NFL MVP: Peyton Manning

By the Associated Press 2008

Yes, I am one of those crazy people that actually believes Manning should win the MVP award this year. No, not Eli, but Peyton. The term MVP means the most valuable player. How can anyone say that Peyton is not the most valuable player in the NFL? The last time the Colts have won less than 10 games a year – 2001. Manning has played quarterback for the Colts in every season since then. So he is good for at least 10 wins a year. This year Peyton Manning didn't play a single game, the Colts went 2-14.

In comparison, the Patriots lose Tom Brady in 2008; they win 11 games that year. Matt Cassell is an average quarterback at best. This is coming from a Chiefs fan. Aaron Rodgers didn't play this year in week 17. His backup tossed six touchdowns. Drew Brees might be as important to his team as Manning is, but with all the talent surrounding the ball the Saints have, I bet they win more than two games. The Texans lost both starting quarterback Matt Schaub, and backup Matt Leinhart. With a rookie at quarterback, they still made it to their first ever division crown and into the playoffs. Not to mention, Andre Johnson was hurt half of the year, and Mario Williams, their best player, was out for the season. Another team that was massacred with injuries, the Chiefs. They lost their best defensive player, offensive player, and starting quarterback for the year. The Chiefs finished with a 7-9 record. Oh and they fired their head coach half way through the season.

So NFL teams can survive injuries, they can survive having a star player not play. But, when that star player is Peyton Manning, it's an injury that is unsurvivable. The Colts won 10 games last year, and had no other major injuries or departures this year. The only difference: no Peyton Manning. This year not only showed how great Manning truly is (perhaps the greatest ever), but how important he is to the Colts. Or should I say how valuable he is. Peyton Manning is the most valuable player.