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NFL in 90: Tom Brady absolutely should be an MVP candidate

eric edholm

Is there a favorite for the MVP race as we approach the midpoint of the 2016 NFL season?

First of all, let’s eliminate the non-quarterbacks. Only one non-QB has been named MVP in the past decade, and — with apologies to David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliott or Von Miller — we just don’t see one vying this year, even when there might not be a cut-and-dry QB favorite.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is probably the obvious choice, and his performance Sunday against the Green Bay Packers certainly didn’t hurt his chances.

Neither did Derek Carr, whose heroics for the Oakland Raiders — especially in Sunday’s sloppy thriller against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — have him in the discussion.

Drew Brees could enter the discussion if the New Orleans Saints gain some momentum.

But you can’t rule out Tom Brady whatsoever.

Tom Brady, 12, might only play 12 games, but that shouldn't preclude him from being an MVP candidate. (AP)
Tom Brady, 12, might only play 12 games, but that shouldn’t preclude him from being an MVP candidate. (AP)

The New England Patriots are 4-0 with Brady now, and 7-1 overall, which is the best record in the NFL. Brady has been spectacular, too, throwing 12 TDs and zero interceptions and averaging 329.8 passing yards per game, which is right in line with league leaders Ryan and Brees. If the Patriots keep winning and Brady keeps dealing, why wouldn’t he be a candidate?

There’s precedent for shortened-season award winners. Odell Beckham Jr. won Rookie of the Year two years ago playing only 12 games. And Joe Montana, Brady’s boyhood idol, played only 13 games in 1989 and clearly was the best QB that season — despite ranking fourth in TD passes and eighth in passing yards.

Brady has been the best NFL quarterback this season in the games he has played. The fact that he was stripped of the first four games by Roger Goodell for his role in deflate-gate shouldn’t be held against Brady. If he’s truly the best player over the final eight games of the season, give the guy award.

The reward would be watching the NFL executives squirm while Brady accepts the hardware.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!