Making an MVP case for Cowboys' Micah Parsons
Two defensive players won NFL MVP, Hall of Famers Alan Page (1971) and Lawerence Taylor (1986). Micah Parsons deserves to become the third despite unfavorable odds.
According to Oddschecker, Parsons has the 19th-best MVP odds. They're 12 quarterbacks with better odds than Parsons, including Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppollo.
Although both are solid QBs, neither is elite at their position. Garoppollo's (50.4) and Stafford's (50.4) QBR is below the league average. Parsons, a 23-year-old star, is one of the best defensive players in the league.
He's third in sacks and tied for second in forced fumbles.
Forty-seven QBs have won league MVP because the position garners the spotlight, which contributes to the perception that it's the most valuable.
However, it's a misconception because advanced analytics prove QBs are not significantly more valuable. Per Pro Football Focus, Patrick Mahomes, who has the best chance to win the award, has an overall grade of 91.2. Parsons' grade is 91.1.
Additionally, both teams are legitimate championship contenders. The Chiefs (8-2) possess the second-best Super Bowl odds, and the Cowboys (7-3) have the fifth-best Super Bowl odds thanks to their defense, which is No.1 in scoring.
Parsons is the defensive centerpiece and matches his historical counterparts.
In 1971, Page recorded nine sacks and recovered one fumble in 14 games. In 1986, Taylor recorded 20.5 sacks in 16 games. Parsons could equal their numbers with 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 10 games.
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