Currently, the NFL awards are still going to a good quarterback on a good team, every year. The Ringer thinks that it is time for the season-long prizes to represent better how the game really works.
On Monday, NFL.com asked if Tom Brady or Carson Wentz should win the MVP award. And though both those players are worthy candidates, The Ringer says the issue is that the voters have set up dull parameters.
While other sports have changed their ways, like the MLB, the NFL has not. Drew Brees has five of the top eight passing yardage seasons in history, writes The Ringer, but has never won the award. Or what about Russell Wilson? He could break the record for the highest percentage of yards by one player on a team, but no one is thinking of giving him MVP.
So The Ringer has an idea for fixing the awards: redo them. It can be kept simple because of tradition and the record books, but augment the awards with some that help us better understand the sport.
Bring on a Best Supporting Player award. Single out players who do their specific role extremely well. Like Saints tight end Micahel Hoomamawanui, who has pass blocked on over 40 percent of the pass plays he’s been in for this season, according to The Ringer.
Or make a Most Impactful Player Award. The Ringer writes: “Which player’s injury or non-suspension-related absence led to his team falling apart the hardest?” For example, in 2011, Peyton Manning missing all 16 games and the Colts went 2-14.
Best Playbook could be another award. Find the best set of plays. This year, it could be the Rams’ Sean McVay for his coaching and playbook.
Other suggestions by The Ringer include: Most Exciting Player, Best Touchdown, and Best Position Unit.
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