Sorry Philip Rivers: J.J. Watt Is the NFL MVP

Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) shakes his finger after the Texans defense batted down a Philip Rivers (17) pass at the line of scrimmage during second half action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Several NFL experts believes Philip Rivers leads the pack for league MVP.  However, if they were honest, that honor rightfully belongs to J.J. Watt.

Rivers has had the aide of a great San Diego Chargers defense

Listen.   There is absolutely no question that Philip Rivers is having an MVP-like season.  Through the first five games he has 1,443 yards, 12 touchdown and just two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 116.3.  He owns a signature win over the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks and has done it all despite being sacked eight times and hurried 52.  However, much of his success can and should be credited to the resurgence of the San Diego Chargers defense.  For the season the unit ranks 3rd overall and 1st in points allowed.  That means they’ve been creating several extra opportunities for Rivers each week that has inflated his numbers.

Watt domination of Andrew Luck and Colts cemented his superstardom

J.J. Watt does not have that same kind of support.  He dominates the competition regardless if his offense plays well or not.  The Houston Texans defensive end is simply on another planet than every other player in the league and he proved it against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.  In a 33-28 defeat, a game which easily could’ve seen Watt drop to half speed after falling behind 24-0, the defensive instead became the catalyst for a spirited comeback.  The final tally was just ridiculous:  seven tackles, two sacks, three pass deflections and a fumble returned for what was his third touchdown of the season.  He has four sacks on the season but according to Pro Football Focus has 12 hits and 17 hurries on opposing quarterback in 2014.  He pretty much is the Texans defense.

Which is why he is not just Defensive Player of the Year.  He is MVP.  Deal with it NFL.