NFL Final MVP Rankings: Tom Brady, Michael Vick and the Deserving Dozen

The 2010-11 NFL regular season is now in the books.

Who are the Deserving Dozen (or Top 12) MVP candidates on my final (mythical) ballot?

If you have been following my previous five installments, you may be wondering why this is a Top 12 and not a more traditional Top 10.

Two answers:

A) Ten just did not seem to be enough and 20 seemed like too many.

B) Why not? After No.1, it’s a crap shoot anyway.

I can’t pretend that there is any suspense over the No.1 spot this year, but many of the other 11 played themselves either on or off the list, or into better or worse positions by their play yesterday.

Two more notes:

1) This is not really a Player of the Year list, but it is an unscientific (but hopefully fair) ranking of those players whose big years contributed to a successful regular season for their respective clubs.

2) Yes, this is not an exact science, but this whole ball of wax is re-examined each week by a well-trained team of footballologists. We also employ lab mice who continually ponder who moved their cheese and goalposts.

Please enjoy.

The MVP— Historically

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 28: Runningback LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after scoring a 4 yard rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Sa

In reviewing the Associated Press MVP award for the last 11 years, it is clear that quarterbacks are the favorites for the award.

And if it's not a quarterback, then a running back is likely to win.

Three running backs have won the award since 1999: Marshall Faulk in 2000, Shaun Alexander (remember him?) in 2005 and LaDainian Tomlinson (pictured) in 2006.

Otherwise, Kurt Warner has won it twice; Peyton Manning three-and-a-half times with the other half going to the late Steve McNair, and Rich Gannon and Tom Brady have both taken home the hardware.

Are you looking for a wide receiver? Well, keep looking. The incomparable Jerry Rice took home most of the postseason awards in 1987, but lost the AP vote to John Elway.

That's about it for the last 50 years, and the only offensive player other than a quarterback or a running back to take home the award since 1970 was Mark Moseley (a placekicker) in that strange, strike-shortened 1982 season.

If you're looking for a defensive player, step away: There's little to see here.

The original LT, Lawrence Taylor, garnered the award in 1986 and Alan Page, a far superior citizen, did so in 1971.

All this does not suggest that I am only looking at QBs, but the NFL is increasingly a quarterback's league and any realistic list should reflect that.

Last Week’s Deserving Dozen

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last Week’s Deserving Dozen:

12—Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)

11—Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)

10— Peyton Manning (Colts)

 9— Matt Cassel (Chiefs)

 8—Roddy White (Falcons)

 7—Joe Flacco (Ravens)

 6—Philip Rivers (Chargers)

 5—Matt Ryan (Falcons)

4—Drew Brees (Saints)

3— Michael Vick (Eagles)

2— Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

1— Tom Brady (Patriots)

Did my lab mice go crazy in crunching numbers very early this morning? Perhaps, they were cheesed off that they had to watch the twin 7-9 powers from the NFC West wage their mediocre battle for a playoff game—and a home one at that!

They—the mice and the footballologists who employ them—pulled one guy off the list altogether and this was after he won a tune-up win heading into the playoffs. Sorry, Mr. Flacco.

They also thought about removing Matt Cassel (and maybe his citizenship) after that cheesy (?) display at home versus the Raiders.

They campaigned for a baker’s dozen of 13 for the final week and I concurred, so two new players have been added and I don’t think that they are stretches.

We regret that even with 13 names, we had no room for (in alphabetical order) Dwayne Bowe, Jay Cutler, Joe Flacco, DeSean Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner and Reggie Wayne, or defensive players such as Clay Matthews, Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

The mice have no regrets about leaving Albert Haynesworth off their Top 600 this year.

So, who did make our final Deserving Dozen?

13. Arian Foster (Texans)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes for major yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Overview:

Yes, the Texans (6-10) weren’t even a factor in a bad AFC South this year, but Foster was brilliant this year.

The second-year back and first-year starter out of Tennessee became a household name this year with huge stats that are summarized below.

He led all NFL running backs in rushing yards and touchdowns this year and was third in carries and second in receptions out of the backfield.

Season Stats:

327 carries for 1616 yards (4. 9 ypc) and 16 touchdowns; 66 receptions for 604 yards (9. 2 ypc) and one TD.

He lost two fumbles.

12. Matt Cassel (Chiefs)

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws an interception in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Raiders won 31-10 (Photo by Tim Umphrey

Overview:

Cassel’s season ended on a very sour note, with a hideous performance at home in a loss against the Raiders. The upset dropped them to the fourth seed, and his Chiefs will host the dangerous Baltimore Ravens.

While the stench of that performance dropped Cassel from No. 9 to No. 12 on my list, it should not negate how fine he has played for the Chiefs, a surprise AFC West winner this year.

Matt’s numbers don't wow you other than his 27-7 touchdown/interception ratio and his 10-5 record as the starting quarterback.

Season Stats:

262-450 (58. 2%) for 3116 yards (6. 9 ypa) 27 touchdowns; 7 picks

Passer Rating: 93.0 (eighth best)

11. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Thomas Jones #20 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

Overview: 

The third-year running back from the University of Texas had a big year as the key member of (arguably) the game’s best running attack.

Charles was second in the league in rushing, with the best yards-per-carry average among all backs.

He also became more of a threat as a receiver this year.

Season Stats:

230 carries for 1467 yards (6. 4 ypc) and 5 touchdowns; 45 receptions for 468 yards (10. 4 ypc) and 3 TDs.

He lost two fumbles.

10. Josh Freeman (Buccaneers)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids a tackle by Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saint

Overview:

The talented second-year quarterback from Kansas State made huge strides this year, almost leading Tampa Bay into the playoffs.

Freeman capped a fine season by winning the season finale in New Orleans with a near flawless performance.

He debuts this week (just in time) at No. 10.

Season Stats:

291-479 (61. 4%) for 3451 yards (7. 3 ypa) 25 touchdowns; 6 picks

Passer Rating: 95. 9 (sixth best)

9. Roddy White (Falcons)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons fails to pull in this reception against C.J. Wilson #27 of the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Overview: 

White completed a huge season for what is essentially a running team.

He led all NFL receivers in receptions and was second in yardage, as a vital piece of the puzzle for the 13-3 Falcons.

Season Stats:

115 receptions for 1389 yards (12. 1 ypc) and 10 touchdowns.

8. Peyton Manning (Colts)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his team during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Overview:

Peyton and the Colts have bounced back nicely from a very tough stretch with four straight wins.

While they rarely won in dominating fashion—including a win they eked out yesterday over a poor Titans team—they did what they had to do to get back to the playoffs yet again.

Manning had his lowest passer rating since 2002-03, but still led the league in passes thrown and completed, and was second in yards and touchdowns.

Season Stats:

450-679 (66. 3%) for 4700 yards (6. 9 ypa) 33 touchdowns; 17 picks

Passer Rating: 91. 9 (10^th best)

7. Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Overview:

Big Ben moves up all the way to No. 7, even if his total stats are not enormous this year.

Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and are 9-3 when he is under center.

Ben is still a great combination of strength, toughness, accuracy and clutch play. His yards-per-attempt was third best in the league this year.

One can make the case that all he does is win football games.

Season Stats:

240-389 (61. 7%) for 3200 yards (8. 2 ypa) 17 touchdowns; 5 picks

Passer Rating: 97. 0 (fifth best)

6. Philip Rivers (Chargers)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers is dejected after throwing an interception during the Chargers 34-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (P

Overview:

Rivers has maintained a high spot on my list, despite his inability to lead the Chargers to the expected AFC West title.

But clearly, he was the glue for a 9-7 team that could have easily fallen apart without his leadership and stellar play.

Rivers finished the campaign as the NFL’s second highest ranked passer and he led all quarterbacks in yards per attempt and total passing yards.

Season Stats:

357-541 (66. 0%) for 4710 yards (8. 7 ypa) 30 touchdowns; 13 picks

Passer Rating: 101. 8 (second best)

5. Drew Brees (Saints)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw the ball during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Overview:

Brees dropped one spot this week after a mediocre performance in a season-ending loss to the Bucs. It did not end up costing them in terms of their seeding (as the Falcons, as expected, defeated the Panthers).

Brees is—somewhat under the radar—having another strong year; he finished third in the NFL in passing yards (behind Rivers and Manning) and second in touchdowns (behind Tom Brady).

On the downside, his 22 interceptions trailed only Eli Manning.

Season Stats:

448-658 (68. 1%) for 4620 yards (7. 0 ypa) 33 touchdowns; 22 picks

Passer Rating: 97. 0 (12^th best)

4. Matt Ryan (Falcons)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates their 31-10 win over the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Overview:

Matty Ice moves up one place after a strong performance versus the Panthers that allowed the Falcons to retain the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs.

Ryan has not put up huge numbers this year (other than the 13-3 record, of course), yet his Falcons are just two home playoff victories away from their first Super Bowl appearance since their Dirty Bird days.

He’s kind of like Matt Cassel (and not just because of their first names, or mine), but probably a little better and he’s playing for a better team.

As for this Matt, I was a sometimes spectacular, if erratic, intramural college quarterback with a knack for losing close games. I never won an intramural title and was somehow overlooked in the draft.

I tell myself that it was a deep year for quarterbacks.

Season Stats:

357-571 (62. 5%) for 3705 yards (6. 5 ypa) 28 touchdowns; 9 picks

Passer Rating: 91.0 (11^th best)

3. Michael Vick (Eagles)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Overview:

Vick (famously) sat out the meaningless season finale versus the Cowboys and held onto the No. 3 slot on my Deserving Dozen.

May I have a show of hands: How many of you had him in your preseason Top 50?

Michael Vick has had a sensational year and being ranked as the No. 3 MVP candidate after missing several games this season is quite an achievement.

No need to even discuss everything he has rebounded from.

Vick finished the season as the fourth-ranked passer in the NFL, and he looked as if he is just as devastating a runner as ever in the open field. 

All in all, he was the No. 1 revelation of the NFL season.

Season Stats:

233-372 (62. 6 %) for 3705 yards (8. 1 ypa) 21 touchdowns; 6 picks

100 carries for 676 yards (6. 8 ypa) and nine TDs.

Passer Rating: 100. 2 (12^th best)

2. Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is chased out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Overview:

Rodgers did just enough to beat the Bears yesterday, propelling the Pack into the playoffs and a most intriguing first round game in Philadelphia.

Rodgers is as talented as anyone at the position today (with the possible exception of Vick), and he does so many things to keep his team competitive.

He’s big, mobile, strong-armed, accurate and a good leader. (Otherwise, I’m not much of a fan.)

He also was not voted to the Pro Bowl this year.

Hey, Vick’s been amazing, Brees is great and Ryan has had a very solid year, but Rodgers would be my first or second pick in the NFC.

Season Stats:

312-475 (65. 7 %) for 3922 yards (8.3 ypa) 28 touchdowns; 11 picks

64 carries for 356 yards (5. 6 ypa) and four TDs.

Passer Rating: 101.2 (third best)

1. Tom Brady (Patriots)

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots runs against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Overview:

While all of this is highly subjective and all my other picks (from 13-1, and any omissions) are up for grabs, I defy anyone to make a compelling case for any player other than Brady for MVP this year.

Brady led the Patriots to the league’s best record (14-2) with a defense and supporting cast that would have been hard-pressed to go 9-7 with most of the league’s starting quarterbacks.

All Brady did was mold a suspect cast into the highest scoring team in the NFL; the Patriots (and Brady) were also the best at ball security.

I have run out of superlatives to describe Tom, who is arguably the greatest winning quarterback in modern NFL history.

And no offense to Wes Welker and company, but who exactly is he surrounded by?

If Brady is not the unanimous pick for league MVP this season, there ought to be an investigation.

Season Stats:

324-492 (65. 9 %) for 3900 yards (7. 9 ypa) 36 touchdowns; 4 picks

Passer Rating: 111. 0 (The Best)

So, that about does it, but now it’s your turn to sound off.

Did we omit someone who was deserving, or include anyone who does not belong?

Did we misplace others who made the list?

Please fire away below, and thank you for reading.

 

For more information on Matt Goldberg’s new books, other writings and appearances, please e-mail: matt@tipofthegoldberg. com