How Tom Brady Can Lose the MVP Race

Despite only playing 12 games this season, Tom Brady put together another impressive season. He finished in the top ten in touchdown passes as well as passer rating. While he is one of the top candidates in the MVP race, there are a few reasons why he might lose this year.

Strength of Schedule 

One of the biggest gripes about Brady’s season was how strong the Patriots schedule was. Out of the twelve teams Brady faced this year, half had losing records. Another reason was simply the amount of games he played. Because of his deflategate suspension, Brady missed the first four games of the season. In his relief, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett finished 3-1. Not only did Brady get four weeks of extra rest, but the Patriots showed how strong their team was. They didn’t necessarily need Brady to dominate their opponents.

Impressive Rookies for Dallas

While Brady’s season was impressive, there were two players in the state of Texas that put together fantastic seasons. Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and Ezekiel Elliot, the running back, have been in talks of receiving MVP honors. After being drafted in the fourth round, Prescott began the season as the backup until Tony Romo injured his back in preseason. This left the rookie in charge of one of the most prolific franchises in the NFL. Not only did he guide them to the number one seed in the NFC, he finished third in passer rating, right behind Brady. While backups usually try not to lose, Dak ended up winning many of the games with his skill.

Elliot had an even more impressive rookie season, undoubtedly securing rookie of the year himself. He finished the season as the league leader in rushing, earning over 1,600 yards on the ground and finishing in the top three in rushing TD’s. Elliot was one of the most highly touted picks in last years draft, so the results aren’t unexpected. But as we have seen in the past, high draft picks don’t always work out. Elliot’s unstoppable season gives him a high likelihood to earn multiple trophies this year.

Even though all these other players showed impressive stats, Brady still has a good chance to win the MVP, not to mention he is doing it all at the age of 39. How many others can say that?