Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson Jr. Should Be an MVP Candidate

The NFL MVP is an honor that, in its 54 years of existence, has been mainly given to quarterbacks and running backs. Actually, to put things into perspective, a quarterback has been named MVP 36 times, a running back 16 times, and a kicker once.

Never in the history of the NFL has there been a wide receiver named the MVP, but if there is anyone more deserving to set a new precedent, it would be none other than the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson Jr.

Johnson is one of the most physically gifted athletes to ever step foot on an NFL field. Standing at 6'5" 236 pounds, the man runs a 4.35 40-yard dash (for perspective, the 211-pound Chris Johnson runs a 4.24), has a 45-inch vertical leap and a ridiculous 6'10" wingspan, coining him the nickname Megatron. But it's more than just his measurables that make him one of the most unstoppable receivers that football has ever seen.

The Stats

Numbers are something you can't debate. No matter what side you're on, no matter how much you might dislike a person, the statistics are one of the most clear-cut indicators of someone's abilities.

Right now, Calvin Johnson is third in the NFL behind Philly's LeSean McCoy and New England's Rob Gronkowski in touchdowns scored with 14 (best among WR's), four of which have been scored in the red zone while the Lions were trailing—tied for most clutch touchdown receptions with Plaxico Burress.

Johnson is also second behind none other than Wes Welker in receiving yards with 1,335, and averages 16.5 yards per catch.

The Facts

Megatron is such a threat that prior to his two-TD, 219-yard explosion against Oakland, he went without a touchdown in four of the Lions' last six games, three of which they lost.

Why? Because teams resorted to double-teaming Johnson on every play to ensure he didn't get a chance to touch the ball.

What other receiver do you know who was more feared than Megatron? Maybe the G.O.A.T. WR, Jerry Rice?

I'm not trying to downplay any elite QB in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers is probably the most deserving NFL MVP this season (there's about a 99 percent chance that he'll win it), but it's time for someone other than a QB or a RB to have their name in the discussions. Matthew Stafford would be absolutely nothing without Calvin Johnson.

Give him the respect he's due.