2010 NFL MVP Award: 5 Reasons Why Tom Brady May Not Win That Easily

The NFL's MVP award will be announced on February 6th, shortly before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLV.

According to Wikipedia: "Since 1957 The National Football League's Most Valuable Player Award (NFL MVP) is given most notably by the Associated Press (AP) to the player who is considered most valuable in the league".

In 1997 and 2003, the award was shared twice and Peyton Manning is the only NFL player to win the award four times.

Now, in its 53rd year, the award has been won by either a quarterback or running back 94 percent of the time. And only three times in its history has it been awarded to someone other than a quarterback or running back. The last defensive player to win the MVP award was Lawrence Taylor in 1986. 

By now, it appears a foregone conclusion by most fans and media that in all likelihood, Tom Brady should win the AP MVP award. 

In the slides to follow, I'll show you five reasons why Tom Brady may possibly get derailed of this honor.

Detroit Lion Defensive Tackle: Ndamukong Suh

Suh was nominated for and received countless rookie awards that include Rookie of the year by The Sporting News, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association.

He is also the only rookie named to the Associated Press (AP) All-Pro Team. He led his team in sacks with 10.

He is the first rookie defensive tackle to be named to the AP All-Pro team since its recognition was designated in 1951.

San Diego Chargers Quarterback: Philip Rivers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 31-0. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Rivers was on fire through the first 10 weeks of the season and led the NFL with a career-high 4,710 passing yards.

He finished with 30 touchdowns to 13 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 101.8 as well as being selected to his first Pro-Bowl.

He also played much of the season without Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.

Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver: Roddy White

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch for a first down in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty I

He was Matt Ryan's go-to receiver, especially in clutch situations. 

He led the NFL with 115 receptions for 1,389 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns to help lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 13-3 record.

As a side note, White forced a fumble after his quarterback Matt Ryan was intercepted versus the 49ers to help the Falcons secure a 16-14 comeback win.

Houston Texan Running Back: Arian Foster

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 07: Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes in the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Reliant Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Foster led the NFL with 1,616 rushing yards and 2,220 total yards from scrimmage with 18 touchdowns. He also ran for an average 4.9 yards per carry.

He earned a Pro-Bowl bid but played on a losing team (6-10). Could he still win the MVP while playing on a losing team?

With numbers like that, I would think it's possible.

Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback: Michael Vick

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles drops back against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Tr

A feel-good story if Vick is to win the MVP. He should certainly finish second if he doesn't take top honors. Vick started the season as a backup.

He set career highs in touchdown passes (21), passer rating (100.2), passing yards (3,018), rushing touchdowns (nine) and completion percentage of (62.6).

He was able to achieve all this in just 12 games and led the Eagles to an NFC East title. His best week was during Week 10 when he accounted for six touchdowns—four passing, two rushing—and threw for 333 yards in a 59-28 win over the Redskins in Washington. 

After that performance, Tom Brady was led to say "Vick was damn near impossible to stop."