Amazon Prime NFL analyst Richard Sherman made headlines with his bold endorsement for the league MVP, choosing to highlight a quarterback whose team has faced significant struggles this season in the AFC. Despite his team’s losing record, Sherman believes that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is deserving of the Most Valuable Player award.
During Thursday’s broadcast, Sherman expressed his belief that Burrow, whose team currently sits at 4-8, should be the league’s MVP. Sherman pointed to Burrow’s individual excellence, emphasizing that the quarterback’s performance has been stellar even if his team’s record doesn’t reflect it.
“Statistically, look, Joe Burrow should be MVP, his team has just let him down,” Sherman stated passionately. “He’s got 30 touchdowns, five interceptions. You can say what you want, you can boo what you want, but the numbers are the numbers. I don’t give a dang what y’all say. The numbers are the numbers.” Sherman’s endorsement was emphatic, suggesting that Burrow’s individual stats make him deserving of recognition, regardless of his team’s win-loss record.
The context of Sherman’s comments came during a discussion in which the panel was analyzing the MVP candidacy of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley is widely seen as the current frontrunner for the MVP award, thanks to his remarkable performance this season.
He has been the driving force behind the Eagles’ dominant campaign, with the team sitting at the top of the standings and Barkley on track for over 2,000 total yards. His consistency and ability to deliver in high-stakes situations have made him the popular choice for MVP at this point in the season.
However, Sherman took the opportunity to present an alternative perspective, emphasizing Burrow’s statistical achievements despite the Bengals’ disappointing record. Burrow has put up impressive numbers, completing 67.7% of his passes for 3,337 yards, with 30 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
Those numbers are a testament to Burrow’s talent and resilience, especially given the challenges the Bengals have faced this year, from injuries to key players to inconsistency on both sides of the ball.
Sherman’s argument highlights an ongoing debate in the NFL: whether the MVP award should be given to the best player on the best team or to the player who is individually the most valuable, regardless of team success.
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The Bengals, at 4-8, are well outside of the playoff picture, and their struggles are likely to hinder Burrow’s chances of actually capturing the MVP trophy. However, Sherman’s endorsement is a reminder that individual excellence can still shine through, even when a team is struggling.
For Burrow, the 2024 season has been one of personal achievement amid team adversity. Despite the Bengals’ record, Burrow has continued to elevate his game, showcasing his poise, arm strength, and leadership on the field.
He has consistently made big plays and delivered in crucial moments, but the lack of support from his defense and the inconsistency of the offensive line have contributed to the team’s losing record. Sherman’s support underscores the idea that Burrow’s individual contributions shouldn’t be overlooked simply because of the Bengals’ overall struggles.
Sherman’s comments sparked a lively debate among NFL fans and analysts, with many acknowledging Burrow’s impressive stats but also pointing to the importance of team success in MVP voting.
Historically, the MVP award has often gone to players on winning teams—those who lead their franchises to division titles or deep playoff runs.
The Bengals’ current standing makes it unlikely that Burrow will receive serious consideration for the award, but Sherman’s endorsement brings attention to just how well Burrow has played under difficult circumstances.
The conversation surrounding the MVP race is always filled with differing opinions and passionate arguments, and Sherman’s advocacy for Burrow adds an interesting layer to this year’s debate.
While Barkley remains the favorite and has the numbers to back up his case, Sherman’s point is that individual greatness should not be solely judged by team success. In a season where Burrow has demonstrated elite-level play, Sherman believes the quarterback deserves recognition, even if the Bengals are not in playoff contention.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the MVP race unfolds and whether players like Burrow can continue to make their case despite their teams’ struggles.
For now, Sherman’s endorsement has put Burrow back in the spotlight, reminding everyone that individual talent and performance can still be remarkable, even in a challenging season.
Whether or not Burrow wins the MVP, his contributions this year have shown that he remains one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, capable of putting up elite numbers regardless of the obstacles he faces.
