Richard Sherman has made his pick for NFL MVP, and it might surprise some fans. The former cornerback and current Amazon broadcaster shared his thoughts on who he believes deserves the prestigious award but likely won’t take it home this season.
After the conclusion of Thursday Night Football, Sherman addressed a crowd of enthusiastic Detroit Lions fans. Instead of selecting their star quarterback, Jared Goff, he chose to highlight a player who has been somewhat overlooked this season.
Sherman’s MVP Choice: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, has Sherman’s vote for MVP this year. “Statistically, look, Joe Burrow should be the MVP,” Sherman stated emphatically. “His team has just let him down. He’s got 30 touchdowns, 5 interceptions.” These numbers are impressive, especially in a league where quarterback performance is often scrutinized.
Burrow’s statistics speak for themselves. He has thrown for a staggering 3,337 yards, with an outstanding ratio of 30 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. But the reality is that his team is struggling, holding a disappointing 4-8 record this season. This raises the question: Can a player truly be considered the MVP if his team is underperforming?
Comparing Burrow and Goff
Meanwhile, Jared Goff, who has led the Lions to a much more favorable 12-1 record, has thrown for 3,265 yards, with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Goff’s numbers may not match Burrow’s in terms of touchdowns, but his team’s success cannot be ignored. This contrast highlights a significant debate in the MVP conversation: Should individual statistics outweigh team performance?
Many NFL fans took to social media to express their opinions on Sherman’s choice. “Offensive Player of the Year? Sure. But I’ll never be in favor of giving MVP, where valuable is in the name, to a guy who can’t get to the playoffs,” one fan argued. Others chimed in, with comments like, “Statistically, Burrow is still not the best. Look at Lamar’s stats. Sherman is a clown,” and “Yeah, the reason he has those numbers is because he has to throw so much being behind.” These reactions underscore the complexity of the MVP discussion.
What Makes an MVP?
The MVP award is often seen as a reflection of a player’s value to their team. But what does “value” truly mean? Is it about individual statistics, or is it about how those statistics contribute to a team’s success? In Burrow’s case, his impressive numbers are overshadowed by his team’s struggles. On the other hand, Goff’s lesser stats are buoyed by a winning record, raising the question of whether the MVP should be awarded to the player with the best numbers or the one who leads their team to victory.
In all likelihood, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will win his third MVP this season. Jackson has thrown for 3,290 yards, with 29 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Additionally, he has showcased his dual-threat ability by rushing for 678 yards and three touchdowns. His performance has been instrumental in leading the Ravens to a strong season, making him a frontrunner for the award.
Fans Weigh In
The debate surrounding MVP candidates is as heated as ever. Fans are passionate and vocal about their opinions. One fan commented, “It’s the most valuable player, not the most valuable team,” emphasizing the importance of individual contributions. Another fan pointed out, “MVP of the league that plays for a sub .500 team. Okay,” highlighting the contradiction in awarding the MVP to a player whose team is struggling.
As the season progresses, the MVP race will continue to heat up. With players like Burrow, Goff, and Jackson in the mix, each week brings new performances that can sway public opinion. The question remains: How do we define value in the NFL? Is it about individual brilliance, or is it about leading a team to success?
Looking Ahead
As we move closer to the playoffs, the MVP conversation will only intensify. With critical games ahead, players will have the opportunity to solidify their cases for the award. Will Burrow’s impressive stats be enough to overcome his team’s struggles? Can Goff maintain his performance while leading the Lions to victory? And will Jackson continue to dazzle fans with his playmaking ability?
In the end, the MVP award is not just about numbers; it’s about impact. As fans, we’ll be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion and who ultimately takes home the coveted title of Most Valuable Player. The NFL is full of surprises, and this season is no exception. Buckle up, because the race for MVP is just getting started!