It’s a fool’s errand to give away individual awards for season-long achievements a third of the way into the season. But even after just six weeks, Peyton Manning is looking like a very good bet for this year’s MVP honors.
It’s hard to believe that a 37-year old four-time MVP who’s had three neck surgeries can actually be having his best year in his 16th season in the league, but that’s exactly what Manning is doing. Here’s exactly how good a season he is having, and why he is on course to claim a record fifth MVP.
Here’s Why Peyton Manning is the Early Favorite for MVP:
Through six games, Manning has thrown 22 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, the most through 6 games by any player in NFL history. Seven of his 22 touchdowns came in Week 1 against Baltimore, which tied the record for the most touchdowns in a single game.
Manning has also led the Broncos to an undefeated 6-0 record so far. Aside from some tricky road games at Indianapolis, Kansas City and New England, the rest of Denver’s remaining schedule looks very manageable. At this pace, they can secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
For comparison’s sake, the last two MVP-winning quarterbacks, Tom Brady in 2010 and Aaron Rodgers in 2011, averaged 67% completion, just less than 5,000 yards and 42 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions. Brady’s Patriots were 14-2 in 2010 and Rodgers’ Packers 15-1 in 2011.
And to compare Manning with himself during his other four MVP seasons in 2003-04 and 2008-9, he also averaged 67% completion, threw for 4,000-4,500 yards, 27-33 touchdowns (except in 2004 when he threw 49) and 0-4 INTs. The Colts went 12-4 thrice and 14-2 once.
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No Other Legitimate Candidates
Through the first six games, there doesn’t seem to be many outstanding MVP candidates apart from Manning.
Reigning MVP Adrian Peterson is well off-pace to exceed 2,000 rushing yards again and the Vikings don’t look like going to the playoffs. The Patriots are 5-1 but Tom Brady is having a rollercoaster ride of a season, statistically speaking. Aaron Rodgers has the stats but the Packers are an uneven 3-2 so far.
Second year quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck have led their teams to strong 4-1 starts, but their statistics simply pale in comparison to Manning’s.
Drew Brees so far seems like the main contender to Manning’s throne. However impressive his stats would be in isolation though, Manning’s is simply better.
Whichever way you look at it – whether by merit or simple process of elimination – this much is clear: barring a catastrophic collapse or injury, Peyton Manning will be your 2013 NFL MVP.
