NFL MVP: Does Tom Brady Deserve It More Than Aaron Rodgers?

Aaron Rodgers is having one of the most amazing statistical seasons in NFL history. The Packers quarterback has thrown for 33 touchdowns, 3,475 yards and has a passer rating of 127.7. He's also thrown only four interceptions which is just ridiculous. While these numbers are absolutely remarkable, is Rodgers the most valuable player in the league?

He may be the main reason why the Packers are 11-0, but without him the Packers would still possibly be a playoff team. They have elite receivers in Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Jordy Nelson and James Jones.

This is not to say that it's these receivers that are elevating Rodgers' game. Rodgers is most likely elevating their games. But even with a guy like Matt Flynn, who showed great competency at the quarterback position last year against New England, the Packers would still be able to play well. 

So, long story short: Rodgers is valuable, but there is another guy up in New England who might be more valuable.

Tom Brady has been putting up similar stats for the Patriots with significantly less-talented players. Brady has thrown for 28 touchdowns, 3,627 yards and has a 105.1 rating. While some of these numbers fall short to Rodgers' great stats, sometimes people must read past the raw data.

First of all, Brady does not have the same talented group catching balls for him. He has two over-the-hill receivers in Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco. He has two sophomore tight ends in Rob Gronkowski and Arron Hernandez. Finally, he has a limited guy in Wes Welker. In other words, Brady is producing with limited resources. 

Secondly, Brady and the Patriots have a limited running game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis averages close to 53 yards per game. That's not something that's really giving the Pats a big boost on offense. Because of this, they have to throw the ball more. 

This year, Brady has had five games where he's thrown the ball 40 times or more. In 2007, when the Patriots almost went undefeated and were surrounded by superstars like Randy Moss—and a strong defense that almost led them to a Super Bowl victory—Brady had only four games all regular season where he threw the ball 40 times or more.

It must be noted that the Patriots running game wasn't all that special back in 2007 but, because their team was better back then, there was less pressure on Brady. They could win in different ways back then. Brady wasn't the most valuable guy for the team back then. He was to the Patriots what Rodgers is to the Packers today. 

The Patriots are the worst defensive team in the league. They allow north of 400 yards per game. This allows absolutely no breathing room for Brady to perform, yet he is leading the Pats to victories and possibly a bye week. 

One may argue that the Packers defense isn't that great either. This may be true in terms of yards allowed, but the Packers defense allows yards because they take a lot of risky moves on defense to try to force turnovers. In fact, they have nine more forced turnovers than the Patriots do this season with 29. 

The Packers are so confident in their quarterback that they choose not to play a conservative style of defense. They know that if the other team scores, they can strike back with Aaron Rodgers.

The fact of the matter is that without Tom Brady, the New England Patriots are reduced to Colts status. That's how much Tom Brady means to this team. Great quarterbacks hide organizational flaws. This isn't to say Rodgers can't do it. He most definitely can—but Brady is doing it right now, and for that he is the most valuable player of 2011.