Drew Brees believes Cam Newton is 'absolutely deserving' of MVP

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has many supporters in his bid for the league MVP, but now he has one of the most respected voices in the NFL in his corner: Drew Brees.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback was on the NFL HQ show on Tuesday, and was asked about whether he believed Newton was worthy of being crowned league MVP.

"I absolutely do. I think he's played phenomenal," said Brees, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Brees heaped praise on Newton, particularly admiring his diverse skill set.

"Obviously, he's a guy who can make a ton of plays doing a lot of different things," said Brees. "He can run the football, scrambling, throwing the ball down the field, but I think what's impressed me the most is his ability to stay in the pocket and deliver the ball short, intermediate and long in some pretty clutch situations. So, yeah, I think he's absolutely deserving of the MVP."

Newton's MVP bid was somewhat hurt by the Panthers' loss this past Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons - their first loss of the season, putting an end to the team's run at an undefeated season - but the 26-year-old still appears to be the favorite for the honor.

Newton has carried the Panthers' offense all season long, despite a lack of elite talent. His statistics are more than worthy of an MVP, with 41 total touchdowns to 10 interceptions and 4,170 combined passing and rushing yards.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer and New England quarterback Tom Brady appear to be the only viable challengers to Newton with one week left to go in the regular season.

- With h/t to SI.com