NFL MVP 2011: Why QB Domination Shows Award Is a Sham

The NFL Most Valuable Player Award has been given to a quarterback eight times in the past 10 years. There are too many critical positions on a football team for one position to reign supreme that frequently when it comes to the league's top individual honor.

It's almost as though the voters have become so accustomed to voting for the best quarterback that other potential candidates aren't even considered.

This year's race appears to be down to three players with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady vying for the honor. While those three QBs all had solid seasons, there are several players from other positions who deserve much more respect.

How about Ray Rice?

The Baltimore Ravens running back gained more than 2,000 total yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He also carried the Ravens offense on his back for a majority of the season because of Joe Flacco's struggles, which is an important point since the award is about value, not just stats.

How about Calvin Johnson?

Despite a lack of other weapons on the Detroit Lions offense, Johnson was still able to rack up nearly 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns. Defenses continued to double- or triple-team him and he produced big numbers anyway. All while helping the Lions finally return to the playoffs.

What about Rob Gronkowski?

“Gronk” has the best season in NFL history by a tight end, catching 90 passes for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was vital in the aforementioned Brady's assault on opposing defenses, leading the team to a 13-3 record even though the New England Patriots defense was dreadful.

Call me crazy, but you can't forget about David Akers.

There have actually been more MVPs that were kickers than wide receivers. That's right, Mark Moseley won the coveted award in 1982 while no wideout has ever captured it. So Akers, who was probably the most potent member of the San Francisco 49ers offense, deserves a look for breaking the field goal record.

A case could even be made for Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants.

His dominance over the final month of the regular season, which amounted to 34 tackles and six sacks in four games, was a major reason the Giants even made the playoffs. We all know what has happened since then as they prepare for the Super Bowl.

The fact that none of these superstars from other positions are even given a chance says all you need to know about the MVP Award. Voters have become narrow-minded on the issue and have given up looking at all options before casting ballots.

It might as well be renamed the Quarterback of the Year Award because that's all it really amounts to. At least then these other deserving players, who have no prayer of winning anyway, wouldn't have to worry about getting their hopes up.