How Does Patrick Mahomes’ Season Projection Compare To Former MVP Seasons?
By: Justin Miles (justm1les)
The NFL has officially reached its half way point. As anticipated, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is once again atop MVP discussion. Let’s compare his end of season projections to the stats of recent NFL MVPs.
2020 and ’21- Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is the most recent quarterback to win back-to-back MVPs. In 2021, Rodgers threw for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions. He did so while maintaining a 68.9% completion percentage. Despite taking a drastic decline this year, the main selling point for Rodgers last season was his consistency. While his stats were good, just 4 interceptions is astounding.
In 2020, Rodgers had an even better year. He threw for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. He also finished the year with a whopping 70.7% completion percentage. This season’s performance may have been one of the best by a quarterback ever. Truly remarkable.
2019- Lamar Jackson
This season by Lamar is very tough to compare to other MVP quarterbacks. As a primarily running quarterback, Jackson was arguably more dominant on the ground than he was through the air. His excellence in the rushing game can lead to a deceiving stat line. Jackson threw for just 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns. Throughout the season he also had 6 interceptions and a completion percentage of 66.1%. While these stats are good, alone they are not MVP caliber. However, Lamar also ran for 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns. This brings his season total to 4,333 yards and 48 touchdowns. A fantastic season overall, yet tough to compare in this conversation.
2018- Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes may have put together the best season by a quarterback ever this year. With a completion percentage of 66%, Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns and 12 touchdowns. His 50 touchdowns are tied for the second most in league history. This year will forever hold a special place in every Chief fans heart. The year Showtime Mahomes was born and Kansas City found their franchise quarterback.
2017- Tom Brady
This may be the worst MVP season on this list. Despite being one of the best quarterbacks during the time, Brady’s stats from this year don’t quite compare to the rest. He threw for 4,577 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Throughout this, Brady averaged a completion percentage of 66.3%. This season was great, just not as dominant as the others listed.
So How Does Mahomes This Season Stack Up?
Patrick Mahomes has been playing on another level this season. Due to the NFL adding an extra regular season game this year, stats will likely differ. Nonetheless, Mahomes has still put together one of the most impressive seasons ever. He currently leads the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. His end of season projections are astounding. Mahomes is on pace for an NFL record 5,535 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Not to mention, the back half of the season looks much easier.
Mahomes’ 45 touchdowns would be third on this list, sitting only behind 2020 Aaron Rodgers and himself in 2018. His yardage, being an NFL record, would clearly be the highest on the list. However, his 13 interceptions would also be the most through the listed seasons. If Patrick can continue this pace, he will likely put together a historic season. It sure seems reasonable that Mahomes be the leader for any MVP discussions. He’s got my vote.
So what do you think, does Mahomes get another this season?
Stats via: ESPN
