NFL MVP: Why Drew Brees Got Screwed

Let me preface this article by saying that Aaron Rodgers definitely deserved to be recognized Saturday night. That really isn't in question. He had an amazing regular season for the Green Bay Packers, maybe one of the best ever.

That said, MVP means most valuable to your team and that was not Aaron Rodgers. Instead, Drew Brees was No. 1 in that category and it wasn't even close.

Look at how Matt Flynn performed in the season finale against the Detroit Lions, a game that Jim Schwartz and co. desperately needed. The Packers had a wide array of talent on the offensive side of the ball, making Rodgers' job just that much easier.

Drew Brees, on the other hand, inspired his teammates on the offensive side of the ball to play with every ounce of talent they had. 

Brees' No. 1 receiver, Marques Colston, was a former runner-up Mr. Irrelevant. His top target between the hashes, Jimmy Graham, was an unheralded third-rounder and their leading rusher was a 5'6" former fourth-round pick from Kansas State.

In short, Brees made this team go.

The Saints offense broke numerous records as well. They acquired the most yardage and first downs in NFL history.

Drew Brees broke the single season passing yards and completion percentage record. He accounted for 72 percent of their total yards and 75 percent of their touchdowns on offense. In less prestigious honors, Brees broke the single-season completion record as well.

The Saints amassed 30 points in 12 of their 18 games, including the postseason. They put up 62 points against the Indianapolis Colts and won their final eight regular season games.

It's hard to imagine that New Orleans would have finished above .500 if Chase Daniel was the starting quarterback. On the other hand, the Packers would have easily been a double digit win team with Matt Flynn at quarterback.

This is what separates the definition of "best player" from "most valuable player." Peyton Manning might not have been the best player in the NFL over the course of the last decade prior to 2011, but he was by far the "most valuable" to his team.

I have an extremely hard time understanding why people cannot comprehend that this award goes to the most valuable player to his team. It really isn't that hard of a concept to grasp.

For example, Joe Montana might have been the best player in the NFL during the 1980s, but Dan Marino was easily the most valuable to his team.

I have absolutely nothing against Aaron Rodgers. But he wasn't the most valuable player during the 2011 regular season and it wasn't even that close.

So, let's sum it up:

• Single season passing yardage record

• Single season completion percentage record.

• Single season completion record.

• Single season first down record.

• Single season yardage record.

How does that not earn the MVP award? Please explain!