Current Frontrunner for MVP? (2 Viewers)

[Tybeeman]

To Andy's point

If MVP is meant for the Best player in the league, regardless of team record, I would have no issue giving it to Brees at this point.

If MVP is meant who is the most valuable player to his teams success and who's performing better than anyone else, my vote would be for Big Ben. No way are the Steelers 4-1 without Ben.

 

[Jason Wood]

Historically QBs always have the leg up here. For a RB to win, he usually needs to lead the league in scoring and be at or near the top in total yards, to boot. I'm not sure any RB fits that bill right now, as Reggie Bush leads in total TDs but 3 are for returns. There are, as usual, some very strong QBs out there. Historically the QB usually mans a top 5 overall offense, plays for a division winner and is putting up monster numbers.

I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

We need a better definition of what MVP means.What is this player most valuable to? His team? The league?In my mind, the award should go to the leagues "best" player. The one that's at the very top of his game for the majority of the season and has the biggest impact on the outcome of games. That leaves two candidates, IMO, and they've already been mentioned.1. Drew Brees2. Clinton Portis

you say "has the biggest impact on the outcome of games", yet the #1 of only 2 people who you think qualify has a 3-3 record. doesn't make sense. you can't have it both ways.

They're not mutually exclusive. New Orleans lost to Washington and Denver because they didn't play defense. Brees doesn't play defense and without him they would have been blowouts.The Minnesota game is a black mark, but IIRC, at least one of the INTs was due to a WR juggling the ball. And that loss was as much due to officiating as anything.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Historically QBs always have the leg up here. For a RB to win, he usually needs to lead the league in scoring and be at or near the top in total yards, to boot. I'm not sure any RB fits that bill right now, as Reggie Bush leads in total TDs but 3 are for returns. There are, as usual, some very strong QBs out there. Historically the QB usually mans a top 5 overall offense, plays for a division winner and is putting up monster numbers.I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

Bush should also be in the conversation because he is 2nd in the league in receptions and is obviously having an impact on the return game.He has to fight the perception of what a RB should be, which is tough.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars.

He changed the entire complexion of the AFC race.

 

[Jason Wood]

Historically QBs always have the leg up here. For a RB to win, he usually needs to lead the league in scoring and be at or near the top in total yards, to boot. I'm not sure any RB fits that bill right now, as Reggie Bush leads in total TDs but 3 are for returns. There are, as usual, some very strong QBs out there. Historically the QB usually mans a top 5 overall offense, plays for a division winner and is putting up monster numbers.I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

Bush should also be in the conversation because he is 2nd in the league in receptions and is obviously having an impact on the return game.He has to fight the perception of what a RB should be, which is tough.

Whether Bush should be in the discussion, I can't put him in said discussion for the reasons you allude. RBs have a hard time winning the award and, when they do, it's because they're historically dominant both against their peers that year and against the record books.

 

[TheGooRoo]

Big Ben has the Steelers at 4-1, and he's playing hurt, and the Steelers have no running game. Easy choice for me.

Stats have to be taken into account a little bit....Big Ben is averaging less than 190 passing yards per game. AT THIS POINT, that won't get the job done.

 

[baconisgood]

Big Ben has the Steelers at 4-1, and he's playing hurt, and the Steelers have no running game. Easy choice for me.

Stats have to be taken into account a little bit....Big Ben is averaging less than 190 passing yards per game. AT THIS POINT, that won't get the job done.

PTS15.8(3rd)YDS231.6(2nd)PASS YDS164.8(4th)RUSH YDS66.8(2nd)The Steelers D is the real reason they are playing this way. Under 200 yards passing and <1.5 TDs per game isn't going to get him the MVP (and it shouldn't).

 

[ATC1]

Historically QBs always have the leg up here. For a RB to win, he usually needs to lead the league in scoring and be at or near the top in total yards, to boot. I'm not sure any RB fits that bill right now, as Reggie Bush leads in total TDs but 3 are for returns. There are, as usual, some very strong QBs out there. Historically the QB usually mans a top 5 overall offense, plays for a division winner and is putting up monster numbers.I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

Bush should also be in the conversation because he is 2nd in the league in receptions and is obviously having an impact on the return game.He has to fight the perception of what a RB should be, which is tough.

Whether Bush should be in the discussion, I can't put him in said discussion for the reasons you allude. RBs have a hard time winning the award and, when they do, it's because they're historically dominant both against their peers that year and against the record books.

Would you even consider Bush as a RB for the Most Valuable "Player". If he leads the league in receptions, TDs and Punt return yards at the end of the season, how can he not be in the discussion. Portis on the other hand, I will agree with you. Is QB rating a stat to look at when discussing the MVP for a QB? I would think a team would have to win it's divison. Because the player would have to show that they can find ways to win even if it's to overcome a bad defense, penalties, bad calls, TO, or missed FGs.

 

[baconisgood]

I think that Rodgers deserves at least a mention here. Clearly the Packers will have to be over 0.500 for him to have a shot but hes currently on pace for 3900 yards, 37 TDs and 11 INTS with 300 yards rushing. Those individual numbers would garner him a few votes.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think the thing to remember is there are a LOT of deserving candidates right now. The season is too early so many of these guys haven't separated themselves enough. For now, there are five or six passers that are bunched up in what looks to be an top tier. These are the guys most likely vying for Pro Bowl nods and, one of them will probably pull ahead to win the MVP depending on how his team finishes the season. As to the RBs, I just don't see how Bush will get the votes even if he deserves consideration.

 

[kaa]

In a discussion about real NFL football and not fantasy, this has to be Albert Haynesworth. I think most knowledgeable people agree that at this point in his career, he is completely unblockable. He is such a disruptive force on the line that it is a nightmare for any offense facing them. It has to be Haynesworth. There is not one OL that is going to win the battle in the trenches against the Titans because of this guy.

I think its an easy call.

 

[Jason Wood]

In a discussion about real NFL football and not fantasy, this has to be Albert Haynesworth. I think most knowledgeable people agree that at this point in his career, he is completely unblockable. He is such a disruptive force on the line that it is a nightmare for any offense facing them. It has to be Haynesworth. There is not one OL that is going to win the battle in the trenches against the Titans because of this guy.I think its an easy call.

When I discuss things like MVP, I generally try to focus on who I think WILL win based on historical criteria. I'm not going to argue with you that Hayneworth has been a BEAST and is one of the major disrupters in the game today. That said, defensive tackles don't win the NFL MVP award. Maybe that's unfair, but it's the way things are.

 

[kaa]

In a discussion about real NFL football and not fantasy, this has to be Albert Haynesworth. I think most knowledgeable people agree that at this point in his career, he is completely unblockable. He is such a disruptive force on the line that it is a nightmare for any offense facing them. It has to be Haynesworth. There is not one OL that is going to win the battle in the trenches against the Titans because of this guy.I think its an easy call.

When I discuss things like MVP, I generally try to focus on who I think WILL win based on historical criteria. I'm not going to argue with you that Hayneworth has been a BEAST and is one of the major disrupters in the game today. That said, defensive tackles don't win the NFL MVP award. Maybe that's unfair, but it's the way things are.

If the Titans wind up the top seed in the AFC (which I think is a real possibility) he's got a good shot at the award, imo.

 

[Warhogs]

I guess I'm not sure if we are talking about who we would vote MVP or who would win it right now.

If it is who would win it I think Eli is winning by a landslide.

If it is who we think should win it I think it is a toss up but I still could not at least consider Eli Manning.

 

[renesauz]

The way the MVP award is typically awarded, there are half a dozen legit contenders at this point, all of them mentioned several times in here (Cutler, Brees, Portis, etc.) Another QB with good stats not being mentioned is McNabb. He's put up very good numbers while his receiving corps leads the league in drops. Not a serious contender right now, but certainly one to watch.

The way an MVP should be decided, IMO, is the player who has the biggest impact on his own team's win/loss record and prospects.

In that context, I like Matt Ryan. Obviously, the Falcons would have to keep winning games for him to remain in the race (say...at least 9 games altogether?). I don't think they sniff 6 wins with any of their other QB's at the helm. At this point, he's at the very least a front-runner for ROY.

 

[Jason Wood]

In a discussion about real NFL football and not fantasy, this has to be Albert Haynesworth. I think most knowledgeable people agree that at this point in his career, he is completely unblockable. He is such a disruptive force on the line that it is a nightmare for any offense facing them. It has to be Haynesworth. There is not one OL that is going to win the battle in the trenches against the Titans because of this guy.

I think its an easy call.

When I discuss things like MVP, I generally try to focus on who I think WILL win based on historical criteria. I'm not going to argue with you that Hayneworth has been a BEAST and is one of the major disrupters in the game today. That said, defensive tackles don't win the NFL MVP award. Maybe that's unfair, but it's the way things are.

If the Titans wind up the top seed in the AFC (which I think is a real possibility) he's got a good shot at the award, imo.

History says otherwise.Only two defensive players have ever won the award, the last being Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play...award_apmvp.htm

Defenders are kind of like pitchers in baseball. They're often not given legitimate consideration for the MVP because voters feel like they're already recognized for their own award (i.e., Defensive Player of the Year as compared to Cy Young).

He's a beast though.

 

[Jason Wood]

The way the MVP award is typically awarded, there are half a dozen legit contenders at this point, all of them mentioned several times in here (Cutler, Brees, Portis, etc.) Another QB with good stats not being mentioned is McNabb. He's put up very good numbers while his receiving corps leads the league in drops. Not a serious contender right now, but certainly one to watch.The way an MVP should be decided, IMO, is the player who has the biggest impact on his own team's win/loss record and prospects.In that context, I like Matt Ryan. Obviously, the Falcons would have to keep winning games for him to remain in the race (say...at least 9 games altogether?). I don't think they sniff 6 wins with any of their other QB's at the helm. At this point, he's at the very least a front-runner for ROY.

I think replacement value has to be considered. You take the starting QBs from how many other teams and put them on the Falcons, and you honestly think they win less games than they do with Ryan? Kid is having a solid start to his career, but c'mon now.

 

[Road Warriors]

The way the MVP award is typically awarded, there are half a dozen legit contenders at this point, all of them mentioned several times in here (Cutler, Brees, Portis, etc.) Another QB with good stats not being mentioned is McNabb. He's put up very good numbers while his receiving corps leads the league in drops. Not a serious contender right now, but certainly one to watch.

The way an MVP should be decided, IMO, is the player who has the biggest impact on his own team's win/loss record and prospects.

In that context, I like Matt Ryan. Obviously, the Falcons would have to keep winning games for him to remain in the race (say...at least 9 games altogether?). I don't think they sniff 6 wins with any of their other QB's at the helm. At this point, he's at the very least a front-runner for ROY.

I think replacement value has to be considered. You take the starting QBs from how many other teams and put them on the Falcons, and you honestly think they win less games than they do with Ryan?

Kid is having a solid start to his career, but c'mon now.

I'm assuming he means on the ATL roster.

 

[PatrickT]

The way the MVP award is typically awarded, there are half a dozen legit contenders at this point, all of them mentioned several times in here (Cutler, Brees, Portis, etc.) Another QB with good stats not being mentioned is McNabb. He's put up very good numbers while his receiving corps leads the league in drops. Not a serious contender right now, but certainly one to watch.The way an MVP should be decided, IMO, is the player who has the biggest impact on his own team's win/loss record and prospects.In that context, I like Matt Ryan. Obviously, the Falcons would have to keep winning games for him to remain in the race (say...at least 9 games altogether?). I don't think they sniff 6 wins with any of their other QB's at the helm. At this point, he's at the very least a front-runner for ROY.

I think replacement value has to be considered. You take the starting QBs from how many other teams and put them on the Falcons, and you honestly think they win less games than they do with Ryan? Kid is having a solid start to his career, but c'mon now.

Six weeks ago this team couldn't win if you put a pop warner team in from of them. Now, half the QBs in the league would win on this team. What a difference a few weeks can make. DISCLAIMER: Not calling you out, have no idea what your take was six weeks ago, just commenting on general consensus thoughts I've seen.End

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Right now, Brees and Rivers (in that order) are #1 and #2 in net yards per pass; Rivers and Brees (in that order) are #1 and #2 in passer rating; and Rivers and Brees (in that order) are #1 (tied) and #3 in touchdown passes.

I think it's hard to make a case for any QBs other than them right now.

 

[bonesman]

CLINTON PORTIS!

First guy that came to my mind... and I don't even have him on any fantasy teams this year.

 

[Tau837]

I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

Why did you exclude Rivers and Favre?Rivers: 6 games, 3-3 record (but should be 4-2), 102/165 (61.8%), 1489 yards (9.02 ypa), 14 TDs, 4 interceptions, 8 sacks, 109.4 QB ratingFavre: 5 games, 3-2 record, 112/157 (71.3%), 1124 yards (7.16 ypa), 13 TDs, 6 interceptions, 12 sacks, 103.0 QB ratingBrees: 6 games, 3-3 record, 159/224 (71.0%), 1993 yards (8.90), 12 TDs, 6 interceptions, 6 sacks, 105.0 QB ratingWarner: 6 games, 4-2 record, 149/213 (70.0%), 1708 yards (8.02 ypa), 12 TDs, 5 interceptions, 13 sacks, 102.8 QB ratingRomo: 6 games, 4-2 record, 128/200 (64.0%), 1689 yards (8.45 ypa), 14 TDs, 5 interceptions, 7 sacks, 103.5 QB ratingCutler: 6 games, 4-2 record (but should be 3-3), 146/228 (64.0%), 1694 yards (7.43 ypa), 12 TDs, 5 interceptions, 2 sacks, 94.8 QB ratingEli: 4 games, 4-0 record, 84/132 (63.6%), 1032 yards (7.82 ypa), 6 TDs, 1 interception, 5 sacks, 99.7 QB ratingIMO Romo will fall out of consideration due to his injury (and he also suffers somewhat from the better supporting cast argument... others will be looked upon as doing more with less).Eli has played 1-2 fewer games so far... IMO it is a bit premature to put him in this group.McNabb, Roethlisberger, and Campbell were mentioned, but there is too much better (so far) competition at QB IMO.Not making the playoffs will probably knock at least a couple of the guys above out of contention.And, finally, you have to ask what teammates might be viable candidates themselves, and thus draw votes away from the QBs? At this stage, I'd say Romo (Barber), McNabb (Westbrook), Eli (Jacobs), Campbell (Portis), and Brees (Bush) might all suffer to varying degrees due to that factor.IMO Brees, Favre, Rivers, and Warner (in no particular order) are the strongest contenders at this point.

 

[Jason Wood]

I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

Why did you exclude Rivers and Favre?Rivers: 6 games, 3-3 record (but should be 4-2), 102/165 (61.8%), 1489 yards (9.02 ypa), 14 TDs, 4 interceptions, 8 sacks, 109.4 QB rating

Favre: 5 games, 3-2 record, 112/157 (71.3%), 1124 yards (7.16 ypa), 13 TDs, 6 interceptions, 12 sacks, 103.0 QB rating

Brees: 6 games, 3-3 record, 159/224 (71.0%), 1993 yards (8.90), 12 TDs, 6 interceptions, 6 sacks, 105.0 QB rating

Warner: 6 games, 4-2 record, 149/213 (70.0%), 1708 yards (8.02 ypa), 12 TDs, 5 interceptions, 13 sacks, 102.8 QB rating

Romo: 6 games, 4-2 record, 128/200 (64.0%), 1689 yards (8.45 ypa), 14 TDs, 5 interceptions, 7 sacks, 103.5 QB rating

Cutler: 6 games, 4-2 record (but should be 3-3), 146/228 (64.0%), 1694 yards (7.43 ypa), 12 TDs, 5 interceptions, 2 sacks, 94.8 QB rating

Eli: 4 games, 4-0 record, 84/132 (63.6%), 1032 yards (7.82 ypa), 6 TDs, 1 interception, 5 sacks, 99.7 QB rating

IMO Romo will fall out of consideration due to his injury (and he also suffers somewhat from the better supporting cast argument... others will be looked upon as doing more with less).

Eli has played 1-2 fewer games so far... IMO it is a bit premature to put him in this group.

McNabb, Roethlisberger, and Campbell were mentioned, but there is too much better (so far) competition at QB IMO.

Not making the playoffs will probably knock at least a couple of the guys above out of contention.

And, finally, you have to ask what teammates might be viable candidates themselves, and thus draw votes away from the QBs? At this stage, I'd say Romo (Barber), McNabb (Westbrook), Eli (Jacobs), Campbell (Portis), and Brees (Bush) might all suffer to varying degrees due to that factor.

IMO Brees, Favre, Rivers, and Warner (in no particular order) are the strongest contenders at this point.

Totally forgot Rivers mainly b/c the stats I was looking at didn't have last night's game included so I was comparing apples to oranges. Good catch JWB.I didn't include Favre because the Jets offense isn't potent enough in aggregate nor is the team good enough [right now] to overtake the other QBs in the running.

 

[Perfect Tommy]

The offseason was all about Favre. After the Pack uncerimoniously relagated him to the trash heap, he comes back and lead the 4-12 NYJ to the playoffs?! If he can do that while putting up great numbers he will be in contention for the award. Jett Favre is still the only QB in the league that can win games through sheer force of will. That would pretty much end the discussion of who the greatest QB in NFL history is.

 

[gigantor]

warner turns it over too much for my vote..

Portis

Eli

Brees

Orton !

 

[Tau837]

I didn't include Favre because the Jets offense isn't potent enough in aggregate nor is the team good enough [right now] to overtake the other QBs in the running.

I assume Favre won't maintain his current pace, but then again, most of the others probably won't either.For now, he's on pace for 3600 passing yards, 42 passing TDs, and very possibly a playoff berth. On a team that was 4-12 last season and in the bottom quarter of the league in passing. There is a long way to go, but if he is in the same relative position within this group at the 3/4 mark of the season as he is at the 1/4 mark, IMO he'll be a leading MVP contender.

 

[Bermuda_Chub]

If the Colts make the playoffs, I would give it to Peyton. He's carried the Colts on his back for the first third of the season on a gimpy leg. Two of his come-from-behind wins have been the stuff of NFL Films lore.

 

[Bri]

Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars.He changed the entire complexion of the AFC race.

wha?

 

[Bri]

if you guys don't mind, please post your thoughts on Jacobs after you see him tonight. thanks

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

There is a lot of love for Portis in this thread and deservedly so. But at this point in the season since that is the fun of this thread M. Turner is at least in consideration.

Portis has definitely been more consistent but watching the Atl game yesterday it was very apparent that Atl still has some work to do in the run blocking department. Turner is struggling against good defenses because he has absolutely no where to go. Turner has struggled against TB, Car, and Chi who are 3 elite run blocking defenses. Yet Turner is less then 50 yards rushing away from Portis and Turner's team has just as many wins at 4 as the Redskins. However, the Redskins are a playoff caliber team from last year whereas the Falcons were bad and have a rookie QB at the helm. If Turner leads the league in the rushing and the Falcons make the playoffs he has to be in consideration. And Ryan would be ROY and M. Smith coach of the year.

I am very impressed with what is going on in Atl following the Vick debacle.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Eli Manning

Then Clinton Portis and Drew Brees

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

if you guys don't mind, please post your thoughts on Jacobs after you see him tonight. thanks

Is he going to be different than what we've seen other weeks?He's a big bruising back that's tough to bring down after he gets started. The Giants offensive line does a great job of opening holes for him, especially on their left side and I've seen several occasions this year where he's not even touched till 10 yards downfield.The way to stop Jacobs or any big back is to get at him right at the line of scrimmage before he gets going. It's a lot easier said than done with the quality offensive line the Giants have.

 

[baconisgood]

There is a lot of love for Portis in this thread and deservedly so. But at this point in the season since that is the fun of this thread M. Turner is at least in consideration. Portis has definitely been more consistent but watching the Atl game yesterday it was very apparent that Atl still has some work to do in the run blocking department. Turner is struggling against good defenses because he has absolutely no where to go. Turner has struggled against TB, Car, and Chi who are 3 elite run blocking defenses. Yet Turner is less then 50 yards rushing away from Portis and Turner's team has just as many wins at 4 as the Redskins. However, the Redskins are a playoff caliber team from last year whereas the Falcons were bad and have a rookie QB at the helm. If Turner leads the league in the rushing and the Falcons make the playoffs he has to be in consideration. And Ryan would be ROY and M. Smith coach of the year.I am very impressed with what is going on in Atl following the Vick debacle.

Portis has nealy 100 combined yards on Turner, hes clearly a step below in production to this point.

 

[Bri]

if you guys don't mind, please post your thoughts on Jacobs after you see him tonight. thanks

Is he going to be different than what we've seen other weeks?He's a big bruising back that's tough to bring down after he gets started. The Giants offensive line does a great job of opening holes for him, especially on their left side and I've seen several occasions this year where he's not even touched till 10 yards downfield.The way to stop Jacobs or any big back is to get at him right at the line of scrimmage before he gets going. It's a lot easier said than done with the quality offensive line the Giants have.

nah not necessarily you, some guys don't watch as much football is all.He's pretty vanilla in most highlights and (IMO) you appreciate him more watching him. I don't think everyone realizes just how big and fast a 1-2 punch Jacobs and then Ward are. (Esp some Bradshaw fans around here) They rrrreally wear down a D by the 4th Q. Teams get stupid and/or lazy when they're tired too.For example, I think yesterday Barber earned that gimme 70 yarder up the sideline. Although I did think they used him almost too much...another discussion, another time. The Cards D was playing well and with alot of heart. On that 70 yarder though, they didn't hustle to him and those were some of the weakest tackle attempts I've seen in quite a while. I think Barber earned that and beat em' up so many times before that play, they were just too tired. That might be the easiest 70 yarder he ever gets.I think Jacobs does that every game or almost every game. Granted, he doesn't usually get to reap the rewards because little Bradshaw comes in or Ward does but, he does that.I read in article recently that Ward averages 10 yards a carry in the 4th and Bradshaw is almost 7. Those are pretty gaudy averages.Eli, Plax, D-line, and even Tyree get so much credit for their Supe win, I feel like some folks lost sight of a terrific offensive line and an "oh my he's big" back barrelling down on a D. Maybe that just makes me root for them to get a bit more exposure.

 

[MDSkinner]

if you guys don't mind, please post your thoughts on Jacobs after you see him tonight. thanks

JMO, but the thing with both Jacobs and Reggie Bush that they are not even the most valuable players on their own teams (Eli and Brees) at least not from my perspective. Portis is a different story, which is why he seems to be in the running here and those other two do not. One could argue that Jacobs would not be what he is without Eli and that Bush would not be close to what he is without Brees, but that the reverse is not true. This is not necessarily the cause, but I think that is the perception.

 

[bcr8f]

CLINTON PORTIS!

PortisBreesFitzgeraldCutlerRiversJennings

I wouldn't include a WR in this.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars.He changed the entire complexion of the AFC race.

wha?

He's the one who landed on VY's knee in the opener, thus making the Titans a reliable, consistent team on offense to go with their powerful defense. No way they'd be undefeated if Vince had kept starting.On a more serious note, I think Brees may end up with offensive player of the year rather than MVP, especially if the Saints fall short of the post season or remain around .500. If they get their act together and get at or near the top of a very tough division, I think it's probably his to lose.I think Haynesworth is an interesting option, but I seriously doubt enough voters will give it to a defensive player, let alone one who has been known to stomp on faces in the not-too-distant past. I wonder if anyone would consider Finnegan ahead of Haynesworth for Def POY.Portis is a definite possibility if he keeps up his current production and the Redskins stay in the hunt, but if they fall short of the playoffs I think his chances are even lower than Brees' just for the QB factor.Eli's the leader of the undefeated superbowl champs (anyone thinking a Giant other than Eli would get a vote is kidding themselves), but I still can't get over the fact that this is the same Eli who was so erratic for most of the year last year.I think Rivers could rise to the top if SD bounces back to the top of their division by the end of the year, especially if LT continues to underwhelm. (If Denver can score their way to the division title, then Cutler gets serious consideration, but I just don't think that will happen). Warner will have to cut down on the mistakes and stay healthy but anyone who can make the Cardinals to be a force to be reckoned with has to be under consideration. If the race continues to be this jumbled, I think a lot of default votes will fall to Peyton and Brett whether they deserve it or not.

 

[Bri]

Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars.He changed the entire complexion of the AFC race.

wha?

He's the one who landed on VY's knee in the opener, thus making the Titans a reliable, consistent team on offense to go with their powerful defense. No way they'd be undefeated if Vince had kept starting.

Vince seemed to be pretty "emotionally unstable", not sure if just about anything wouldn't have triggerred his "episode". In that vein, back with Haynesworth, Jags lost two Gs trying to block him.

 

[Tau837]

He's pretty vanilla in most highlights and (IMO) you appreciate him more watching him. I don't think everyone realizes just how big and fast a 1-2 punch Jacobs and then Ward are. (Esp some Bradshaw fans around here) They rrrreally wear down a D by the 4th Q. Teams get stupid and/or lazy when they're tired too.

...

I think Jacobs does that every game or almost every game. Granted, he doesn't usually get to reap the rewards because little Bradshaw comes in or Ward does but, he does that.

I read in article recently that Ward averages 10 yards a carry in the 4th and Bradshaw is almost 7. Those are pretty gaudy averages.

Eli, Plax, D-line, and even Tyree get so much credit for their Supe win, I feel like some folks lost sight of a terrific offensive line and an "oh my he's big" back barrelling down on a D. Maybe that just makes me root for them to get a bit more exposure.

I was curious and looked this up.Ward's splits:

1st Qtr 4/13/0 (3.3 ypc)

2nd Qtr 14/106/0 (7.6 ypc)

3rd Qtr 11/57/0 (5.2 ypc)

4th Qtr 3/38/0 (12.7 ypc)

Ward has definitely been great in the 4th, but with an extremely small sample size.

Bradshaw's splits:

4th Qtr 18/119/1 (6.6 ypc)

Interesting that he has not had a carry in the first 3 quarters of any game.

Jacobs has the following rushing splits:

1st Qtr 21/121/1 (5.8 ypc)

2nd Qtr 20/87/2 (4.4 ypc)

3rd Qtr 15/151/0 (10.1 ypc)

4th Qtr 9/21/0 (2.3 ypc)

Kind of curious that his 4th quarter performance is by far his worst.

Interesting overall splits there. Almost exclusively Jacobs in the first; Jacobs with a slight majority (~58%) of the carries in the second and third quarters, with Ward getting the rest; and Bradshaw with most of the workload in the 4th. It appears that he wears down the defense for the others... and wears himself out in doing that.

 

[Bri]

Sidenote-JWB, am I enterring something wrong here?

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/d...att%2Brsh%2Brec

Can't find original article but 10 really stuck with me. When I saw your 12 I had to look. So I went to DataDominator at FBG and did get 10.25 for Ward. Not nitpicking, just figuring I goofed but can't see where I did. Can you tell from the URL?

 

[Bri]

Jacobs has the following rushing splits:1st Qtr 21/121/1 (5.8 ypc)2nd Qtr 20/87/2 (4.4 ypc)3rd Qtr 15/151/0 (10.1 ypc)4th Qtr 9/21/0 (2.3 ypc)Kind of curious that his 4th quarter performance is by far his worst.Interesting overall splits there. Almost exclusively Jacobs in the first; Jacobs with a slight majority (~58%) of the carries in the second and third quarters, with Ward getting the rest; and Bradshaw with most of the workload in the 4th. It appears that he wears down the defense for the others... and wears himself out in doing that.

I wonder if of those 9 in the 4th, there is those hard 3rd and 1 or 2 that clinches the game so they can just run out the clock. I wish we could see if he could get 10.1 or better in the 4th, like he does in the 3rd. I believe this is the plan to keep him healthy though.

 

[Jous]

As of right now it looks like it will be Brees, but the other frontrunners IMO are Portis, Eli, Rivers, and Warner. Eli is a default pick if the Giants have the most wins and his play continues at this high level, and Portis has been the Redskins' driving force.

I haven't seen anybody really mention Rivers at this point, but you need to consider him if the Chargers win their division. Their defense has been struggling with the loss of Merriman, and LDT has really not looked like himself. Meanwhile Rivers has been putting up great statistics and has really made some progress since last year.

As several mentioned before, Kurt Warner also needs to be in the mix. He's got the Cardinals going strong and with confidence and look like the likely division winners. You've gotta hand it to the guy, who at nearly age 40 has re-established himself as one of the NFL's Top 10 QB's.

 

[Jous]

Oh and yes, if the Jets win their division, Favre will be one of the big candidates as well. This has the potential to be one of the closest MVP races in recent memory.

 

[jurb26]

1a. Eli Manning

1b. Clinton Portis

2. Ben Roethlisberger

3. Jay Cutler

4. Brett Favre

5. Phillip Rivers

Sorry, but QBs who play on a teams that are in last place in their division don't make my top 5.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

if you guys don't mind, please post your thoughts on Jacobs after you see him tonight. thanks

Is he going to be different than what we've seen other weeks?He's a big bruising back that's tough to bring down after he gets started. The Giants offensive line does a great job of opening holes for him, especially on their left side and I've seen several occasions this year where he's not even touched till 10 yards downfield.The way to stop Jacobs or any big back is to get at him right at the line of scrimmage before he gets going. It's a lot easier said than done with the quality offensive line the Giants have.

nah not necessarily you, some guys don't watch as much football is all.He's pretty vanilla in most highlights and (IMO) you appreciate him more watching him. I don't think everyone realizes just how big and fast a 1-2 punch Jacobs and then Ward are. (Esp some Bradshaw fans around here) They rrrreally wear down a D by the 4th Q. Teams get stupid and/or lazy when they're tired too.For example, I think yesterday Barber earned that gimme 70 yarder up the sideline. Although I did think they used him almost too much...another discussion, another time. The Cards D was playing well and with alot of heart. On that 70 yarder though, they didn't hustle to him and those were some of the weakest tackle attempts I've seen in quite a while. I think Barber earned that and beat em' up so many times before that play, they were just too tired. That might be the easiest 70 yarder he ever gets.I think Jacobs does that every game or almost every game. Granted, he doesn't usually get to reap the rewards because little Bradshaw comes in or Ward does but, he does that.I read in article recently that Ward averages 10 yards a carry in the 4th and Bradshaw is almost 7. Those are pretty gaudy averages.Eli, Plax, D-line, and even Tyree get so much credit for their Supe win, I feel like some folks lost sight of a terrific offensive line and an "oh my he's big" back barrelling down on a D. Maybe that just makes me root for them to get a bit more exposure.

I can't even talk about the Cowboys much today with the loss yesterday and now Romo hurt but on the Barber thing, I think the Cards actually thought he'd run out of bounds and it surprised them that he didn't.I thought for the 3rd straight week, the Cowboy offensive line was outplayed as I've seen pressure on Romo just about all year.Oh well, it's a long season. It wouldn't surprise me if we're talking about both the Manning's as possible MVP's.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Historically QBs always have the leg up here. For a RB to win, he usually needs to lead the league in scoring and be at or near the top in total yards, to boot. I'm not sure any RB fits that bill right now, as Reggie Bush leads in total TDs but 3 are for returns. There are, as usual, some very strong QBs out there. Historically the QB usually mans a top 5 overall offense, plays for a division winner and is putting up monster numbers.I would say Eli Manning, Tony Romo [now hurt], Kurt Warner, Drew Brees and Jay Cutler are your early faves. I don't think any of those guys is that far out in front right now.

I think Eli Manning coming off a SB win and the fact his team is undefeated has to have a slight edge since nobody is running away with it.Romo is out and I don't see Denver being consistent enough.I guess you can't throw out Kurt Warner, his finish last year and his play this year you have to put him in the mix and Drew Brees has been impressive with his top receiver out.I think Westbrook was off to a MVP start. 16 games of what we saw earlier this year would have did the trick.I think the one guy that could finish strong and possibly steal the cake at the end is Peyton Manning. That team should slowly get better each week and I could see Peyton Manning having a strong 2nd half.

 

[Futeki]

All offensive players considered for MVP?My week 6 MVP - Albert Haynesworth. Titans (5-0 ) winning with D, and he's the key to that D.

It won't happen, as you can only truly determine his worth when he is gone (see last season). But I completely agree.

 

[Tau837]

Sidenote-JWB, am I enterring something wrong here?

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/apps/d...att%2Brsh%2Brec

Can't find original article but 10 really stuck with me. When I saw your 12 I had to look. So I went to DataDominator at FBG and did get 10.25 for Ward. Not nitpicking, just figuring I goofed but can't see where I did. Can you tell from the URL?

I didn't get my data from DD... I got it from the ESPN player pages:Bradshaw splits

Jacobs splits

Ward splits

ETA: ESPN separates 4th quarter and OT; FBG doesn't. My earlier post did not include Ward's 1 OT carry for 3 yards.

 

[Interseptopus]

I'd have to say right now it'd have to be Reggie Bush. He's getting it done 3 different ways- air, land, (sea?) and returns. I think he's the front runner, but unfortunately he's not much of a rusher in terms of yardage, so I doubt he would.

Otherwise I'll go to another Saint- Drew Brees. What he's done has been phenominal.