In a year where a running back is flirting with 2,000 yards, it’s the quarterbacks that have dominated MVP talks. Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Philip Rivers all can make a case for the award.
Has there ever been this many quarterbacks playing at an elite level?
The four MVP-caliber playcallers — along with the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers — have a rating over 100. There have never been five quarterbacks over a 100 rating during a single season.
It’s not unusual for the play of a quarterback to dictate the success of a team, but no season has portrayed that more than 2009. The five teams with quarterbacks over a 100 rating have a combined record of 60-14.
It’s become evident that running the football is not necessary to being successful in the NFL this year. The AFC-leading Colts has the worst rushing offense in football and the division-leading Chargers, Cardinals and Eagles are in the bottom third of the NFL in rushing.
So even if Chris Johnson becomes the sixth running back to reach 2,000 yards, don’t be surprised to see the Titans back come in fifth in the MVP voting.
