Russell Wilson did not receive any votes on the final ballot for the NFL’s MVP award for last season, and one of his opponents believes that was an oversight.
Tom Brady became the oldest MVP in league history when he received 40 votes after throwing for 4,577 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley finished second with eight votes, and Carson Wentz came in behind him with two. In an interview with NFL.com this week, Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr said he would have given the honor to Wilson.
“His ability to extend plays and he never has help, and he’s always able to somehow … He should have won MVP, I think, this past year,” Barr said. “No offensive line, no running game, can’t name three receivers on his team and he just makes plays.”
Wilson had a fine season, and Barr is right that his supporting cast has been questionable at best. He was able to throw for nearly 4,000 yards, 34 touchdowns and 11 interceptions despite getting minimal protection from Seattle’s O-line and a running game that has been MIA since Marshawn Lynch left.
It’s tough to argue against Brady winning, but you could certainly make a case that Wilson did not receive enough credit for leading the Seahawks to a 9-7 record and just missing the playoffs. He has been taking a beating like never before over the past two seasons, and it’s about time Seattle finds a way to keep him on his feet going forward.
