The NFL regular season is coming to a close, and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as the leading MVP candidate. Rodgers is on track to win back-to-back trophies. He and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady have been battling for the award all season long, but now it's in the Packers star's control.
Both players have had good campaigns and have a case for the coveted award. Brady has thrown for 4,348 yards along with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rodgers, on the other hand, has thrown for 3,487 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. While Brady has more TDs and yards, Rodgers has been better at not turning over the ball.
Although the numbers can be argued either way, Rodgers has the advantage in team success. He has led the Packers to an 11-3 record and the top seed in the NFC. Rodgers has been fantastic despite missing one game due to COVID-19 and the Packers facing multiple injuries to Pro Bowlers. Brady and the Buccaneers, meanwhile, have dropped to the no. 3 seed and will likely have to go through the Wild Card round.
The difference in their Week 15 performances gave Rodgers the edge in the MVP race. Brady had an atrocious performance in their loss to the New Orleans Saints. He threw for 214 yards for zero touchdowns and one interception. Brady also had a low completion percentage at 54.2 percent. His top three targets in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette went out with injuries, which contributed to Brady's terrible performance. The Buccaneers were shut out and are now 10-4 on the season.
Rodgers, on the flip side, went out and had a great Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens. They hacked out a 31-30 victory to clinch the NFC North. He threw for 268 yards paired with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. His ability to not turn over the ball is unparalleled in the NFL.
Rising to the occasion
One bad game while missing his top three weapons wouldn't typically lead to another MVP candidate jumping in front, but that is the case this season. This is due to the fact that Rodgers had a game with his top three targets out as well earlier this season against the then-undefeated Arizona Cardinals. Not only did he play well, but he led the Packers to a victory. The race has been tight, but this difference is the reason Rodgers is the 2021 NFL MVP over Brady.
Rodgers proved that he is able to rise to the occasion, even when they are missing key players. The final three games will truly determine the MVP, but it's Rodgers' award to lose. The Packers will take on the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and Detriot Lions to close out the season. Brady and the Buccaneers will face the Carolina Panthers twice and the New York Jets.
The Packers have a slightly harder schedule remaining, but Rodgers and the offense have been nearly unstoppable this year. Despite all the controversy in the offseason if Rodgers would even play another snap for the Packers, he is right back in a great spot. He is the frontrunner for the MVP plum, has clinched the division for a third straight season, and put the Packers in control of the top spot in the NFC.
Brady has had a phenomenal season, but Rodgers should win his second straight MVP trophy to up his total to four.
Follow Us
Subscribe