The NFL MVP has always been a quarterback award.
As 14 of the last 15 winners were signal-callers.
While that should not be the case, that is the way MVP voters always sway.
So as we enter December football, many people are wondering if Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is the leading MVP candidate.
While Hurts has had an impressive season, there is no way he should be the favorite for league MVP.
Even though he is leading a 10-1 team, his stats do not compare to other top passers in the league.
The favorite for MVP should be Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
(admin still searching for words to adequately describe how good @PatrickMahomes is at football) pic.twitter.com/fEfVzwyrU1
—NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) November 28, 2022
Mahomes leads the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns, while also being second in estimated points added per play (EPA/play).
EPA is a stat that helps show a player’s value to their team on every play.
MVP Numbers?
For comparison, Hurts is 15th in passing yards, tied for ninth in passing touchdowns, and sixth in EPA/play.
What has made Hurts valuable is his ability to run the ball.
But, when you look at recent dual-threat quarterbacks to win the MVP, they all had historic seasons.
The most recent was Lamar Jackson in 2019 when he threw a league-leading 36 touchdown passes.
He also rushed for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.
Then in 2015, Cam Newton threw 35 touchdown passes and added another 10 rushing.
Currently, Hurts has 17 passing touchdowns and eight rushing touchdowns.
Those 25 combined through 11 weeks are nowhere near the pace of Jackson or Newton’s MVP seasons.
Even though Hurts has shocked the league this season, he should not be leading the MVP race.
