2017 NFL MVP predictions: Tom Brady is our unanimous choice over Todd Gurley

[edjr 6,578]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2017-nfl-mvp-predictions-tom-brady-is-our-unanimous-choice-over-todd-gurley/

 

 

 

If anything, Week 17 served to confirm what we already knew: Tom Brady might be among the NFL's slowest and oldest players, but he remains its best. He cemented his latest MVP award according to the CBSSports.com NFL staff despite a pedestrian effort in a meaningless Week 17 game against a Jets team with nothing to play for.

Over the course of his 18th season, Brady was the league's top passer in terms of total value and value per play, according to Football Outsiders' metrics, and he was also the leader in passing yards (4,577), third in touchdowns (32) and third in passer rating (102.8). And now he's poised to add MVP award No. 3 to a trophy case that includes five Lombardi Trophies, four Super Bowl MVP awards and 13 Pro Bowls.

Rams running back Todd Gurley finished second in our voting, but the reality is that he never really had a chance -- through absolutely no fault of his own. He finished the 2017 season with 1,305 rushing yards (4.7 YPC) and 13 touchdowns in addition to 788 receiving yards and six more scores. In any other, Brady-less year, Gurley is your MVP, no questions asked.

But here we are.

Not surprisingly, Brady and Gurley received the first and second-place votes on every single one of our writers' ballots this week. It was in spots three through five where things diverged. Rob Gronkowski appeared on three ballots, as did Aaron Donald. Drew Brees, Le'Veon Bell, and Calais Campbell got two votes each, while Antonio Brown, Alvin Kamara, and Jimmy Garoppolo (YES, REALLY) each secured a fifth-place vote.

Alright, without further ado, let's get to it:

2017 MVP final vote tally

1. Tom Brady - 25 points

2. Todd Gurley - 20 points

3. Aaron Donald - 7 points

T-4. Le'Veon Bell - 5 points

T-4. Drew Brees - 5 points

T-6. Rob Gronkowski - 4 points

T-6. Carson Wentz - 4 points

7. Alvin Kamara - 3 points

T-8. Calais Campbell - 1 point

T-8. Antonio Brown - 1 point

 

 

 

 

should be

 

 

Wentz

Gurley

Brady

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

Gurley gets 25 touches a game. Have him make a call at the line and let me know how he does.

 

Wentz is dead.

[TimmySmith 2,782]

Brady had about the 5th or 6th best year of his career, which makes it a rather middling year over the last 10. Nothing earth shattering about his numbers or the Patriot's season. He only stands out in this down year for QBs.

 

I still put Brady behind Wentz. Gurley is easy winner IMO.

[edjr 6,578]

Gurley gets 25 touches a game. Have him make a call at the line and let me know how he does.

 

Wentz is dead.

 

how many touches a game did LT2 and ADP get

 

and without Wentz, the Iggles are the iggles.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

 

how many touches a game did LT2 and ADP get

 

and without Wentz, the Iggles are the iggles.

 

I don't think that the Pats are where they are if they had Hoyer at QB.

 

Again, I don't see how a RB is the MVP. Goff probably had more to do with the team's success than Gurley did.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

Brady had about the 5th or 6th best year of his career, which makes it a rather middling year over the last 10. Nothing earth shattering about his numbers or the Patriot's season. He only stands out in this down year for QBs.

 

I still put Brady behind Wentz. Gurley is easy winner IMO.

I understand Donald is a beast and Gurley had a great year.

 

But where were they when Goff was a rookie and they had Fisher? Goff and the new coach is the reason for their turn around. They had Gurley and a solid Defense before and couldnt make the playoffs.

 

Gurley is not the MVP. But it is a down year.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

I don't think that the Pats are where they are if they had Hoyer at QB.

 

Again, I don't see how a RB is the MVP. Goff probably had more to do with the team's success than Gurley did.

Pats probably win 9 with Hoyer and still win the division. Probably the same record they ended up with if Jimmy G had to play.

 

But spot on with the rest. A RB needs like 1000 and 1000 or 2000 yards to have a chance. The RB has to carry thr offense. Gurley didnt carry anything. Goff and the passing game was very solid.

[TD Ryan2 316]

best defensive player out for the year.

best wide receiver out for the year.

 

doesn't fockin' matter if you have Brady at QB and Belichick coaching.

 

Those two should win the awards every fockin' year, but they're so on another level... it's kinda' like the CEO never wins employee of the month... they're so far up the ladder, they don't even qualify for these trinkets anymore.

 

TimmySmith even helped make my point with his post above... "a middling year for Brady... nothing earth shattering abou him and the Pats this year"... any other team in the league gets 13 wins and top seed in the conference without their top D player and WR, it's earth shattering... with the Pats, "ho hum, nothing earth shattering".

[edjr 6,578]

Gurley didnt carry anything.

 

 

2100 yards 19 TD and 344 touches and sat week 17 (coaches DEC)

[Reality 3,118]

Wouldn't have an issue with any of ed's top 3.

 

That said, Gurley was an absolute game changer this year, I am not in the belief that only a QB can ever win the MVP.

[TimmySmith 2,782]

I understand Donald is a beast and Gurley had a great year.

 

But where were they when Goff was a rookie and they had Fisher? Goff and the new coach is the reason for their turn around. They had Gurley and a solid Defense before and couldnt make the playoffs.

 

Gurley is not the MVP. But it is a down year.

Remove Gurley and they are 6 win team. 12.3 YPC is ridiculous for a RB.

[drobeski 3,061]

Easily Brady, he's been ripped off enough.

[cmh6476 1,017]

_{alex smith = highest QB rating}

[listen2me 23 1,831]

Remove Gurley and they are 6 win team. 12.3 YPC is ridiculous for a RB.

Yeah no wonder he was almost half that last year. Without Goff and the new coach.

 

Goff being good and the new coach was the difference OBVIOUSLY. Gurley had no chance without them. Not saying Goff is the MVP. But McVeigh is hands down coach of the year.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

 

2100 yards 19 TD and 344 touches and sat week 17 (coaches DEC)

Bell and Johnson both destroyed those stats last year and MATT RYAN got the MVP.

 

Gurley had a great year. But we see better years from better RBs a lot.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

Wouldn't have an issue with any of ed's top 3.

 

That said, Gurley was an absolute game changer this year, I am not in the belief that only a QB can ever win the MVP.

 

Explain how he averaged a sweet 3.2 yards per carry with 6 total TDs last year. Enter McVeigh and Goff ready to play. And then look.

 

I mean is this THAT HARD TO SEE? What are you guys refusing to acknowledge here?

[Gladiators 1,964]

Yeah no wonder he was almost half that last year. Without Goff and the new coach.

 

Goff being good and the new coach was the difference OBVIOUSLY. Gurley had no chance without them. Not saying Goff is the MVP. But McVeigh is hands down coach of the year.

 

 

To be fair, I could argue the same for every other MVP candidate. The MVP is playing for a really good team and likely has a coach who isn't terrible.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

 

To be fair, I could argue the same for every other MVP candidate. The MVP is playing for a really good team and likely has a coach who isn't terrible.

Ok go ahead and try.

 

Who sucked ass last year. Only to get a new coach and QB, to then have a good year this year?

[TD Ryan2 316]

 

Explain how he averaged a sweet 3.2 yards per carry with 6 total TDs last year. Enter McVeigh and Goff ready to play. And then look.

 

I mean is this THAT HARD TO SEE? What are you guys refusing to acknowledge here?

 

it's because it's a passing league more than ever now and RBs are not that valuable.

Players who pass the ball, catch the passes, and stop opposing teams from passing are the Most valuable ones today.

TE is a more important position that RB.... guys who can run the ball and catch a screen are a dime a dozen.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

it's because it's a passing league more than ever now and RBs are not that valuable.

Players who pass the ball, catch the passes, and stop opposing teams from passing are the Most valuable ones today.

TE is a more important position that RB.... guys who can run the ball and catch a screen are a dime a dozen.

Bingo. And I'm not DQing anyone that is a RB. But you better be the guy on your offense. Jamal Lewis going for 2000 yard with Kyle Boller at QB didn't even get a MVP. And that is more impressive than Gurley's season.

[Gladiators 1,964]

Ok go ahead and try.

 

Who sucked ass last year. Only to get a new coach and QB, to then have a good year this year?

 

You're saying Gurley is a product of his coach and QB. I can say the same thing about Brady every year or Ryan last year. Put Matt Ryan of last year on the Browns. Bet he doesn't win 13+ games and an MVP.

 

You're going to discount what Gurley did because his coach came in and is utilizing his talent? Really? That's the job of a coach...To get the most out of every player that he can. Gurley had a great season in an overall underwhelming MVP class.

[Gladiators 1,964]

And TBH, I don't even know what we're arguing. I'm simply saying Gurley deserves to be in the running. I'd vote for him, but I don't think he WILL win it.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Bingo. And I'm not DQing anyone that is a RB. But you better be the guy on your offense. Jamal Lewis going for 2000 yard with Kyle Boller at QB didn't even get a MVP. And that is more impressive than Gurley's season.

 

Teams have learned that you stop the pass first. Make your opponent march down the field. Make them execute as many plays as possible before scoring b/c in doing so, you increase the chance that they'll fock it up, turn it over, etc.

 

We see mediocre RB put up huge stats all the time (L Blount?) and it's because teams don't give a fock about them... go ahead... run the ball. we'll basically give it to you.

[drobeski 3,061]

Kamara should be in the discussion

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

You're saying Gurley is a product of his coach and QB. I can say the same thing about Brady every year or Ryan last year. Put Matt Ryan of last year on the Browns. Bet he doesn't win 13+ games and an MVP.

 

You're going to discount what Gurley did because his coach came in and is utilizing his talent? Really? That's the job of a coach...To get the most out of every player that he can. Gurley had a great season in an overall underwhelming MVP class.

No that wasn't what I was saying. Your are all over the map.

 

I was saying Gurley had a SUCK year last year. Enter a coach and a QB and like magic is good. He is not the MVP nor the reason they were good this year. He had a great year and is fortunate to have a real passing game now.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Kamara should be in the discussion

 

Kamara and Ingram, Co-MVPs!

[cmh6476 1,017]

KHunt > Kamara

[edjr 6,578]

KHunt > Kamara

 

Take it to the comedy thread

[Gladiators 1,964]

No that wasn't what I was saying. Your are all over the map.

 

I was saying Gurley had a SUCK year last year. Enter a coach and a QB and like magic is good. He is not the MVP nor the reason they were good this year. He had a great year and is fortunate to have a real passing game now.

 

I understand what you're saying, but I don't think you can discount what he did just because there's a new coach/QB. The numbers are what they are and I don't think you could just plug in another RB and get similar productivity.

[TD Ryan2 316]

 

I don't think you could just plug in another RB and get similar productivity.

 

that's where I (respectfully) disagree.

It think RB, in general - in today's NFL, is almost a plug n play position... next man up... if your RB goes down, doesn't really matter.

Your pass rusher? Your CB? Your QB? Your Left Tackle? Your stud receiver? much bigger problem.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

I understand what you're saying, but I don't think you can discount what he did just because there's a new coach/QB. The numbers are what they are and I don't think you could just plug in another RB and get similar productivity.

I am not discounting it. He had a great year. But he isn't the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. We are talking about MVP here.

[drobeski 3,061]

KHunt > Kamara

nope..he disappeared when the going got tough and kc will be lucky to get to a divisional game on the road. When the saints finally got Kamara involved they rolled.

I few good games in September and another couple scattered about won't cut it.

Kamara deserves the ROY over him.

[edjr 6,578]

Obviously Payton plays in a PPR league

[listen2me 23 1,831]

I love me some Kamara. He is really good. And smart of teh Saints to stop leaning so heavily on Brees.

 

But the reason they got in the playoffs this year was that their defense was respectable, compared to always in the bottom 5. Lattimore looks to be the real deal at CB. I think bringing in Klein from Carolina helped stabilize their defense with some leadership.

[Reality 3,118]

 

Explain how he averaged a sweet 3.2 yards per carry with 6 total TDs last year. Enter McVeigh and Goff ready to play. And then look.

 

I mean is this THAT HARD TO SEE? What are you guys refusing to acknowledge here?

 

I think Gurley deserves to be in the conversation, not sure what else to tell ya.

 

 

Gurley could have had a rough year last year because Goff was such a dumpster fire.. Goff played well this year, both players obviously benefited from one another.

[Bier Meister 1,665]

Went and Russell Wilson stand out to me

[EternalShinyAndChrome 3,881]

There is zero doubt the MVP is Aaron Rodgers.

 

That's not even up for debate. Just look how the Packers did without him.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Ok go ahead and try.

 

Who sucked ass last year. Only to get a new coach and QB, to then have a good year this year?

The award is about this year...not last.

[Gladiators 1,964]

 

that's where is (respectfully) disagree.

It think RB, in general - in today's NFL, is almost a plug n play position... next man up... if you RB goes down, doesn't really matter.

You pass rusher? Your CB? Your QB? Your Left Tackle? Your stud receiver? much bigger problem.

 

Specialty backs (only in on first/second down or only in on third down), I tend to agree. The backs that play all 4 downs and dominate, are hard to find. However, I would consider specialty backs as well if I felt they were truly one of the most valuable players in the league for that year.

 

I think a lot of QB stats and wins are a product of the system they're in, which is an interesting topic to me.

 

I think everyone would agree that Alex Smith is not an MVP caliber QB. Yet, he's put up 4k yards, 26tds and 5int's. I wouldn't consider Alex Smith an MVP candidate because I think he could be relatively easily replaced...Or if you put him on a crappy team, he wouldn't give them another 5+ wins (arbitrary #).

 

Deshaun Watson was putting up some gaudy numbers before tearing his ACL. Is he an elite QB, or a product of the system like Alex Smith? He was doing this as a rookie. I did not see this coming.

 

Carson Wetnz had a crappy year as a rookie, which is what I expect from a rookie. This year he looked like the best QB in the NFL. No new HC. Eye test tells me he's going to be really good for a long time, but I've been wrong many times.

 

Dak Prescott looked good last year as a rookie. We don't need to talk about this year.

 

Derk Carr looked great last year and I think most people were expecting even better numbers this year...That didn't happen.

 

Don't mean to take it off topic with the QB stuff, but it's interesting to me how drastic the changes are from year to year. And I know a lot goes into it with injuries, supporting cast changes, coaching changes, schedule, and defensive changes.

[listen2me 23 1,831]

 

I think Gurley deserves to be in the conversation, not sure what else to tell ya.

 

 

Gurley could have had a rough year last year because Goff was such a dumpster fire.. Goff played well this year, both players obviously benefited from one another.

Sure put him somewhere on a list. Gurley great year, yada yada yada.

 

Point is, Gurley wasn't the game changer. Maybe for your fantasy leagues. Gurley did nothing to help the QB position last year. Enter Goff and McVeigh and the team was a real team. Gurley benefits much more from good QB play, than the other way around. See Pats posts.

 

My point is Goff and the coach were the reasons for the turn around. It is painfully obvious. Gurley is a real good player on a real good team. Nice stats. Not MVP. Put him on your lists if you want. Aaron Donald made the articles list.