At the beginning of the season, experts guessed on who they think will win what award. Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were top contenders for the AP MVP. Running back Todd Gurley has had an outstanding season so far. After six weeks, he is one of the top names for the award.
The last time someone other than a quarterback won AP MVP was 2012. The winner was running back Adrian Peterson, who, at the time, played for the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL has been giving out AP MVP awards since 1958 and only 20 of those awards have not been to given to quarterbacks.
RB Todd Gurley Week 6 at Denver (USA Today)
In Week 6, he rushed for his career high 208 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ win over the Denver Broncos. He leads the league in rushing yards, logging 623. He also leads the league in rushing touchdowns, racking up nine as well as total touchdowns (11) so far this season. Gurley is the first Rams player to finish a game with more than 200 rushing yards since Marshall Faulk in 2001.
Gurley was drafted 10th overall to the Rams in 2015. Since being drafted, he has racked up 2015 offensive rookie of the year. As well as 2017 offensive player of the year and two pro bowls. The All-Pro now has 10 games with two or more rushing touchdowns since 2015, which leads the NFL. Gurley has also surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage for the fifth time in six games this season and has a touchdown or more along with it.
Last season, Gurley finished second behind current AP MVP QB Tom Brady. Yet, he led the league in total yards (2,093) and total touchdowns (19). He helped lead the Rams to an 11-5 record.
In his career, he has a little over 3,900 yards and 38 touchdowns. The fourth-year running back has continued to dominate. He has competition form the veterans like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. As well as competition from newbies like Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes. Yet, he can edge them out if he continues to play well.
The Rams look unstoppable right now, but when they’re in trouble the Pro-Bowler can easily bring the Rams back into contention. Down 24-17 to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, Gurley pushed through the tough defense to get a touchdown and tie the game up. Then again, down 31-24, he pushes through four his third rushing touchdown of the game.
Gurley has tremendous power, as he is able to push through defensive lines. Above all, he helps with blocking and has receiving yards every game. He should be a top contender for 2018 AP MVP, even above the top quarterbacks that most people predicted before the season started.
What more does Gurley need to do to win the AP MVP award? Most likely become a quarterback, but since that won’t happen, he will just have to put up outstanding numbers the rest of the season. Which is highly possible considering his stats as of right now.
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