NFL MVP: Tom Brady or Mike Vick, Sorry 7 Minutes Does Not an MVP Make

The NFL pundits have nothing on the political ones, they big discussion is who should be NFL MVP, the Patriots Tom Brady or Philly’s Mike Vick? Some sports pundits and analysts say there should be co-MVP’s … spare us, these are the same folks that think ties are ok and probably are against dodge ball.

With all due respect to the supposed NFL sports of those in the know, there is not even a discussion as to who the MVP is … hands down the winner should be the New England Patriots QB Tom Brady. We are supposed to believe that because Vick has a compelling story of NFL QB, turned dog killer, turned convict, turned disgruntled Eagle QB, turned starting and effective Philly QB is something that Disney movies are made of. Sorry, but it is not, Lassie and Rin Tin Tin might take exception.

The sports MSM has made more of the Vick story than it really is. What a shock because to them, local dog fighting and killer done good is supposed to some how resonate with providing a second chance. Even a misguided and small minded President Obama has jumped on the Vick bandwagon. What a surprise for a president, lost in smallness. However, where was Barack Obama when the Eagles first signed Vick, he was no where to be found. However, what is more puzzling is how Obama felt the need to comment on a second chance provided to a multi-millionaire QB. Are we supposed to believe that Obama will be singing the praises of Bernie Madoff next, or other with criminal pasts for selling drugs, child exploitation, battery, rape or murder?

However, lets just go to the cold hard facts and the stats. Tom Brady finished the regular season by leading the New England Patriots to a 14-2 season, the best in the NFL anda #1 seed in the AFC, a first round bye and home field advantage through out the playoffs. Brady finished the season with 36 TD’s and only 4 interceptions and 3900 yards.  Brady extended his NFL records to 335 straight passes without an interception and 28 consecutive regular season wins as a starter at home. In the season finale Brady threw for 2 more TD’s and lead the PAT’s to a 38-7 win over the Fins even though their top three receivers, Wes Welker, Deion Branch andAaron Hernandez were inactive. After losing Randy Moss earlier in the year, the NE passing game became even more effective. Brady’s new found desire, leadership and inspired play this year is refreshing to see for an 11 year veteran who has won 3 Super Bowl rings.

Taking nothing away from Michael Vick, he has had a good year and one that many thought would never have happened seeing that the Philadelphia Eagles named Kevin Kolb the starting QB at the beginning of the year. However, given the chance Vick threw for 21 TD’s, 6 interceptions and 3018 yards.  Yes, Vick provides a running element to his game; however, that has also lead to 34 sacks and Vick being injured toward the end of the season.

For those who ask the question, who is the most important person to their team which is what MVP, most valuable player, is all about, once again the obvious answer is Tom Brady. There are some sports pundits that say that Vick is more important to the Eagles that that Philly would be a .500 team without him. Really? Far be it from the facts get in the way of a drool-fest with the ex-con. Newsflash to world, the Eagles beat both the SF 49ers (27-24) and the Atlanta Falcons (31-17) without Vick and with Kevin Kolb at QB. Yes, the same ATL Falcons who have the best record in the NFC and the #1 seed in the playoffs.  Can any one in their right mind and with a straight face say that the New England Patriots would have won 10 games, let alone won 8 if second string QB Brian Hoyer had to replace Brady? Enough said.

Now let’s compare the push to the playoff and how the two potential MVP candidates have played in guiding their teams down the stretch.

Everyone wants to talk about the 4th quarter some back by Vick against the Giants and the 2nd “Miracle of the Meadowlands”. However, 7 minutes of football does not a legend or MVP make. If you think I am wrong, ask then 22 year old Clint Longley. If you are too young to remember, it was 1974 Thanksgiving, Dallas vs. the Redskins in one of the greatest games,. come backs and one hit wonders ever as the Cowboys trailed 23-3 in the 2nd half and no Roger Staubach. But I digress, ok enough of the nostalgia. The point being that Philly or Vick did nothing in the Giant game or the following game in their embarrassing loss to Minnesota in the“Wussie” Bowl, except for those 7 minutes.

In the final 5 games of the season, seeing that Vick will not play in the final game against Dallas as he is banged up and there is no need, Mike Vick has hardly been a world beater. Vick is 3 wins and 2 losses, in the final five including the disastrous terrible game against the lowly Vikings. He threw for 10 TD’s and 6 interceptions and ran for another 4 TD’s.

Conversely, since the PAT’s loss the Cleveland, Tom Brady has gone on an eight game winning streak, playing lights out with wins against playoff teams like Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Green Bay, NY Jets and Chicago Bears. During that time he has thrown for 22 TD’s and zero, no, non, nada interceptions. Tom Brady has presently thrown for an NFL records to 335 straight passes without an interception. Brady has also won 28 consecutive regular season home wins as a starter. This type of play is unheard of an deserving of an MVP. How can any one say otherwise?

Has Mike Vick had a great season, yes. Is it any where in the ball park or on the level of Tom Brady to be MVP … NO, not even close.