Twitter: @CozzyNick
Piece By Nicholas Cosmai
A new approach for this week, instead of the weekly takeaways, this week will be about early MVP candidates. In no particular order, below are the seven players that if the season ended today would be considered as mvp candidates.
Dak Prescott
There’s no secret about it, Dallas is in some impressive form this season. Winning there last five games after the opening night loss at Tampa Bay. Much part of Dallas’ success this season has been through an improvement on defence. Also arguably producing the leader for the defensive player of the year in Trevon Diggs. Of course, what we did not doubt is how good the offence could be, and it has been quite good. Dak Prescott not only can make a case as an MVP candidate, but as the comeback player of year also. Top 5 in yards, touchdowns, passer rating and narrowly second in competition percentage. He’ll make a strong case coming off that horrific ankle injury as Dallas will comfortably win the NFC East.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is arguably the most dynamic play maker in the league or at the very least one of the most. There are but two flaws to his game, his ability to come through in the toughest matches and his inconsistent passing game. This season he has shown some improvement in both but more so the ability to overcome adversity and win big time games so far. Most rushing yards per carry in the league (with more than 7 attempts), whilst being top eight in passing yards per game and QBR. Baltimore remains the slight favourites for the AFC North so far and largely because of how well Jackson and the team can overcome different challenges thrown at them. This clearly isn’t the MVP season he had a couple seasons back, but he is carrying this team to a high standard on offence.
Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals have been by far the most improved team in the competition. Currently remain the only undefeated team left and have had some big wins also. Dominating at the rams and at Cleveland in the last three weeks. A roster that looks fairly sharp all rounds. Continuing on the topic of dynamic playmakers in this league, Kyler Murray is well and truly in the conversation for it. Currently 1st in competition percentage, and 3rd in both QBR and passer rating. As much as the passer he is he can absolutely be effective when scrambling. Not just with throwing abilities but with his speed and elusiveness also. He will definitely be in the conversation later down the road if the Cardinals win the toughest division in the NFC at the very least.
Tom Brady
The reigning super bowl mvp continuing to impress on the field as Tampa carry over their form from last season. Tampa remains a strong chance to win the NFC South as everyone would’ve predicted. But for Brady individually he currently ranks 1st in passing yards, 2nd in touchdowns behind Patrick Mahomes and 4th in QBR. It’s been very impressive how he’s been able to wind back the clock and produce like he has been able to considering his age. No question the Bucs are well poised to continue their form and make another strong playoff charge with Brady in charge.
Josh Allen
Quite possibly the only mvp candidate from last season who is somewhat carrying his form over from last season. At this stage Allen is more on the outside looking in but there are some early signs he’ll at least be in the discussion. The stats are not very flattering for Josh at this stage too but currently he is leading one of the most explosive offences. Who since week one has had no hiccups? Buffalo still remain one of the in-form teams even including last week’s result and Josh Allen will need to keep and improve the form he has for the Bills to chase that one seed.
Derrick Henry
Yes, the NFL MVP has been for most of its existence a QB award but every now and again there’s a surprise. If there is a chance that there is a surprise for MVP this season, no doubt the player that is the front runner for it is Derrick Henry. Through six games he has 783 rushing yards which is 250 more then Elliott and Chubb who are in second. Averaging nearly five yards per carry along with 10 rushing touchdowns which is double of who is in 2nd. A complete unstoppable force who is the biggest reason to why Tennessee currently has a winning record. If the MVP award wasn’t heavily skewed towards QB’s, Henry should and would be the clear leader at this point.