The MVP Race

Throughout the year not one player has emerged as a clear-cut MVP. By the time the regular season has concluded, there will be multiple players who have had MVP-like seasons. The question is how do you separate the very best from the best of the rest?

Personally I believe the criteria for deciding an MVP basically boils down to the fact that, without him, the player's team would be no where near as good. There needs to be reasonable evidence to support this, and various other factors need to be taken in to account including, the adversity a player has faced such as injuries, either to themselves or teammates, the loss of key players via free agency or trade, the expectations placed upon them, the difficulty of the schedule they face, the support they have around them (including players and coaches), their performance against ‘good' teams and in the clutch, their statistics and the records they break and, what is one of the most important criteria, the teams record and whether or not they make the playoffs.

Keeping all this in mind, here are some of my thoughts about those who are (or were) competing in the 2008 MVP race, in no particular order:

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona - 25 TD, 12 INT, 4,020 YDS, 99.1 PR

BigBlueShoe has pretty much said all that needs to be said relating to Warner and a possible third MVP. Like BBS I think Warner is a great guy and a great story but he is simply not deserving of the MVP. Sure he's putting up some great numbers, but any half-decent QB that throws to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin and gets to play the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks twice a year should be posting numbers like that! Imagine Mannings numbers if the Colts played those teams twice a year!

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 1,269 YDS, 4.2 AVG, 14 TD

Without a doubt the best free agent signing of 2008, Turner is one of the biggest reasons for the Falcons turnaround and success this season. He has emerged out of LT's shadow and provided enormous support for rookie QB Matt Ryan. But unless he puts up some huge numbers in the remaining 3 weeks, he won't win the MVP. I currently put him third behind Manning and Peterson.

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis - 22 TD, 12 INT, 3,225 YDS, 88.8 PR

Manning's value can be seen by answering a simple question: Where would this team be without this player? The answer is no where. I could go on and on about why Manning is the most valuable player in the league, but the biggest reason can be seen in his performances against Minnesota, Pittsburgh and San Diego. Without Manning the Colts don't win those games. It's as simple as that. Despite this, Manning is still being overlooked by some morons in the media as a legitimate MVP candidate. In order to win his third MVP Manning needs solid performances over the next 3 weeks to grab the attention of these idiots who have the inability to look beyond gaudy numbers and statistics and at a player's true value.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota - 1,413 YDS, 4.8 AVG, 9 TD

Peterson is the Viking's version of Peyton Manning in that he is the reason for their success. Sure he's got great support from his D, But the Viking's passing attack has been inconsistent and more of a hindrance then a help. Playing in a one-dimensional offense, Peterson is averaging almost 5 yards per carry and leads the league in rushing with 1,413 yards. He's a contender as long as the Vikings make the playoffs. I put him behind only Manning.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans - 26 TD, 14 INT, 4,100 YDS, 96.2 PR

He has had a fantastic season and has a shot a breaking Marino's record, but unless something miraculous happens and the Saints make the playoffs, Brees should not win the MVP. Even though he's had little support from his running game and defence, no legitimate MVP contender misses the playoffs, no matter what records they break.

Brett Farve, QB, New York Jets - 20 TD, 15 INT, 2,845 YDS, 88.2 PR

Great player, great leader, but he has thrown too many interceptions at crucial times. Part of the reason his name has been brought up so often in MVP discussions is because he plays in NY and his name is Brett Farve. There's no doubt that he's made the Jets a better football team, but part of that is also due to other big offseason signings such as Kris Jenkins, Alan Faneca, Damien Woody, Calvin Pace, etc.

James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh - 89 TCKL, 15 SCK, 7 FF, 1 INT

He has been an impact player on the leagues No.1 defence. His 15 sacks put him near the top of the sacks table, but it's his 7 forced fumbles that stand out to me and highlight how disruptive he is. He's one of the few defensive players in the league who may be considered a legitimate MVP contender but being on the defensive side of the ball hurts his chances greatly.

Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee - 47 TCKL, 8.5 SCK, 3 FF

Haynesworth is such a dominant force for the Titans and he is one big reason that they are 12-1. Like Harrison, Haynesworth is one of the few defensive players in the league who may be considered in MVP discussions, but he's numbers, although good, won't raise eyebrows. It also doesn't help that his position isn't exactly a source for highlight footage.

Other considerations:

Clinton Portis - He started the year off strongly but has had a poor second half due too injuries and lack of support. Also the Skins will most likely miss the playoffs which would rule him out.

Kris Jenkins - Jenkins play has been fantastic for the Jets but he play's on defence in a less then flashy position which ruin his chances.

Kerry Collins - he hasn't done enough to be considered a true contender but without him, Vince Young would be leading this team, need I say more.

Eli Manning - QB's the best team in the league, but has had the benefit of a fantastic running game and great defence

Tony Romo - The ‘Boys looked lost and confused when he was out, but I don't think he's done enough to win the award. How he fares against the Giants, Ravens and Eagles could greatly influence his chances.

Matt Ryan - He has been great and I'm a big fan of him, but Turner is the bigger reason for the Flacons success.

DeMarcus Ware - He's near the top of the sacks table and has played well, however if the Cowboys don't make the playoffs he won't be considered.

Jeff Garcia and Chad Pennington - Neither will win the MVP, but both have played well and are reasons for their team's success.