As part of the season-ending process, the NFL announced its player awards last week. While there is no question that the winners were quality players, a disturbing pattern is recognized surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, we’re sure all football fans have their favorite teams and players and we do not intend to minimize those players. But, in an era where every on-field accomplishment is recorded it seems that stats should be relevant. But not so much this year… Joe Burrow, quarterback, received no first place votes for MVP. His total vote tally was about one fourth of Josh Allen’s count. Josh is a fine QB but he had 32% fewer passing yards and 52% fewer touchdown passes than Joe Burrow this season. Considering the fact that Burrow was sacked a multiple number of times compared to Allen–any way you slice it–Burrow did a fantastic job. Even if you discount the stat difference–not to receive a single first place vote???? Come on–that’s just not right. Then we look at Ja’Marr Chase. He accomplished the “triple crown” of receivers. That hasn’t been done since 1990 when Jerry Rice did it. Again, Chase received no first place votes and finished 7th in the overall voting. And finally, Trey Hendrickson, defensive end had the best season of any defensive lineman. His sack total this year and last year led the league. But that didn’t impress the voters either. Someone should define the qualifications for these awards. My “take” is: don’t keep individual stats if overall team performance is the key; or, if ad market size is relevant; or, if ownership status prevails; or–for any other justification. Let’s not pretend to reward individual excellence if we’re going to ignore the stat facts.
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