Let’s talk about Tom Brady and his Buccaneers MVP campaign. Let’s not act shy about it.
We are finally deep enough into the 2021 season where it’s safe to say that how well Tom Brady is playing is not a Weeks 1-3 fluke. More poignantly, what our Buccaneers captain is doing this season is exceptional. Regardless of age. Regardless of seasons in a Bruce Arian’s offense. Week in, week out, Tom Brady is exuding MVP caliber play. Brady has gifted us all with an MVP-worthy first-half performance.
Not convinced?
Let’s build the case.
The 2021 MVP is officially going to a quarterback. With a most unfortunate injury sidelining running back Derrick Henry, it will more than likely be a quarterback that walks away with the award this season. With that said, the 2021 nominees look to be Josh Allen, Matt Stafford, Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, and Tom Brady.
Turns out, the AFC is barren of QB MVP buzz outside of Josh Allen this year. Justin Herbert, Derek Carr, and Patrick Mahomes have all actioned their way out of the conversation. And Josh Allen is hanging by a thread. He does not— to date- have the prerequisite numbers to back a campaign. The Buffalo Bills might continue to win out, but it’ll be because of their defense and their balanced offense. As wonderful as Allen might be playing this season, it’s not required of him to be an MVP.
On the other hand, the NFC has been dominating the top 5 spots of every legitimate “power rankings” all season, flipping the top five order around weekly. But each week, it’s the Cowboys, the Cardinals, the Rams, the Packers and the Buccaneers… and you’re certainly lying if you saw that coming!
No Chiefs, no Browns, no Titans, no Chargers, no Raiders, no Steelers. Only the occasional Bills cracking the Top five.
So here we are. A quarterback from the NFC will be crowned MVP.
In the past, the MVP has been the QB that puts up the most TDs, the QB that leads the league in passing, and/or the QB that leads his team to the playoffs with the most impressive record.
Ladies and gentlemen of the court, I present to you, Buccaneers QB Tom Brady.
Let’s extrapolate.
Since the beginning of the 2021 season, Tom Brady has led the league in passing. He hasn’t worked his way up or swapped spots with anyone. He’s led the league.
Should he continue to play well, he’ll continue to lead the league. The man is on pace to shatter 5,000+ yards in 16 games, on pace to hit 5,600+ with 17 this season. Those are massive numbers.
Tom Brady is not a man. He’s a machine.
Since the beginning of the season, Tom Brady has led the league in touchdowns. He hasn’t worked his way up or swapped spots with anyone. He’s led the league.
Should he continue to play well, he’ll continue to lead the league. The man is on pace to throw 50 touchdowns in 16 games, he’s on pace to throw 53+ TDs in 17 games. 50 TDs would tie his legendary MVP season with Randy Moss. This season the honors will be shared with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and Rob Gronkowski.
As for the team’s record and playoff hopes, the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers will rebound from their second loss and return from their bye-week healthy, reinvigorated and reforged to go on another historic run. Expect to see the Bucs battling for top seed in the NFC.
On the behalf of Tom Brady, expect an unprecedented determination to emerge over these next nine games. Adding two uncharacteristic interceptions to his stat line just recently will only challenge him to be better, will only serve to make sure he is not the reason the Bucs lose another game.
Expect the resolve of Tom Brady to be unparalleled. With Antonio Brown and Gronk returning, expect his red zone efficiency (BEST IN THE LEAGUE!) to continue.
Expect a variety of Bucs players to be on his lengthy list of those getting early Christmas gifts. ‘Tis the LFG season!
All of this spells MVP! MVP! MVP!
Let’s start the chant!!!
Go Bucs! Fire the Cannons!!!