League MVP Candidates after Week 12 – 2012 Edition
Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle
So here we are, at the business end of the season where the playoff picture begins to take shape and we also get a solid indication as to who may just win the league MVP award.
Since my league MVP candidates after week 8 article there is a new leading candidate and a new entry into my top 5.
So without further ado;
1, Peyton Manning – Quarterback – Denver Broncos
Welcome to the number 1 spot, Peyton. Can he really win MVP award number 5? Absolutely, I mean what a season he is having, leading the Denver Broncos to a 4 game lead in the AFC west and surely the division title. He’s thrown for 3,260 yards, good enough for 6th in the league but what’s impressive to me is his 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions with a passer rating of 104.8. He has proved a lot of people wrong this season and has proven he has a good two years left in him, at least!
2, J.J. Watt – Defensive End – Houston Texans
What can be said that hasn’t already been said about J.J. Watt? Coming off a three sack performance against the Detroit Lions, giving him 14.5 sacks for the season, there are no signs of him slowing down. Will he break Michael Strahan’s single season record for sacks? I personally think he’ll fall just short but this is a season we’ll be talking about for years to come, and to think he is only 23 years old. Scary.
3, Matt Ryan – Quarterback – Atlanta Falcons
I almost put my number four entry here, but I couldn’t drop Matt Ryan four places, could I? Yes he is still performing at a very high level despite his five interceptions against the Arizona Cardinals — he still won the game!. However he is second in the league in passing yards with 3,425 for the 10-1 Atlanta Falcons, so had to keep him in the top three. I also predict he’ll finally win a playoff game this season.
4, Tom Brady – Quarterback – New England Patriots
Another familiar face enters the MVP conversation. Since Week 7, Brady has passed for 1,454 yards, 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. On that kind of form the Patriots are the number one offence in the NFL and you wouldn’t bet against another Super Bowl trip for them. Will the loss of Rob Gronkowski limit Brady’s chances of winning the MVP award? Not a chance.
5, Adrian Peterson – Running Back – Minnesota Vikings
Almost put Drew Brees here after my last article but his two pick-sixes in Week 12 meant I had to leave him off my list (He’d be number 6!) Although Adrian Peterson is certainly deserving of being at number five. He still leads the league in rushing easily, with 1,236 yards, which is 172 yards more than the next running back. Also when a commentator compares you to the great Walter Payton for the way you’re playing, as he was in the game against the Chicago Bears, then you’re one special, special player.
So there you have it? Agree or disagree? Let me know!
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Hard to believe JJ Watt is doing it from the 5-technique 3-4 end position and not the usual 4-3 more stat friendly spot where Strahan, J Allen etc. get their sacks from..Unbelievable.
And he’s not just an outside rusher either as he has shown he can rush inside too. Great player.
Charles Tillman not in your top 5 right now? Kidding? I can’t take the list seriously
No Charles Tillman isn’t in my top 5, if it was a top 10 then he might crack that. Don’t get me wrong he’s had an outstanding year and the Bears fan in me understands this more than most. As for the Defensive Player of the Year awards go then yes, Charles Tillman would be a solid lock at number 2 behind JJ Watt. As far as becoming the league MVP goes then no I don’t see him being in the top 5 players right now for the award.