As Mark Twain famously said, 'there are lies, damn lies and then there are statistics."
What is the best way then from all the possible numbers to determine who is the Rookie of the Year and who is the league MVP?
This problem is especially complicated by the fact of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III (assuming he plays more and produces more this year) have great numbers in different areas. In total wins and passing yards, it's Luck. In passer ratings, in TD:INT ratio and rushing yards, it's by far RG3.
Everyone agrees that the bottom line in the NFL is wins and therefore Luck should be Rookie of the Year, right?
Not so fast.
Even in the wins measurement, there is something that the pundits are leaving out. We have a somewhat scientific way to measure how well RG3 would be on the Colts and how Luck would be on the Redskins in terms of wins. The Redskins acquired Pierre Garcon in free agency, the #2 Colts receiver last year, to be the Redskins #1 receiver. Garcon has been able to run in about 4 games. RG3's wins with the Colts #2 receiver active? 4 wins, 0 losses.
Now let's imagine Luck as QB with the Redskins throwing Rex Grossman-like interception numbers. Let's see, with our stellar pass rush and pass defense, it's easy to see Luck's record as the Redskins QB being somewhere around 2 wins 10 losses.
The real measurement of who is the Most Valuable Player and to some degree who is the Rookie of the Year are the kids in the playgrounds. Who do they dream they are when playing ball in the park? That's who is the league's most valuable player, the one who ignites our dreams, our passion as fans and by definition, ignites his team.
We can take sample numbers by interviewing children all across America in playgrounds everywhere. Fortunately, we have an easier way for this article. Simply look at the jersey sales. RG3's jersey sales are #1 not just in the NFL, but in ALL U.S. professional sports.
If RG3 can make it back from injury and lead the Redskins to the playoffs, there is no comparison for either award. If RG3 cannot make it back to play this season, I believe both awards should then go to the collective QB Rookie class of 2012, unparalleled in NFL history.
Image: Robert Griffin III, 2012 NFL Draft Night, found here.
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