During the Week 13 edition of Fox NFL Sunday, Terry Bradshaw, Rob Gronkowski, and Michael Strahan engaged in a lively debate about who deserves this season’s NFL MVP award. The discussion occurred ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles’ matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and each analyst presented their case for a different player. Gronkowski supported Lamar Jackson, the reigning two-time MVP, while Bradshaw championed Derrick Henry, and Strahan favored Saquon Barkley. The conversation highlighted the diverse criteria and perspectives regarding the league’s most prestigious individual award.
Rob Gronkowski advocated for Lamar Jackson, citing his electrifying performances as the most entertaining quarterback in the league. Gronkowski praised Jackson’s ability to consistently create jaw-dropping plays, emphasizing his league-leading passing yards despite Baltimore’s run-first offensive system. Gronkowski’s admiration extended to Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities and his knack for making defenders miss. As a former teammate of Tom Brady, Gronkowski noted that Jackson embodies the qualities of an MVP, showcasing an unmatched style of play.
Terry Bradshaw countered by making a case for Derrick Henry, emphasizing the running back’s unique combination of size, speed, and power. Bradshaw noted that Henry’s impact on Baltimore’s offense has been transformative since his offseason arrival, comparing him to Saquon Barkley but pointing out Henry’s contributions to a team with a less dominant offensive line. Bradshaw highlighted Henry’s ability to execute Baltimore’s game plan effectively, contributing to their strong performances despite four losses.
Michael Strahan, meanwhile, argued that Saquon Barkley should be the MVP, citing his pivotal role in revitalizing the Philadelphia Eagles after a difficult season. Strahan emphasized Barkley’s contributions to the Eagles’ 9-2 record, particularly his league-leading yards from scrimmage and rushing. He credited Barkley with carrying the team and making a significant impact on an offense that struggled in previous years. Barkley’s strong showing against the Ravens, where he recorded over 100 rushing yards, further bolstered Strahan’s argument.
The debate underscored the tight competition for the MVP award, with analysts divided on the criteria for the honor. Barkley’s impressive stats and the Eagles’ turnaround make him a strong contender, though quarterbacks like Josh Allen still lead betting odds. No running back has won MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012, adding intrigue to the possibility of either Henry or Barkley breaking that trend. As the season progresses, performances in crucial games will likely determine who ultimately takes home the MVP trophy.
