Brady’s play for the first ~8-10 games of the season was incredibly impressive to me as he was playing like a qb from the 70s/80s (deep passes under heavy pressure) but putting up efficiency statistics more like a 2010’s top qb. Since then a combination of injury to various teammates, potentially his own injury issues, and weather has brought him back to earth. But on the strength of the first 2/3rds of the season alone I’d be comfortable with giving him the MVP, esp given the lack of other overwhelming candidates.

Brady’s ability to succeed at the highest levels playing very different styles emphasizing different skillsets sets him apart from many of the other all-time greats and likely has been a huge factor in the Patriots’ unprecedented ability to stay at the top of the league for so long in the salary cap era.

Brees never gets much love from the MVP voters, he should have won the MVP in 2009, just astonishing how few votes he got compared to Manning. Sadly this year will be no different.