MVP Watch (1 Viewer)

[UCLAGIE]

MVP Watch

A new feature of the column. For the last six Mondays of the season, I'll give you my MVP ballot if I had to fill it out that day. Could be pretty malleable from week to week. One difference with reality: In the Associated Press ballot I fill out on the day after the regular season, the AP asks for one MVP. I'll give you one through five in my mind.

1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans. Who'd have thought the Saints, orphans of Katrina a year ago, would be leading the NFC South entering December? Brees is the biggest reason, by far. Here's how to put his year in some perspective. Philip Rivers is having a pretty good year for San Diego, right? Well, Brees has thrown for 1,023 more yards than Rivers. And more than any other quarterback in football by far.

2. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis. Very, very close to Brees. I cannot denigrate Manning in any way. My belief in Brees as being the Saints' savior is the reason why Manning is No. 2, for now.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego. Talk about value. What doesn't Tomlinson do? He runs, he blocks, he catches, he throws. I think he cheerleads in his spare time.

4. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City. The Chiefs are 5-1 since they focused on Johnson and started resuscitating their season. Johnson's game-by-game rush totals in those six tilts: 132, 155, 172, 75 (loss to Miami), 154, 157. That is value.

5. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago. Among the "rateds,'' he's more under than over.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...eceivers/4.html

 

[commisholio]

My top 5 picks for MVP are all named Ladanian Tomlinson.

 

[zamboni]

My top 5 picks for MVP are all named Ladanian Tomlinson.

Agreed. I don't think it's close right now, although his ex-teammate Brees certainly warrants some consideration.

 

[djcolts]

LT2 is way ahead now. Brees and P Manning fighting for 2nd.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I like their five, all except Urlacher.....

actually I can't come up with anyone else worthy of it. I would call it a 4-horse race.

 

[commisholio]

I like their five, all except Urlacher.....actually I can't come up with anyone else worthy of it. I would call it a 4-horse race.

If the 49ers could by some miracle sneak into the playoffs, I think Frank Gore would deserve a mention. That guy is a beast.

 

[intrinsic]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.

LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome.

Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.

Brees wins IMO.

 

[UCLAGIE]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome. Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.Brees wins IMO.

Its the MVP not who is the most suprising player.

 

[Marc Levin]

My top 5 picks for MVP are all named Ladanian Tomlinson.

Agreed. I don't think it's close right now, although his ex-teammate Brees certainly warrants some consideration.

This is a runaway contest in favor of LT.

 

[Marc Levin]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome. Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.Brees wins IMO.

Ditto what UCLAGIE said.You don't understand the award - what you are describing is perfect for comeback player of the year, which is an award that, I believe, will go to Steve McNair (TO would receive consideration if he wasn't such an #####).

 

[intrinsic]

MVP Watch

5. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago. Among the "rateds,'' he's more under than over.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...eceivers/4.html

btw, if Miami somehow makes the playoffs due to their miraculous turnaround, dont you reward someone on that squad? The coach...Harrington... or maybe Zach Thomas, who is quietly outplaying Urlacher.

 

[gigantor]

Robbie Gould

 

[5-ish Finkle]

That's the question: Who's more valuable to his team though? Who benefited most, this season, from their guy? The 9-7 unit from last year that just missed the playoffs WITH LT or the 3-13 crapfest that is riding their new QB to the division crown? A strong case can be made for Brees.

It's a two dog race at this point between Brees and LT. Both have been crazy good. If either falters over the next month then the other will get it. If both keep it up....it's going to be a very tough choice.

I can understand those that would go Brees right now, even by the slightest of margins. That team looked like it was going to be absolute chum.

 

[Chreesto]

This seems very simple to me. The original poster is correct. Take Brees away from New Orleans and think about how good they would be. With Turner starting in LT2's spot the Chargers are still a decent team. Brees' value to that team is the highest in the league, followed very closely by Peyton Manning.

 

[intrinsic]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome. Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.Brees wins IMO.

Ditto what UCLAGIE said.You don't understand the award - what you are describing is perfect for comeback player of the year, which is an award that, I believe, will go to Steve McNair (TO would receive consideration if he wasn't such an #####).

couldnt a player quite possibly qualify for both?i understand the award, its a pretty simple award to understandit all depends on how far the Saints go perhaps, but i think you can plug in a different back in SD and have similar results, while you could not do the same in New Orleans.just my 2 cents though obviously

 

[Marc Levin]

MVP Watch

5. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago. Among the "rateds,'' he's more under than over.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...eceivers/4.html

btw, if Miami somehow makes the playoffs due to their miraculous turnaround, dont you reward someone on that squad? The coach...Harrington... or maybe Zach Thomas, who is quietly outplaying Urlacher.

Not with an MVP. Regardless, the Dolphins making the playoffs will not be a problem in the MVP race.(I setup a joke for someone)

 

[Marc Levin]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome. Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.Brees wins IMO.

Ditto what UCLAGIE said.You don't understand the award - what you are describing is perfect for comeback player of the year, which is an award that, I believe, will go to Steve McNair (TO would receive consideration if he wasn't such an #####).

couldnt a player quite possibly qualify for both?i understand the award, its a pretty simple award to understand

No, you don't - not if you believe Brees is ahead of LT in this race.Only an injury to LT or a complete lack of production from here on out will change the MVP award. It is LT's.

 

[Marc Levin]

(yes, Brees deserves consideration - but not for the reasons you mentioned).

 

[Gr00vus]

What, no Tom Brady mention? I guess I just mentioned him....

 

[Sea Bass]

My top 5 picks for MVP are all named Ladanian Tomlinson.

Seems like the logical choice.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

LT2 is the MVP.

Brees may merit some consideration for some post-season award. Maybe comeback player of the year, but MVP is LT2 and no one else comes close.

 

[yetiknight]

Manning is like Shaq. You could give him this award every year.

 

[sinatravolta]

1 Tomlinson - no you couldn't just put in another great back and get the same results. Crazy how the Chargers are coming from way behind still emphasizing the run! It's practically unheard of for an RB to keep leading the team from behind to win.

2 Manning - still most likely going to be the best player on the team with the best record

3 Urlacher - team will have the best record in the NFC, and he's the leader of the team - and obviously it's the D that's getting it done

4 Brady - has very little at WR and is still leading his team to be one of the best in football

5 Brees - obviously a big surprise how well he and NO are doing, and it gets him into the conversation, but really - do you not think Manning or Brady could do as good a job or better?

 

[Aaronl5]

1. LT

2. Brees

3. Romo

4. ?

5. ?

 

[zamboni]

3. Romo

Slow down there. If he continues to play as he has and the Cowboys win the divisional title, then he MAY have an outside shot.

 

[flranger]

1 Tomlinson - no you couldn't just put in another great back and get the same results. Crazy how the Chargers are coming from way behind still emphasizing the run! It's practically unheard of for an RB to keep leading the team from behind to win. 2 Manning - still most likely going to be the best player on the team with the best record3 Urlacher - team will have the best record in the NFC, and he's the leader of the team - and obviously it's the D that's getting it done4 Brady - has very little at WR and is still leading his team to be one of the best in football5 Brees - obviously a big surprise how well he and NO are doing, and it gets him into the conversation, but really - do you not think Manning or Brady could do as good a job or better?

This really is a great list. When asking what player is most valuable to his team, I like to think if that player wasn't there, how many games less would the team win. As such, Peyton is the only choice.So.......Colts without Manning 6-10Saints without Brees 6-10Pats without Brady 7-9Bears without Urlacher 9-7Chargers without L.T. 10-6yes, L.T. is great and statistically most deserving but I don't honestly see the Chargers dropping way off if Turner was back there all season. Maybe 3-4 wins?

 

[#@%&$!?]

Brees doing what no QB has done since records were kept in the 70s is making me feel like he pulls just ahead of LT for consideration.LT was SUPPOSED to be awesome. Brees was returning from shoulder surgery, on a new team, that was supposed to be not so good, and yet he has set records and has done it with poise, and professionalism, and with size many said would stop him from being an elite NFL QB.Brees wins IMO.

Its the MVP not who is the most suprising player.

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

 

[-OZ-]

1. LT - and it isn't close

But you did ask for 5

2. Peyton, like every year.

3. Steve McNair. I know, not a favorite choice, but he's made a huge difference this year. Maybe not the best stats, but the leadership has made a huge difference.

4. Steve Smith. Definetly won't win it, but the Panthers are a different team when he's around.

5. Urlacher

 

[-OZ-]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

 

[flranger]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

Take Manning off the Colts, and they would be tied with Houston, or Jax at best.

 

[-OZ-]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

Take Manning off the Colts, and they would be tied with Houston, or Jax at best.

That's entirely possible. Which is part of the equation and why he's #2.

 

[#@%&$!?]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

You want me to hire some goons and take out LT's and Brees' knees?I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

 

[bostonfred]

How many current NFL starting QBs would be able to lead Indy to a winning record, especially if they had as many years in that offense as he does? Manning deserved MVP consideration for 49 TDs, but this year he isn't even close. Neither is Brady - and not just because he's not putting up the numbers you need because the MVP IS about numbers - he just isn't having his best year, and if he hasn't been the MVP of any previous year, he sure isn't now.

Tomlinson currently has 21 rushing TDs, 3 receiving TDs, and 2 passing TDs. That would have broken the season record as recently as a couple years ago. He's done this in 11 games. He could stop playing right now and still get the award.

 

[Gr00vus]

I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I tend to value the actual most valuable, best player when judging the actual most valuable, best player.And this year, that guy is LaDainian.

 

[ColForbin]

How many of San Diego's 21 points yesterday was LT2 responsible for?

21 (actually 18)....but that spells MVP.

 

[flranger]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

You want me to hire some goons and take out LT's and Brees' knees?I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I suggest if you polled NFL Player Personal reps and said you have 1 year to win a Superbowl, who would you most want to have on your team Manning would win in a landslide, with Brady a very distant second.

 

[sinatravolta]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

I think people are overdoing the "take this person away and how would the team do" argument. At least if you're talking about - well SD has a great backup RB and NO has nobody who could step in for Brees. Because if NO didn't sign Brees - they obviously would have come up with some other plan at QB (trade or free-agent). I think the criteria are something like:

how great a year are they having individually
how much are they making the team better
how well is the team doing
are they a leader that helps the team beyond just what they specifically do on the football fieldSo for example I think Peyton beats Brees on all of these except the last one.

I think it's tough for non-QBs to win, because the QB has the easiest time being the leader and making other players look/play better than they are without him. But if Tomlinson goes over 30 TDs, which he almost certainly will, and SD finishes with only 1 fewer loss than the Colts (or none) - I think Tomlinson will win (partly because Manning has won before).

If the Colts finish 15-1 and the Chargers go 13-3 or 12-4, I think Manning may still win even if Tomlinson scores 32. If he scores 35 or something, though, he would probably still win because it was just so off the charts.

 

[rockbottom895]

MVP Watch

A new feature of the column. For the last six Mondays of the season, I'll give you my MVP ballot if I had to fill it out that day. Could be pretty malleable from week to week. One difference with reality: In the Associated Press ballot I fill out on the day after the regular season, the AP asks for one MVP. I'll give you one through five in my mind.

1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans. Who'd have thought the Saints, orphans of Katrina a year ago, would be leading the NFC South entering December? Brees is the biggest reason, by far. Here's how to put his year in some perspective. Philip Rivers is having a pretty good year for San Diego, right? Well, Brees has thrown for 1,023 more yards than Rivers. And more than any other quarterback in football by far.

2. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis. Very, very close to Brees. I cannot denigrate Manning in any way. My belief in Brees as being the Saints' savior is the reason why Manning is No. 2, for now.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego. Talk about value. What doesn't Tomlinson do? He runs, he blocks, he catches, he throws. I think he cheerleads in his spare time.

4. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City. The Chiefs are 5-1 since they focused on Johnson and started resuscitating their season. Johnson's game-by-game rush totals in those six tilts: 132, 155, 172, 75 (loss to Miami), 154, 157. That is value.

5. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago. Among the "rateds,'' he's more under than over.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...eceivers/4.html

These MVP ratings are insane. Tomlinson at three? He has single handedly brought the Chargers atop the AFC West (the best division in the NFL). He is BY FAR the leagues MVP

 

[#@%&$!?]

I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I tend to value the actual most valuable, best player when judging the actual most valuable, best player.And this year, that guy is LaDainian.

good one.More often than not, the 'actual most valuable' will be the qb. I get that LT is doing some amazing things this year. Him and Brees are tied for the award for now.

 

[Gr00vus]

LaDainian has run for as many touchdowns (21) as the two QBs tied for most touchdown passes have thrown (Peyton and Carson). Add in his 3 receiving touchdowns and his two passing touchdowns and he's been personally responsible for more scores than anyone else in the league. He leads the league in scoring with 144 points, 35 more than the person in second, Robbie Gould.

He leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage by roughly 100 yards over Larry Johnson, not including his passing yards.

His team is 9-2, tied for the second best record in the NFL.

To seriously promote someone else for MVP right now is - illogical.

What, I can't use that line?

 

[flranger]

I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I tend to value the actual most valuable, best player when judging the actual most valuable, best player.And this year, that guy is LaDainian.

Turner is averaging 6.2 yards per carry behind that line this year. In 2005 Turner averaged 5.9 and even Darren Sproles averaged 6.2. I'm not saying he's better than LT, clearly he isn't, but this team has a line that generates ridiculous yards per carry.The most valuable player is Peyton Manning. He means more to the Colts than LT does to the Chargers. LT is having the best statistical season, and will likely win the MVP but not because he means more to the Chargers than Manning does to the Colts.

 

[Purpulhippo999]

Reggie Bush!

 

[SproutDaddy]

Brees has to be #1 at this point. I love LT2, and he is having a great year, but it was expected. He'll win it if he gets the rushing title and breaks Alexanders record. I think Rivers has been just as valuable as LT to the Chargers at this point.

 

[Gr00vus]

I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I tend to value the actual most valuable, best player when judging the actual most valuable, best player.And this year, that guy is LaDainian.

Turner is averaging 6.2 yards per carry behind that line. I'm not saying he's better than LT, clearly he isn't, but what do you suspect Jim Sorgi would do?The most valuable player is Peyton Manning. He means more to the Colts than LT does to the Chargers. LT is having the best statistical season, and will likely win the MVP but not because he means more to the Chargers than Manning does to the Colts.

I dunno, Sorgi's got a 99.3 lifetime passer rating right now - it's a tough call which stat is more meaningless that one or Turner's ypc.You can speculate, but at the end of the year all we'll have is what actually happened - not what might have happened, which also happens to be all we have right now. And right now LaDainian is far and away the best player in the NFL, he's the definition of the MVP. These four weeks he's let the Chargers saddle him up and ride him to four victories during a span when their defense was shot. He's carried the team. Yesterday was a perfect example, he won that game for the Chargers nearly single handedly (he got some help from the Raiders and maybe the Refs).LaDainian == MVP, no contest.

 

[flranger]

I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I tend to value the actual most valuable, best player when judging the actual most valuable, best player.And this year, that guy is LaDainian.

Turner is averaging 6.2 yards per carry behind that line. I'm not saying he's better than LT, clearly he isn't, but what do you suspect Jim Sorgi would do?The most valuable player is Peyton Manning. He means more to the Colts than LT does to the Chargers. LT is having the best statistical season, and will likely win the MVP but not because he means more to the Chargers than Manning does to the Colts.

I dunno, Sorgi's got a 99.3 lifetime passer rating right now - it's a tough call which stat is more meaningless that one or Turner's ypc.You can speculate, but at the end of the year all we'll have is what actually happened - not what might have happened, which also happens to be all we have right now. And right now LaDainian is far and away the best player in the NFL, he's the definition of the MVP. These four weeks he's let the Chargers saddle him up and ride him to four victories during a span when their defense was shot. He's carried the team. Yesterday was a perfect example, he won that game for the Chargers nearly single handedly (he got some help from the Raiders and maybe the Refs).LaDainian == MVP, no contest.

Classic case of both of us using useless stats to support our argument. Good call.

 

[Tyrion]

1. LT2 no question. Best player in the NFL right now and making a case for the best RB ever.

2. Romo- Turned the Cowboys from a playoff hopefull to the best team in the NFC.

3. Drew Brees- D. Henderson and T. Copper? Nuff said.

4. Larry Johnson- Second best RB in the league.

 

[Gr00vus]

4. Larry Johnson- Second best RB in the league.

He's really not getting as much notice as he deserves this season (not necessarily in the shark pool, but in general).

 

[bostonfred]

San Diego is the #1 scoring offense in the league with 32.1 points per game. The next best is Dallas at 28.1 points per game.

San Diego has scored 43 TDs (24 rushing, 17 receiving, and 2 fumble recoveries). Tomlinson has scored or thrown for 26 of the 43.

To put that into perspective, Tomlinson alone has scored more TDs than 21 teams. 15 teams have 21 or fewer total TDs. Tomlinson has 21 rushing TDs.

To put it further into perspective, Shaun Alexander recently set the NFL record with 28 total TDs. Tomlinson should break next week. Tomlinson is currently on pace for 36 TDs. And if he kept up his torrid pace of the last few weeks (about 3.5 TDs per week), he'd be at 43 and third on the all time list behind just Marino and Peyton Manning who recently set a record with 49 passing TDs.

If he stopped right now, and didn't score another TD, he'd be tied with Marshall Faulk for third on the season TDs record. Faulk received the MVP in 2000, as did Alexander in 2005. Only Priest Holmes failed to receive the MVP award for scoring 26 or more TDs.

 

[Marc Levin]

Without LT, SD will still be a very good team. Without Brees, NO would be playing like Philly.

Prove it. (the LT part)I see what you're saying, and Brees should be on my top 5 list, but take LT off San Diego and they're at best tied with Denver and KC. And Rivers isn't playing as well.

You want me to hire some goons and take out LT's and Brees' knees?I tend to Favor QBs when judging value to a team.

I suggest if you polled NFL Player Personal reps and said you have 1 year to win a Superbowl, who would you most want to have on your team Manning would win in a landslide, with Brady a very distant second.

Good thing that aint the criteria for the MVP award or the league's best QB would win every year.

 

[Marc Levin]

San Diego is the #1 scoring offense in the league with 32.1 points per game. The next best is Dallas at 28.1 points per game. San Diego has scored 43 TDs (24 rushing, 17 receiving, and 2 fumble recoveries). Tomlinson has scored or thrown for 26 of the 43. To put that into perspective, Tomlinson alone has scored more TDs than 21 teams. 15 teams have 21 or fewer total TDs. Tomlinson has 21 rushing TDs. To put it further into perspective, Shaun Alexander recently set the NFL record with 28 total TDs. Tomlinson should break next week. Tomlinson is currently on pace for 36 TDs. And if he kept up his torrid pace of the last few weeks (about 3.5 TDs per week), he'd be at 43 and third on the all time list behind just Marino and Peyton Manning who recently set a record with 49 passing TDs. If he stopped right now, and didn't score another TD, he'd be tied with Marshall Faulk for third on the season TDs record. Faulk received the MVP in 2000, as did Alexander in 2005. Only Priest Holmes failed to receive the MVP award for scoring 26 or more TDs.

Break that down in to "percentage of team's offensive plays" and, IIRC, LT leads the league by a mile - he has the second most targets and receptions on the team, almost all the team's rushing numbers, and - as I recall - his receiving/rushing/passing TDs account for more of his team's TDs than any other player in the league, QBs included.