The MVP is a narrative-driven award. Player performance and statistical dominance have their place in the equation, but ultimately you must tell a good story.
You just need to look back last season to see this message. Don’t for a second think the voters weren’t dying to give that award to Drew Brees. The golden boy from New Orleans’ style of going about his business is catnip to insiders and takesmen the world over. Giving one of the NFL’s “long-time good guys” his first MVP award at age 39 would have been a perfect story.
Brees’ end-of-season mini-slump made the case untenable with Patrick Mahomes and his 50 passing touchdowns staring everyone in the face.