Every NFL player has had at least eight NFL games under their belt, so what better time to take a look at some of the outstanding performers who may well be crowned the NFL MVP when the regular season finishes. This year is far more open that the last two years where Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady had seasons for the ages, there are more players in the mix and there is a feeling that a few defensive standouts are in the reckoning as well.
Without any further ado let’s take a look at the five prime candidates for the 2012 NFL MVP at the halfway stage.
1) Matt Ryan (QB, Atlanta Falcons) 17 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, 68.9% Completion Percentage, 2360 Passing Yards, 103.0 Passer Rating
Overall Matt Ryan is behind both Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers from a statistical point of view but the former Boston College standout is doing what Al David preached, “Just win baby”. Ryan has led the Falcons to their first ever 8-0 start. He has been able to push his team on a fantastic run and win some close games to keep the Falcons undefeated at the halfway stage.
Ryan has relied on familiar faces to lead his team undefeated at the halfway stage, star wide outs Julio Jones and Roddy White will cause any team problems and the evergreen Tony Gonzalez has still been a threat over the middle and in the red zone.
The main reason I have Ryan ahead of Manning atop my contenders list is because I feel the criteria which has been set in recent years has favoured the higher profile quarterbacks and that Peyton Manning’s MVP win in 2009 is almost identical statistically to Ryan’s this year. Manning pipped Brees that season despite the New Orleans Saints QB posting more touchdowns, less interceptions and a better completion percentage. The defining factor seemed to be Brees lost a game (Week 15 vs. Cowboys) while the Colts had already pulled Manning out of their Week 16 defeat against the NY Jets. Ryan has won three more games than Manning this season and has shown a level of maturity in his decision making. He also hasn’t needed to pour it on in every second half like Manning and out duelled his main MVP rival when they met in week two.
I use Peyton as an example of debatable MVP decision but take nothing away from him; one of the greatest NFL players of all time is playing at a fantastically high level. There were doubts over the summer whether Manning would ever return, rumours persisted that he was dealing numbness in his arms and was unable to fully grip the football when passing. Those fears were allayed somewhat in the preseason; especially his fine outing against the 49ers but the acid test would always be week in, week out competitive NFL football.
Manning has thrived on his return and has been superb in his last two and a half games since turning it around against the Chargers on Monday Night Football. He has forged a dynamic relationship with his two key wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas and both have been making big plays for Manning regularly.
Manning is heating up and if he keeps up these performances he will be the favourite to secure his record breaking 5th NFL MVP title this season.
JJ Watt is providing a pass rush from the 3-4 defensive end position like few others before him. The Wisconsin Badger was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NFL draft and has been a standout in Wade Phillips defence.
Watt has 10.5 sacks on the season and his constant pressure shows no signs of abating. He also has two fumble recoveries. Watt is also stout against the run and has been the outstanding front seven player in the NFL season. It is a big ask for a defensive player to win the NFL MVP, a defensive players hasn’t won it since Lawrence Taylor did it in 1986 but there is certainly some credence in this being the year that statistic ends and if it does you would be hard pushed to vote against JJ Watt.
4) Charles Tillman (CB, Chicago Bears) 43 Combined Tackles, 8 Passes Defended, 2 Interceptions, 7 Forced Fumbles
Charles Tillman has been phenomenal this season as has the whole Chicago Bears defence. His ability to match up with any wide receiver (his showing against Megatron was majestic) and still be able to make plays on the ball has been outstanding. The Bears are legitimate title contenders and Rod Marinelli’s troops will be key in the Bears making it to their second NFC Championship game in the last three seasons.
‘Peanut’ has been one of the outstanding defensive backs in the league for many years and he will be definitely be in the mix if he can keep up his early season form. If the Bears continue to dominate defensively it wouldn’t be a major shock to see one of their key contributors being rewarded.
Aaron Rodgers is beginning to warm up. The reigning NFL MVP has been in imperious form in the last few outings and that is ominous for both other NFC contenders and potential MVP candidates alike.
Rodgers started the season off sluggish but he has rebounded in spectacular fashion. He has had to deal with injuries to his top two targets Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings with the latter being injured for most of the season. Rogers has called upon second year receiver Randall Cobb and previously inconsistent James Jones to bring the spark on offence.
At this stage, Rogers has only being playing at this peerless level in his last four outings, if he keeps up at this level over the second half of the season, he will be a very strong candidate for his second straight MVP Nod.
Just Missed Out:
Tom Brady – Played very well, has had red zone struggles but has many targets to make look good. The play of a fit Aaron Hernandez and an improving Brandon Lloyd will be key for the Pats to win out and compete for the 1st seed.
Tim Jennings – The other star of the Bears backfield. He has a league leading six picks and will no doubt make more big plays before the end of the season.
Adrian Peterson – What an incredible player. Has returned from the most serious of knee injuries and leads the league in rushing. Looks as physical as ever and has been performing week in week out. A role model to anyone in life that hard work can get you anywhere.
1) Matt Ryan (QB, Atlanta Falcons) 17 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, 68.9% Completion Percentage, 2360 Passing Yards, 103.0 Passer Rating
