Five Surprising NFL MVP Candidates

Added on Sep 09, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Perusing all the big bad sports sites, one might get the impression the 2010 NFL MVP race is already over. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been anointed the clear-cut winner by virtually every outlet with capital letters in their names. Hey, I get it. The guy is coming off an incredible 2009 season and seems poised to lift the Pack offense to record-setting heights.

That being said, picking Rodgers to win the MVP is like saying the Yankees will make the playoffs in April. It’s a cop out. So, instead of selecting Green Bay’s favored son, or the dude in New Orleans or the fella from Indy, I’m climbing out on a limb and declaring five players who, if the stars align, could take home some MVP hardware. And the nominees are:

5. Tony Romo (Cowboys) – After the Cajuns hoisted the Lombardi Trophy back in February, many pundits immediately jumped on the “Cowboys in 2010″ bandwagon. Just seven months later that same bandwagon has seemingly been left empty to rot on the side of the road to Super Bowl XLV. Even though the ‘Boys and their enigmatic quarterback stabbed the monkey on their backs dead and finally won a postseason game, the love for “America’s Team” has faded.

Well, if dem boys do manage to finish with the conference’s best record it will be because of one man: Tony Romo. Sure, he’s erratic as hell and plays a little too cavalier at times, but when he’s on his game he can light up the scoreboard. I’m tellin’ ya, don’t sleep on him, or his team.

4. Frank Gore (49ers) – I’d love to put uber-linebacker Patrick Willis in this spot, but there’s no way in Hades a defensive player wins the MVP. Willis could rack 250 tackles, 20 sacks and 10 interceptions, but the dopes who vote would still hand it to an offensive player. Sucks, but such is life. Anyway, I really like the San Francisco treats this year. Solid defense, improving playmakers, serviceable signal caller and a stud back named Frank Gore.

If the ex-Hurricane can keep all his body parts intact (big if), 2000 total yards is within reach. He’s a dual threat runner who has the luxury of facing the NFC West pink dress defenses six times. Oh, and he also draws the Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs, who finished last season ranked 26th, 29th and 31st versus the run respectively. Even high school dropouts can do that kinda math. Gore’s in store for a monster year. Hey, that rhymed.

3. Matt Schaub (Texans) – Quick, name the quarterback who last season passed for the sixth most yards in NFL history? BUZZZZZ!!! Time’s up. That would be Mr. Matty Schaub with 4,770. What could he possibly do for an encore? How about win the MVP? Sounds good to me. Throwing to a mythical beast like Andre Johnson must be totally awesome. Sorta like riding a unicorn or beheading an orc with a sword.

But the presence of AJ isn’t the only reason why I’m bullish on Schaub. Fourth-year wideout Jacoby Jones finally looks like he’s ready to climb out of the sandbox and play on the jungle gym with the big kids. And Arian Foster’s ascension to a legit featured back should keep defenses honest and open up play-action for Matty. If the Texans can reach ten wins, make the playoffs and Schaub chucks for 4500 yards and 35 touchdowns, he’ll win the MVP. You heard it hear first, or maybe you didn’t.

2. Ryan Mathews (Chargers) – A rookie running back winning the MVP?! I must be loco in the cabeza. Probably, but I’ve been called much worse, just today as a matter of fact. I won’t repeat what my girlfriend said. Let’s just say it rhymes with bucking sick bed. No matter, I shall persevere. Back to Mathews. Besides Rodgers, this baby-faced freshman is getting the most preseason hype.

Stepping into the void vacated by Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson won’t be easy, but the youngster seems adequately equipped to handle the load. And he may have to with Vinnie Jackson content to sit on his ass in 2010. In addition, the Bolts defense lacks pizazz, so Norv Turner might want to scale back the air show and attack via the ground. The Super Bowl remains the goal in San Diego. Methinks for that to be achieved Mathews will be the catalyst.

1. Vince Young (Titans) – Who’s got brass balls? This guy! Oh yeah, baby, I’m going there. VY for MVP. Funny thing is, I can’t stand Young. He’s an immature bozo who refuses to make up his mind about whether or not he wants to be a professional. With a phenom like Chris Johnson in the backfield, VY’s job should be easy. All he’s gotta do is hit a few big pass plays, run for a couple first downs, limit turnovers and let the Coach’s Dream do the rest.

Let’s be real. This is Young’s last shot. He’s entering his fifth season and is fresh out of mulligans. Either he becomes a franchise quarterback or he’s on an express train to Cleveland in 2011. I can’t believe I’m going to write this, but I think VY can get the job done. I suddenly feel very dirty. How ’bout this scenario: the Titans win eleven games, take the division and Young tosses for 3000 yards, 20 touchdowns and runs for another half-dozen scores. It’s a shock the world scenario, I know. But MVP voters love underdog and feel-good stories. On second thought, they love Peyton Manning and no one else. Oh well, I’m sticking to my guns. VY for MVP! Stop looking at me like that.