Eli Manning won two Super Bowl MVP awards during his playing career, so he knows exactly what it means to be the Most Valuable Player. Especially so when it matters most.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second NFL MVP award last season, but despite having a historically elite season, the odds are against him repeating.
Jackson is having his best season yet, but he’s not the favorite to win the award. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is. Any Bills fan and/or Allen for MVP advocate will tell you that Allen has less supporting cast than Jackson, so he is more deserving.
There is also MVP sentiment that favors Allen simply because he has never won the award before. Beyond the Jackson versus Allen debate, Saquon Barkley is another strong contender.
The Philadelphia Eagles star had the best season by a running back in a generation, becoming just the ninth RB ever to gain 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Had he played in the season finale, his chances of breaking the single-season rushing record were in his favor.
However, the MVP award should go to the best overall player, regardless of position, supporting cast or previous MVP awards won or not won.
Manning got straight to the point.
“Lamar Jackson, especially his last five weeks, how he’s played, 41 touchdowns, four interceptions, pretty impressive what he’s done and I know he’s won them before – but that shouldn’t hurt you,” Manning said in an exclusive with RG. “If you have the best season, if you’ve played the best, he should win MVP. I think it should probably go to Lamar.”
The two-time Super Bowl winner and New York Giants Ring of Honor member is correct that past seasons should not factor into this debate. Manning is correct when he uses the concise phrase “played the best.”
Jackson is having his best season ever, and the statistics back that up. He became the first quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards and run for 800 rushing yards.
He also became the first reigning NFL MVP to throw 40 TD passes the season after winning the award.
Additionally, Lamar also posted the fourth-highest single-season passer rating in NFL history. The numbers don’t lie, and Manning sees that.
Perhaps the award voters will, too, and then bestow the honor on the most deserving candidate.
