Identifying The NFL's Early Season MVP Candidates
DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) -- We are only a quarter through the 2014 NFL season, but it's never too early to recognize the standout performers.
Let's take this opportunity to identify the top 5 early season front-runners for NFL MVP.
1. Andrew Luck
Yes, the Colts trail the Texans in the AFC South with a pedestrian 2-2 record, but no other player has done more with less than Luck this season.
Luck leads the NFL with 13 passing touchdowns and 1,305 yards through the air through 4 weeks.
2. DeMarco Murray
Murray was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September after rushing for 534 yards and 5 touchdowns to help Dallas open the season 3-1.
Murray became just the 4th player in NFL history to open a season with four consecutive 100-yard rushing games. The other names on the list: Emmitt Smith, O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown.
That's a good list to be on.
3. JJ Watt
How are the Texans 3-1? The answer -- JJ Watt.
Watt leads the NFL with 16 quarterback hits. He's also recorded 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, three passes defended, an interception return for a touchdown, an extra point block, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown reception.
Any more questions?
4. Phillip Rivers
Though he once was, Phillip Rivers is no longer mentioned among the league's "elite" quarterbacks. Maybe he should be.
His 2014 stat line: 1,155 yards passing, 9 touchdowns, 1 interception, 114.5 passer rating.
Oh, and he's completing over 70 percent of his passes. He's the reason San Diego is off to a 3-1 start.
5. Aaron Rodgers
He's on this list every season, so why not again this year?
He's the NFL's top rated passer, has thrown 12 touchdowns to one interception, and the Packers are 3-2.
Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Latest Sports:
