When was the last time a non QB won the NFL MVP award? What are Saquon Barkley's odds?

Discussions surrounding MVP awards would have a different tone in a hypothetical world where athletic honors were granted solely based on merit rather than popularity or sentimental considerations.

The idea of evaluating athletes solely on their on-field productivity and impact on their teams becomes an exciting subject.

The last time a non-QB won the MVP award

The most recent instance of a non-quarterback winning the NFL MVP award was back in 2012, when running back Adrian Peterson claimed the title after rushing for 2,097 yards across the season.

Prior to Peterson, the San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson held the honor, claiming the accolade in 2006, tallying 28 touchdowns and more than 1,800 rushing yards.

For this season, Barkley’s odds sit pretty having clocked up 1,499 yards on the ground over 12 games, meaning he is well in the race to break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984. Ahead of the release of the winner, the 27-year-old sits at +325 in the odds market.

(A)ll (D)ay - Adrian Peterson

Looking back at the 2012 NFL season, the MVP award, usually presented to standout performers, took an exciting turn. Running back Adrian Peterson received the accolade after an impressive campaign, rushing for over 2,000 yards and notching 13 total touchdowns. Although these numbers are undoubtedly commendable, a closer analysis suggests that another player, Tom Brady, arguably outshone Peterson in various aspects that year.

Adrian Peterson, the star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, was awarded the 2012 NFL MVP. Peterson had an outstanding season, coming off a devastating knee injury the previous year. In 2012, he rushed for 2,097 yards, falling just eight yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.

Peterson’s performance was crucial in leading the Vikings to a playoff berth. His ability to return from a severe injury and nearly break a long-standing record while carrying his team to success contributed significantly to his MVP recognition.

Tom Brady - perhaps the true MVP of that season

However, that same year, Tom Brady was at his peak, showcasing MVP-caliber stats with the New England Patriots. A comparison between Brady and Peterson reveals compelling reasons for a shift in the MVP narrative.

Firstly, under Brady’s leadership, the Patriots clinched 12 victories during the season, surpassing the 10 victories secured by Peterson’s team. The difference in win count underscores Brady’s impact on his team’s success.

Secondly, Brady demonstrated superior passing prowess, amassing 4,827 passing yards with an impressive 63% pass completion rate and scoring a4 touchdowns. In contrast, while a force on the ground, Peterson trailed in this statistical showdown with 21 fewer touchdowns. Notably, Brady’s interception count stood at a for the season.

Analyzing the data points of games won, passing yards, and touchdowns, a compelling argument emerges for Tom Brady as the rightful MVP of the 2012 season. This revisionist perspective challenges conventional narratives and emphasizes the importance of objectively evaluating athletes based on their on-field contributions.

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