NFL MVPs: 3+ Wins, Lamar Jackson's Path
The NFL MVP award is a coveted prize, recognizing the league's most outstanding player. While individual brilliance is crucial, a player's team success often plays a significant role in the voting process. A consistent winning record, especially in the playoffs, becomes a powerful argument for the MVP trophy.
This article explores the link between MVP wins and team success, specifically focusing on the threshold of three or more wins. We'll also analyze Lamar Jackson's path to the 2019 MVP and discuss whether his record-breaking season could pave the way for future MVP candidates with similar offensive dominance.
The MVP-Winning Trend: 3+ Wins
Historically, there's a strong correlation between NFL MVPs and teams with a winning record. Examining the past 20 years, 17 of the 20 MVP winners played on teams with 3+ wins. This suggests that voters strongly consider the impact a player has on their team's overall success.
2000-2022 NFL MVPs:
- 17 MVPs: Team record of 3+ wins
- 3 MVPs: Team record less than 3 wins
Notable Examples:
- Tom Brady (2007, 2010, 2017): Led his team to the Super Bowl in all three seasons.
- Aaron Rodgers (2011, 2014, 2020): His teams had winning records in all three MVP seasons.
- Patrick Mahomes (2018, 2020, 2022): Won the Super Bowl in 2019 and reached the AFC Championship game in 2018.
Lamar Jackson's 2019 MVP Run: A Unique Case?
Lamar Jackson's 2019 MVP season stands out as a unique case. Despite his team's 14-2 record, they were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This raises the question: Can a player win MVP despite their team's playoff shortcomings?
Jackson's dominance was undeniable. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 3,000 yards in the same season. He shattered offensive records, showing unparalleled athleticism and playmaking ability.
Did Jackson's team success matter less because of his individual brilliance? It's a debate among fans and analysts. While the 2019 MVP award might be an exception to the 3+ wins trend, it undoubtedly set a new standard for offensive dominance in the NFL.
Can Jackson's Success Be Replicated?
Lamar Jackson's 2019 season has inspired a generation of young quarterbacks. The rise of mobile quarterbacks with dual-threat abilities has become a defining trend in the league.
For future MVP candidates, the question becomes: Can they replicate Jackson's offensive impact, even without reaching the same level of team success?
The future of MVP voting might shift towards valuing individual brilliance even more. This will depend on the evolving dynamics of the league, the rise of offensive-minded teams, and the continued development of mobile quarterbacks.
Conclusion:
The relationship between NFL MVPs and team success remains a complex and intriguing topic. While 3+ wins is a strong predictor of MVP candidacy, Lamar Jackson's 2019 season highlights the potential for individual dominance to break established trends.
As the league continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the MVP voting process adapts to the rise of dynamic, offensive-minded players and whether individual brilliance can truly outweigh team success in the race for this prestigious award.