Over the last few months, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford have had their NFL MVP cases picked apart from every angle.
While Maye has better stats in many categories, his critics argue that he benefited from the New England Patriots’ historically easy schedule. Maye’s supporters point out that Stafford had a better supporting cast on the Los Angeles Rams, enhancing his stats.
This year’s Pro Bowl selections bear that out. Maye doesn’t have any other Pro Bowlers on the Patriots’ offense besides himself, while Stafford has three.
How unusual is that? If Maye wins, he’d become the first quarterback in NFL history to earn MVP honors without another Pro Bowler on offense.
Maye has truly elevated New England’s offense, carrying it all season and transforming it into one of the league’s best.
Story continues below advertisement
Meanwhile, the same can’t be necessarily said for Stafford, who has three other Pro Bowlers on offense in Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams.
Nacua is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, leading the league in catches, first downs, receiving yards per game and approximate value this year. He leads all active players in receiving yards per game.
Story continues below advertisement
Adams is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best wideouts in NFL history. Despite missing three games this season, he still paced the league in receiving touchdowns.
Williams is one of the sport’s premier running backs, exceeding 1,000 rushing yards in three straight seasons.
Maye doesn’t have anyone like that. His best pass catcher is Stefon Diggs, who would be the third-best receiver on the Rams.
Story continues below advertisement
Stafford also has an offense-minded head coach in Sean McVay, whereas Maye has a defense-minded one in Mike Vrabel. Stafford plays in a dome, too, and has better pass protection.
If Maye had Stafford’s weapons and coaching staff, how much better would his numbers be? This race probably wouldn’t even be a competition.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
