Christian McCaffrey: The case for a running back MVP

Running back is valued at an all-time low in the NFL, yet Christian McCaffrey is making a strong case for MVP. See why the Panthers’ back is worthy of the award.

Look up the word “valuable” in the Webster dictionary and two personified definitions come up.

"having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualitiesof great use or service"

I can’t think of a better way to describe Panther’s running back Christian McCaffrey. Just when fans think the team can’t possibly ask for anything more from him he adds another dimension to his game.

McCaffrey’s true value to the Panthers goes way beyond the stat sheet, but let’s go over it anyway. He currently has 881 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He also has 42 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdown catches.

The Panthers are exactly halfway through the season. It’s pure speculation and assumption to just double those stats, but the numbers McCaffrey is on pace for is nothing short of amazing.

The biggest obstacle for MVP McCaffrey is the bias towards quarterbacks winning the award. The last time a running back won it was in 2012 when Minnesota Viking’s back Adrian Peterson brought home the trophy.

Since then, the award has been won by a quarterback every year.

There are currently five players that are realistically in the conversation for the most valuable player award this season according to the media consensus.

Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson, Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson, Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson and McCaffrey.

I told you there is a quarterback bias.

I get it. Quarterback is the most important position in football, no arguing that.

I can’t even argue that the above-mentioned quarterbacks aren’t deserving of the MVP award. They are.

This article isn’t meant to argue against a quarterback for MVP. It’s to argue that a running back is deserving of the award. One running back in particular.

McCaffrey isn’t just the motor that makes the Panthers’ offense go. He is the heart and soul of a team that has no business being a top offense in the NFL.

He was never “supposed” to be this good. He isn’t big enough. He can’t run between the tackles. He doesn’t have breakaway speed. He’s a third-down back at best. Blah, blah, blah.

All he does game in and game out is keep pounding. He catches everything thrown in his direction. He always makes the first defender miss. He stays in and pass protects. He never takes a snap off.

McCaffrey is unlikely to win the MVP award and that’s fine. Give it to a quarterback.

Overlook him just like everyone did throughout the combine. Overlook him just like last year when he somehow was left off the Pro Bowl roster.

Panthers fans know CMC’s value. Only those who watch his greatness every game can realize the impact he has on every play.

He’s our MVP.