NFL MVP Race: Philip Rivers Is a Candidate, but Does He Deserve It?
It's almost time to say goodbye to football season as the regular season is coming to a close, and it's almost time to vote for the most valuable player of the NFL regular season.
Philip Rivers has put up some of the best numbers in the league this season and is looking to gain the crown.
For the first time in a while, one can say with near certainty that Peyton Manning will not be winning the crown this season.
As you are filling out your ballot, here are some reasons why Philip Rivers deserves the MVP and also some reasons why he doesn't.
He's Leading the League in Yards
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Rivers has thrown for 4,141 yards this season. This is a great stat for Rivers because he has only attempted 464 passes, which puts him ninth in the league in that category.
He is averaging 13.4 yards per completion and has been very accurate this season. With his ability to contribute great passing yardage numbers to his team, Rivers is definitely MVP-caliber in this category.
Interceptions
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This is some cause for concern. Rivers has thrown a large number of interceptions this season, throwing 11 this season.
That puts him in the middle of the crowd for NFL quarterbacks but still hurts him when you compare him to other MVP candidates like Michael Vick and Tom Brady.
One thing you have to remember, though, is that Rivers has also attempted more passes than Vick or Brady this season, although if you figure out the average throws per interception, Rivers is still not looking so great.
Philip Rivers throws an interception every 42 attempts, while Tom Brady throws one every 72 throws and Michael Vick throws one every 73 throws.
This could ultimately be one of the reasons that hurts Rivers on the MVP ballot.
Touchdowns
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Philip Rivers is currently tied for the league lead with 29 touchdown passes this season. It should be noted, however, that Tom Brady, who is currently tied with Rivers, has yet to play this week.
Either way though, this is still a great stat that Rivers has and should help him in his race to be crowned MVP.
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Yards Per Attempt
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Rivers is also the leader in yards per attempt this season, averaging 8.93 yards per attempt. This is a great stat and shows his ability to throw down the field.
There is no question that Rivers has a great arm, but it's his accuracy that might hurt him this season in the MVP ballots.
Completion Percentage
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Rivers also has a great completion percentage this season. He has completed 66.6 percent of his passes this season, only two-tenths off Tom Brady's completion rate.
This is one of his best attributes, as he has thrown a lot of passes this season, and his ability to complete a good percentage of them is key.
He Doesn't Win Enough
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This could ultimately cost Rivers the MVP title. The San Diego Chargers just have a problem winning games, especially at the beginning of the season. Rivers and the Chargers have to basically win out to have a shot at making the playoffs.
One should note, however, that Rivers has a great record in November and December, but those early season losses could still hurt him.
The Verdict
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So does Philip Rivers deserve the MVP?
Yes, he does. He has great enough numbers, and he is a true leader of his team. He is very valuable to the Chargers, and it's essential for him to play well for them to be successful.
Will Rivers win the MVP?
No, although he has great numbers. It's more than likely going to either go to Brady or Vick. Both of those guys are having great seasons, and Vick is a true playmaker and difference maker.
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