcons.
Please provide feedback
Joe Flacco ……. 1st rookie to go to Championship game
Mark Sanchez…….2nd rookie to go to Championship game
CHOKE…………… 1st rookie to have 4 turnovers in playoff game
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:33 pm
Matt Choke,
A rookie who took his team to 11-5, after a 4-12 season the year before, coming off an 8-8 and 7-9 Vick years, that’s who.
Oh and let’s thank mister Kieth Brooking for playing out of position on 4-15 that let the Cardinals score at the end of the game.
At least he wasn’t in his third year like Vick who gave this performance in the NFC Championship game in 2004.
Michael Vick finished the game with a QB rating of only 46.5. He completed only 11-of-24 passes for 136 yards and 1 costly INT.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:34 pm
Joe Tess Fish House I asked if you could be a bigger moron and with the trade for T.O comment you proved you can! Congrats ! Are you Serious we are talking about the 12-2 starting QB’s being MVP..thats all.
Ross
December 21st, 2010
1:35 pm
NFL story
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d115b3/article/vick-falcons-appear-on-collision-course-for-spot-in-super-bowl?module=HP_spotlight3col
Hey how about that? All this time I’ve been rooting on the Falcons without much thought about V-man, and didn’t realize how deluded I have been! Thanks for clearing that up Steve!
Really, there is NO coverage in the national media of the Falcons. NONE. On the Sporting News Falcons team page, the lead story was for a hockey game between the Bruins and Sabres – not making this up (have screen dump). You guys at the AJC need to kick some media a$$ and get this situation changed. You’re our media representatives – do something!
Who Dat Nation
December 21st, 2010
1:37 pm
MVP Race
1a Mike Vick
1b Tom Brady
3 Drew Brees
Matt Ryan nowhere to be found
cjw
December 21st, 2010
1:37 pm
Greg and Fred , I guess without Choke, fishhouse, MV7, we might get bored on here usually ready to bash them but trying reverse psychology today
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:38 pm
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:33 pm
Matt Choke,
A rookie who took his team to 11-5, after a 4-12 season the year before, coming off an 8-8 and 7-9 Vick years, that’s who.
________________________________________
In 2007 the Ravens were 5-11.
In 2008 the Ravens were in the Championship game
You want some Whine with that cheese?
Next excuse
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:38 pm
Let’s give the Ryan rookie playoff stats. Yes 2 int’s and a fumble but:
26 for 40 passing with 200yards
2 TD and a 65% completion rate.
Let’s see this year stats.
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:39 pm
Yeah but the Ravens didn’t have a convicted felon that went to jail right before the season started and a coach that quit with 3 games left.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:40 pm
Ruff I sorta under stand you on the who is most valuable for their team..but in that case it has to be Payton Manning this year without him the Colts would be win less.
Supes
December 21st, 2010
1:40 pm
Rivers has had a very good season, but the lack of a signature win…special teams collapses…and most of all, they are not guaranteed a playoff appearance if the Chiefs win out….those are all the things that will keep Phillip Rivers from the MVP.
MVP of the league will come from a playoff team (not a rule but how things work in general given that there are several very deserving guys on playoff teams)
If the Chargers were a 11-12 win team, I’m pretty sure Rivers would be right there with Brady for MVP considerations.
cjw
December 21st, 2010
1:41 pm
Finally a Saints idiot on here , I was getting bored of Choke anyway(go back to smoking crack we are done) Drew “interception” brees should definately win MVP , Go back and rewatch Arizonia, Atlanta, Cleveland game and come back and talk about Brees as number 3, what an idiot!!!!
GTBob
December 21st, 2010
1:41 pm
In their last 6 games Tom Brady has beaten all 6, 5 of those teams are probable playoff teams. Vick has beaten 5 of 6, 2 of which are probable playoff teams. Vick lost to the Bears, Brady dismantled them. Vick is good but it is going to take more to get up to Brady levels.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:42 pm
Who Dat Nation we are coming for you and Drew Monday night ! We will see who is no where to be found…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:42 pm
13 L-O-N-G years and the only playoff memories are Mike Vick….ha ha.
Ask Brett (2002 playoffs) who his role model is
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:42 pm
Matt Ryan will always Choke when the pressure on the line, while Vick leads his team to VICtory
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:43 pm
Ruff,
Vick has 20 TD’s passing. 103% rating and 5 int.
Brady has a 109% rating and 31 TD’s and only 4 INT which is incredible.
Supes
December 21st, 2010
1:43 pm
WhoDatNation…putting Brees in the top 3 for MVP is blind homerism….wouldn’t expect anything else from a delusional saints fan…enjoy your season and the beating coming to you next monday!
Rob Thomas
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
MV7, Choke
You love to talk trash about Matt Ryan because you’re both scared to death of him and the Falcons.
‘Nuff said.
Ross
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
Get this f-ing TOOL MV7 OFF THIS BLOG!! This blog is for Falcons fans and I’m g-d sick of seeing this moron’s comments slathered all over every Falcons blog – ban this simple SOB!! DO IT!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:39 pm
Yeah but the Ravens didn’t have a convicted felon that went to jail right before the season started and a coach that quit with 3 games left.
__________________________________________
I’m running out of “whine & cheese”, would you like a side order of NOODLE
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
MV7,
Yeah like Ryan choked against:
Chicago in 2008
Baltimore, Green Bay, the Bengals, Saints and Tampa Bay this year right?
14, 4th quarter and should be stated last minute wins in 3 years.
You are so full of it.
Who Dat Nation
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
Does Matt Ryan have a Superbowl Ring, or even a playoff win??? But Dree Brees Does and the Who Dat Nation will invade the trash city Atlanta Monday Night GO SAINTS!!!
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
MV7 for MVP 8-8 and 7-9 seasons that’s leading your team to victory…??? WTF are you talking about??
Realalist
December 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
Yeah Brees and his 20 int’s this year really make him MVP material
GregKennesaw
December 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
how2fish, I agree, manning has carried his team this year. without him they would have carolina’s record. of course these jock sniffers would never acknowledge that.
how2fish
December 21st, 2010
1:46 pm
Who Dat Nation we are going to make what we did to you and Drew in YOUR house look like a walk in the park..and not a walk in the 9th ward..trash this!
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
Eagles 31 Falcons 17, In the playoffs the score will be worse when Vick comes to the Dome
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
Rob Thomas
December 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
MV7, Choke
You love to talk trash about Matt Ryan because you’re both scared to death of him and the Falcons.
‘Nuff said.
_________________________________________________
People are scared of the clap but doesnt make it a good thing
Ross
December 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
BAN HIM!!!! GET THE F- RID OF THIS TOOL!!!!!
PMC
December 21st, 2010
1:48 pm
Drew Brees has 19 int’s this year and he’s got 2 games to go.
He’s trailing only Eli Manning in the league this year.
MV7 for MVP
December 21st, 2010
1:48 pm
how2fish How many playoff wins does Ryan have??? Next ??
Gator Man
December 21st, 2010
1:49 pm
Ok brady has not thrown a interception, but did brady run for 133 yards in one game? The Pat do what they do every year, but who is selling out the place in every city he goes to? Vick, Vick,