The NFL loves to celebrate quarterbacks, but occasionally players at other positions get the recognition they deserve. While we don’t anticipate an offensive lineman winning MVP anytime soon, sometimes running backs give those quarterbacks a run for their money during awards season.
Since 2000, only four NFL running backs — Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander and Marshall Faulk — have won the league MVP award. Peterson was the last player to accomplish this feat back in 2012.
As unlikely as it may seem, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has the right mix of physical tools and surrounding talent to be the league’s next non-QB MVP.
Robinson is essentially the perfect modern NFL running back. He has elite speed, size, vision, elusiveness, route-running ability and hands (see below):
Robinson rushed for 976 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, adding 58 catches for 487 yards and four receiving touchdowns. I realize these aren’t quite MVP-level numbers, but the totals were deflated by the team’s abysmal quarterback play last season.
With Kirk Cousins stepping in, the Falcons finally have someone who can help their offense reach its full potential. And unlike former head coach Arthur Smith, Raheem Morris is ready to unleash Robinson this season.
“Get the ball to Bijan as much as you can in as many ideal situations as you possibly can,” said Morris on how he plans to feature Robinson.
While statistics play a major part in determining the league MVP, the story behind those stats is arguably just as important. The Falcons have missed the playoffs for six straight seasons. If Bijan leads them to an NFC South crown, it would carry more weight than some of the other candidates.
Cousins is sure to receive his share of praise if the team is successful, but he’s rarely been in the MVP discussion throughout his career. Robinson has an elite run-blocking offensive line and enough complementary weapons to prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box.
Assuming he’s the focal point of Atlanta’s offense, Robinson’s ability as a dual-threat could help him top 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2024.
What type of numbers would Robinson need to win MVP?
As mentioned earlier, only four running backs have won the award since the 2000 NFL season. Here’s a look at the stats for all four players the year they won MVP.
- Adrian Peterson (2012): 2,097 rushing yards, 12 TDs, 40 catches, 217 rec. yards, 1 rec. TD
- LaDainian Tomlinson (2006): 1,815 rushing yards, 28 TDs, 56 catches, 508 rec. yards, 3 rec. TDs
- Shaun Alexander (2005): 1,880 rushing yards, 27 TDs, 15 catches, 78 rec. yards, 1 rec. TD
- Marshall Faulk (2000): 1,359 rushing yards, 18 TDs, 81 catches, 830 rec. yards, 8 rec. TDs
Draft Kings lists Robinson’s odds to win the 2024 MVP award at +25000, but crazier things have happened in this league. Why not Bijan?
