As usual, the quarterbacks are ahead in the betting odds for the MVP award in the NFL. But why is that? None of the playmakers really stand out. If you don’t give the award to a non-quarterback this year, then when?

It’s the same old picture when you look at the annual discussions about the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, or MVP, award.

Usually, as was the case this year, it is the quarterbacks of the best teams who come out on top. In this case, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles.

All of these teams stand at ten wins, the most in the league. And, without a doubt, quarterback is the most difficult and influential position in American football. But does that make you the most valuable player on your team? Or even the whole league?

The Brock Purdy case: Why we need to take the V in MVP seriously again

The whole thing becomes clear when it comes to Brock Purdy. First of all: “Mr. Irrelevant” from the year 2022 is playing an outstanding season. He is number two in passes received, number three in passing yards, number one in yards per pass and number two in passing touchdowns. We take our hats off to that.

However – and you have to be honest – he also has the best teammates around him. With Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings he has one of the best receiver groups, with George Kittle one of the best tight ends, with Christian McCaffrey probably the best running back and with Trent Williams probably the best left tackle in the league.

Before asking whether Purdy is the most valuable player in the league – because that’s what the MVP award was originally introduced for – it’s worth asking whether he’s the most valuable player on his team at all. That’s because McCaffrey has 21 touches per game so far this season, giving him 124 yards per game.

Isn’t he the driving force of the offense, always revealing gaps behind the opponents’ linebackers with his danger as a ball carrier, which Purdy then – and this should not go unmentioned – hits with great precision? Whose loss would hurt the 49ers’ offense more, or what would be more difficult? Replacing Purdy or replacing McCaffrey? The answer is relatively clear:

Hill, McCaffrey, Aubrey: The definition of “valuable “

In a year in which all four quarterbacks mentioned had their weak phases, it would definitely be time to give the award to another position. The last time this happened was in 2012, when Adrian Peterson was voted MVP. Back then, he single-handedly carried an offense led by Christian Ponder to ten wins and into the playoffs.

In 1986, Lawrence Taylor, probably the best pass rusher in NFL history, was the last player from the defense. Back then, he prevailed against legends such as John Elway, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. At that time, a player’s value was measured beyond his statistics. Incidentally, Rice never won the MVP award.

In 2023, Tyreek Hill would be such a name. It is often said that a receiver can only become MVP if he breaks all records in a season. But that’s the crux of the matter: Why does it have to be stats all the time?

In the loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, the Miami Dolphins offense was put to sleep without Hill, who had to go down with an injury. His presence alone changes the defense’s entire approach.

Or Brandon Aubrey. The Dallas Cowboys’ rookie kicker has yet to miss a single field goal attempt. 30 attempts, 30 field goals, eight of eight from 50 yards or more. How reassuring – and therefore valuable – must it be for a head coach to know that you are virtually guaranteed points from the opponent’s 40-yard line?

At the end of the day, the Associated Press, which conducts the poll, will almost certainly choose a quarterback again.

Whether this is always in the spirit of the term “most valuable” player is – especially this year – clearly in question.