Throughout the history of the illustrious MVP award, handed out since 1957, the offense has practically monopolized the honor. Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle Alan Page, Washington Redskins Placekicker Mark Moseley and New York Giants Hall of Fame Linebacker Lawrence Taylor are the only non-offense players to win the MVP, this year could be another page in history as phenom J.J. Watt has made quite the case for his first, of what could be many, top dog awards.
In what some are calling the greatest performance by a defensive end in the history of the NFL, it’s hard not to have J.J. with the most votes come Award Night. Yes Aaron Rodgers played like a modern day gladiator after his famous “relax” comment earlier in the season, Tom Brady is playing as if he found the fountain of youth and Those “boys” in Dallas are recreating 90’s Magic in Texas, it’s just if you classify the MVP as the most valuable, does Houston even win one game with no Watt in the lineup? Let’s run through some theories here.
In Tom Brady’s “glory years” teams could do little to stop the Field General. Becoming a modern dynasty the Patriots won The Super Bowl multiple times and competed for the prize almost every year come February under a complete and balanced system, ran by Bill Belichick and executed by Brady and Co. When Tom went down against KC in the season opener back in 2008, Matt Cassel stepped in and still led New England to an 11-5 record. Almost as if Tom wasn’t injured after all. Last season in Green Bay Aaron Rodgers was shelved by a collabone break leaving the 3 backups to share play calling duties for 7 long weeks. Although they struggled early they eventually led the team to the final and deciding game, winning two nail biters to keep the cheese heads in the playoff race. The point is teams make systems around quarterbacks and even high powered running backs and wide receivers leaving wiggle room for 2nd strings and “next-ups” to step in and succeed. With no J.J. in the Houston Defense they have no one that can step in and be that much of a game changer that he is.
Back to back seasons with 20+ sacks, a first in NFL history, 5 touchdowns with 2 on offense,a ferociousness matched by few across the league, heart of a lion, all from a budding 25 year old who can only get better with time. With journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm mixed with the nagging injuries of Andre Johnson and Jadeveon Clowney, one can correctly assume that the Texan team that finished with a winning record of 9-7, nearly clinching a playoff spot, would be competing for the #1 draft pick in the spring. Teams across the league have made it known that they base most of the gameplan around #99. Though some analysts will say he gets single blocks the majority of the time, it’s ludicrous to believe he isn’t the most dangerous player on the field come game days. He is a leader, a men amongst boys and plays with fire every time the ball is snapped. He demonstrates abilities and attributes found in each athlete to ever wear the MVP crown, offense or not.
When Alan Page won the prestigious award back in 1977, most analysts were children, teenagers or like myself, pre conceived. From what is known and documented he dominated quarterbacks and played the defensive tackle position better than anyone either living or dead… Until now. Watt put out the most memorable performance on Defense ever witnessed this year, and alone. With no star nose tackle, no outstanding cornerbacks, no partner in crime on the line to strike fear in opponents. The days of a helmet less Brian Cushing have been replaced with the era of the Bloody Watt Face, a staple in his young career. Not since Lawrence Taylor or Ray Lewis have we seen the heart and determination he exudes. His legacy will be everlasting, his stats and sacks plenty. The Super Bowl may be out of reach for now, that MVP award shouldn’t be.
Don’t get it twisted, as mentioned prior Aaron Rodgers has proven he is the ultimate in the quarterback role, he does it every season and with such ease. Going down with injuries coming back and not missing a step. Tom Brady is rejuvenated and firing on all cylinders in the Belichick offense. Tony Romo has broke the December curse for himself, Demarco Murray broke two things, his hand and The Cowboys rushing yards record. All the usual suspects have came out to play, though none have truly separated themselves from the pack. This is the main reason J.J. should be solidified as the #1 vote.
He will continue to astound many and put up stats that for most will be unattainable. History will one day be made again when this small town kid from Waukesha, Wisconsin will someday reign as the MVP, it just fails to be known when this day will come.
