MVP Rankings: Cam Newton widens gap with historic performance
With each passing week, it's getting more difficult to make the case that someone at any position other than quarterback should be the league's MVP for the 2015 season.
Here's a look at the top five MVP candidates - ranked in order - through 15 weeks:
1. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
Pass yards: 3,402 | Comp.%: 58.8 | TD-INT: 33-10
No one's saying Carolina's defense won Sunday's game in New York. Newton put together a historic performance, becoming the first player in league history to throw for over 300 yards and five touchdowns with 100 rushing yards.
Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula deserves a lot of credit for putting together a game plan that makes the most of his quarterback's many talents. Newton's developed into a better pocket passer while remaining a threat as a runner.
2. Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals
Pass yards: 4,277 | Comp.%: 64.3 | TD-INT: 32-9
Palmer's played so well this season that many forget he's in his first year back from a torn ACL. He's so well suited for Bruce Arians' downfield passing attack, it's a shame the two didn't get together sooner.
There was a major scare for the team Sunday night when Palmer hurt the index finger on his throwing hand, but the resolve he showed in returning to action and throwing a touchdown pass is part of what makes him such a great leader.
3. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
Pass yards: 4,405 | Comp.%: 64.3 | TD-INT: 35-6
Another ho-hum, two-touchdown, zero-interception game for Brady in a 17-point victory over the Titans on Sunday. He continues to overcome his team's deficiencies at the skill positions.
With two games remaining, 5,000 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns are both very attainable goals for the Michigan product.
4. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
Pass yards: 3,538 | Comp.%: 68.8 | TD-INT: 29-7
On Nov. 15, the Seahawks lost a home game to the Cardinals. Since then, Seattle is 5-0, with wins coming by an average margin of 20.4 points.
In those games, Wilson accounted for 20 touchdowns without an interception. With Marshawn Lynch sidelined, Wilson has put the Seattle offense on his back, and he's carrying the team to the postseason.
5. Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
Pass yards: 3,625 | Comp.%: 69.7 | TD-INT: 22-11
Here's a comparison of the stats put up by two quarterbacks since Nov. 1:
Player A: 1,888 yards, 13 TDs, 3 INTs, 71.0 Comp.%
Player B: 2,457 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs, 65.8 Comp.%
Player A is Cousins, and Player B is Ben Roethlisberger, whose name most observers would feel far more comfortable seeing in this spot.
Cousins has carried the Redskins into playoff contention in the NFC, and the Washington faithful have embraced him. Since Nov. 1, only Wilson and Newton have higher quarterback ratings.