Who is the Patriots MVP So Far?

Rick: For me, the Patriots’ MVP through the first ten games is tight end Rob Gronkowski. Without a 100% Gronk, the Patriots looked like a completely different offense in the first four games. In the last six games, Gronkowski has three games of 100+ yards, four or more catches in all six games, and six touchdowns. Brady has been great as well over these last six, but how much of it is because of #87. With all the attention brought towards Gronk by opposing defenses, that has left more openings for Brandon LaFell, Shane Vereen, and Julian Edelman to make more plays. Gronk has turned this offense back into one of the better, if not the best offense in the game.

Raj:  This is a tough one because there are 3 possible candidates: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski on offense and Darrelle Revis. Revis’ presence has improved the Patriots defense tremendously (that’s also an understatement) and Gronkowski has been a big part to why the Patriots offense is putting up bigger numbers this season. But in my opinion, the guy who throws to Gronk deserves my vote for Patriots MVP (and arguably NFL MVP too). After the week 4 loss to Kansas City, Brady has improved his game and work ethic. Yes he has Gronk and Edelman but he is finding ways to make plays even when those guys are covered. Lately, we’ve seen Brady make big plays to other players such as Brandon LaFell, Tim Wright, and Danny Amendola (who in my opinion, made the play of the season with that diving touchdown against the Jets). All 3 of them aren’t neccesarily the best recievers (and tight ends, in Wright’s case) but have made great catches and plays under pressure. But how are they so calm? Because their quarterback isn’t phased by pressure. Yes, at times Brady’s decision making can be a little questionable (i.e.: that pick he threw on 3rd and 1 in Indianapolis last Sunday). But for the most part, Brady’s calm composure in tense moments to make great plays to his receivers deserves great praise. Make that man everyone’s MVP!

Derek: It’s really hard to not vote for a quarterback in any MVP discussion given the importance of that position.  However, as blasphemous as this is to say, do I think the Patriots would have a different record than 8-2 if Peyton Manning were their quarterback?  Probably not.  Would they have a different record than 8-2 if Jimmy Graham were their top tight end?   Still a tough call, but I think you could probably make that argument.  Rob Gronkowski has simply been an unstoppable force the past two months.  His presence completely changes the Patriots’ offense.  A lot of credit for the Patriots’ turn around the past six games has been given to the offensive line for finally figuring things out.  However, you also can’t ignore the fact that Gronkowski becoming acclimated to playing again and having his snap count increased also directly correlates with the timing of New England’s winning streak.  I’ll give the tip of my cap on this one to Gronk, fully recognizing that an equally as convincing case could be made for Tom Brady.