Michael Turner, MVP

He's just a backup.  The number two pick in the 2001 draft went to the San Diego chargers after the Atlanta Falcons chose the best pit boss in Virginia. 

All was well.  Four years later, The Chargers went with a thick lightning bolt from Northern Illinois.  Turner rarely saw the field, playing the role of janitor during San Diego's many playoff runs in the mid 2000s.

During his tenure out west he was somewhat impressive, showing glimpses of brilliance.  Running behind LT was a many sorted task of helmet holding and bench warming.   Along came Free agency and a new guard in Atlanta.   

The cartoon strip that was the Jim Mora, Bobby Petrino, Mike Vick show, left the fans of Atlanta drowning in dumpster water.   Queue Thomas Dimitroff, stage left and Mike Smith, stage right.   As a lifelong Atlanta resident, I remember thinking, "Who and Who?".  "Some guy from the patriots, some coordinator from somewhere, why can't we get a real coach?"

Fast-forward to December and week 15.  A first class GM, a candidate for coach of the year, the best rookie QB ever, and the most dramatic free agent signing in Atlanta Falcon's history.  The Burner has shown the rarest of qualities, including the peerless ability to run over 300 lb defensive linemen, spin around the linebackers then outrun the secondary. 

There is probably a YouTube recap during a post TD timeout where the recently torched secondary is picking up their charred undergarments from the field.  Turner has amassed the most rushing touchdowns by an Atlanta Falcon ever, and has racked up almost 1500 yards on the ground.  

He has singlehandedly made the Falcons a better team.  His brand of smash, dash and blast, takes the pressure off the QB, O-Line, and Defense.  He changed the Atlanta Falcons from an pity case to the most surprising upstart team of 2008. 

Welcome to Atlanta and the NFC South, Mr. Turner 

In less than a season he has risen to the top of the league in performance.  He is the only MVP candidate that is on the rise and appears to get better each week.  Brees: done. 

Warner can save it if he recovers from the dismal performance against the Vikings.  The MVP award is subjective in nature.  In looking to which elite player is having an elite season and is elevating his team to the top, there is only one name.  The former Charger's backup from Northern Illinois, Michael Turner, MVP.