NFL Week 9 awards: Marcus Mariota looks the part

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrates after throwing a game winning touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during overtime of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans defeated the Saints 34-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 3

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) reacts with quarterback Cam Newton (1) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 9 Most Valuable Player

Cam Newton, QB Carolina Panthers

Things got far too interesting for Panthers fans in the closing minutes of a 37-29 victory over the Packers on Sunday, to the point where Green Bay had the ball and a legitimate chance to complete what would have been a miraculous comeback. Still, the reason that Carolina was ever in position to lead by three scores was Cam Newton, and he is this week’s MVP choice.

Newton completed only 15 of his 30 passes on the day, but inefficiency was the only knock on his profile, as the former Auburn star threw for 297 yards (9.9 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns on the day. As usual, Newton managed to make an impact with his legs as well, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, and given the lack of weapons that he continues to work with on a weekly basis, this type of production is staggering.

The season-long MVP debate is a divisive one in terms of Newton’s inclusion in the conversation, simply because he will never have the type of gaudy passing numbers needed for a “traditional” case. At the same time, the Panthers are 8-0 and Newton is the center of everything in Carolina in a way that only a few quarterbacks in the NFL can claim.

He was utterly fantastic on Sunday, and Panthers fans have every reason to ride with their guy against all comers. Cam Newton is that good.

Runner-up: Marcus Mariota, QB Tennessee Titans

Join our risk-free week 11 FanDuel league. Double your entry fee or get refunded! New users only.

FanDuel_Secondary_Logo_Transparent_Background /

Home/Carolina Panthers