The 2011-2012 NFL MVP is…Aaron Rodgers, right? I mean the Green Bay Packers quarterback lead his team to a 15-1 record. He threw for 45 touchdowns (2nd most in the NFL), boasted an astounding 122.5 passer rating (1st in The NFL- by a margin of 11.9 points) and averaged 26.89 FanSaloon Fantasy Football points per game during the season. Although it may seem like Rodgers should be the unanimous choice come voting time, I think the voting should be a lot closer than one would think, especially in a year where records that stood for generations were shattered before our very eyes. The fact that the records for completion percentage in a season (71.2%), total completions in a season (468) and passing yards in a season (5,476) were all claimed by Drew Brees, don’t be so quick to hand Aaron Rodgers the trophy. Brees also threw for 46 touchdowns (4th most all time) and averaged 25.42 FanSaloon Fantasy Football points per game showing why the MVP debate is not a one-horse race by any means (since Rodgers did not break any of these records). Brees put together one of the most dominant statistical seasons ever (in any sport). He left his mark in the record books while pacing his New Orleans Saints to a 13-3 record and the most team yards in a season from scrimmage in NFL history (7,474 yards – 400 yards more than the old record held by the Kurt Warner/Marshall Faulk 2000 St. Louis Rams). Although his statistics are no doubt inflated by the west coast type offense he runs, it’s hard not to take notice of a guy who makes the game look so easy out there. Anyone who had the pleasure of watching Brees play in the divisional game against the Lions saw the surgical precision he plays with, going for 466 yards, 3 touchdowns and 29.54 fantasy points en route to a comfortable 45-28 win.
Despite all these records that Brees earned I still cast my Vote for Aaron Rodgers, because I don’t think stats can tell a players real value to his team. If you watch the Packers play, you know they are damn lucky to have him as their quarterback. Rodgers can run the ball (something you’ll never see Brees do), he can throw the ball as good as anyone and he’s always the most intelligent player on the field bar none. I’ve watched both players countless times this year and I truly think this year’s award should be one of the most closely contested in NFL history (with one of them winning by a vote or two), and deservingly so. Brees has all the numbers to prove he’s our MVP, but Rodgers has the wins (that’s what’s most important) and the passer rating that shows he’s the smartest and most effective QB. That’s why Aaron Rodgers is indeed our 2011-2012 MVP.
3rd Place Finish: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions – I credit Johnson with bringing Mathew Stafford’s game to the next level. Johnson was the prime target for the young Lions quarterback and he delivered with a huge season catching 96 passes for 1,681 yards, 16 touchdowns and averaged 16.51 FanSaloon Fantasy Football points per game. Johnson only reconfirmed that he’s the real deal in last week’s divisional round when he hauled in 12 catches for 211 yards, 2 touchdowns and had 33.1 fantasy football points (his 211 yards was 29 off the playoff record). He gave the league a taste of what’s to come for a young and exciting Lions team. I really believe before it’s all said and done Johnson has the talent and size to be the best receiver the game has EVER seen, and I don’t think I’m crazy for saying that. His finish as the third best player in the league is well deserved.
What do you think of this years MVP Award? Who Should Win?
-Glen G
