With Michael Vick leading the Eagles’ comeback on Sunday, the NFL MVP race has heated up:
5. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars » Jacksonville goes only as far as Jones-Drew can take them, and his fumbles on consecutive plays in the third quarter vs. Indianapolis took the Jags backwards. Neither play was a turnover, but each ultimately gave away points. It’s an unfair margin of error, but Jones-Drew has no choice but to be accountable.
4. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers » Here’s why he won’t win: San Diego might not even make the playoffs. But with the NFL’s leading yards per attempt (8.9), the second-highest passer rating (105.7) and third-best touchdown total (29), Rivers is why the Chargers are even in contention — especially given Vincent Jackson‘s absence and Antonio Gates‘ injuries.
3. Roddy White, WR, Falcons » Matt Ryan is clutch, and Michael Turner has been huge, but White is rewriting definition of “monster year.” Atlanta has the 14th-best passing game in the NFL (226.7 yards per game), yet White leads all NFL wide receivers in both receptions (106) and (1,284) yards.
1a. Michael Vick, QB, Eagles » Based on the quality of a receiving corps led by DeSean Jackson, it’s easy to say Vick has plenty to work with, but could Philadelphia have pulled off the New Meadowlands Miracle without him putting the team on his back? No way. And that’s the definition of MVP.
1. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots » Brady doesn’t make mistakes, values winning more than anything, and it doesn’t matter who he’s throwing to. Brady’s played every game, and it’s been nine of them since he threw a pick. He has just four INTs against 31 TDs. Vick has been incredible, but Brady’s been darn-near perfect.
