Josh Allen edged two-time winner Lamar Jackson for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award.
As the NFL regular season draws to a close, MVP chatter has intensified, and surprisingly, two Cincinnati Bengals have entered the mix. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have both delivered standout performances this season, propelling the Bengals to the top of the AFC North. However, their dual candidacy for the league’s most prestigious individual award has stirred debate, especially concerning the voting process and its potential implications.
Burrow’s Commanding Return
After a slow start to the season, largely attributed to a lingering calf injury from the preseason, Joe Burrow has returned to peak form. His ability to dissect defenses with precision and maintain composure under pressure has been instrumental in Cincinnati’s offensive resurgence. Burrow’s stats are compelling: over 4,000 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a passer rating that consistently ranks among the league’s best. His leadership on and off the field has reinforced his reputation as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL.
What sets Burrow apart is not just his statistical output but his knack for delivering in clutch moments. Whether it’s orchestrating late-game drives or making improbable completions under duress, Burrow’s intangibles have many analysts arguing he deserves serious MVP consideration.
Chase’s Explosive Impact
While Burrow’s case is strong, Ja’Marr Chase has made an equally compelling argument. Chase has shattered expectations in his third NFL season, showcasing why he’s considered one of the league’s top wide receivers. With over 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, Chase has not only been Burrow’s go-to target but also a nightmare for opposing secondaries. His explosive speed, precise route-running, and ability to turn short gains into long touchdowns have made him a game-changer.
Chase’s ability to dominate games even when facing double coverage highlights his MVP potential. Wide receivers rarely win the award, with the last being Jerry Rice in 1987, but Chase’s season has sparked conversations about whether that trend should change.
Voting Process Under Scrutiny
While both Burrow and Chase’s performances merit MVP consideration, their candidacy has reignited questions about the MVP voting process. The Associated Press MVP award, widely regarded as the official recognition, is voted on by a panel of 50 media members. Voters select their top five candidates, with a weighted point system determining the winner. However, the presence of two candidates from the same team complicates matters.
Some argue that Burrow and Chase could split the vote, inadvertently giving an edge to other candidates like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes or Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. This scenario is not unprecedented; in 2003, Peyton Manning and Steve McNair shared the MVP after a close vote, while other seasons have seen vote-splitting diminish the chances of deserving candidates from the same team.
Additionally, the MVP award’s heavy quarterback bias has faced criticism. While quarterbacks often drive team success, the growing impact of elite non-quarterback players, like Chase, raises valid questions about whether the award fairly reflects overall player contributions.
Impact on the Bengals
Regardless of who wins, the Bengals’ dual MVP candidates reflect the team’s emergence as a powerhouse in the NFL. The synergy between Burrow and Chase, dating back to their LSU days, has been a key factor in Cincinnati’s success. Whether or not either player takes home the MVP, their performance has solidified the Bengals as serious Super Bowl contenders.
As the playoffs approach, the MVP debate will rage on, but for Bengals fans, the bigger prize lies ahead. Still, the ballot questions surrounding Burrow and Chase highlight the complexities of determining the league’s most valuable player in a sport where success is so deeply intertwined with team dynamics.
