Just a few weeks ago, Patrick Mahomes seemed like the surefire choice for NFL MVP. Now? Not so much.
Now, let’s be clear — we’re splitting hairs with these two. Both Rodgers and Mahomes are other-worldly athletes, and arguably the best two talents at the quarterback position we’ve ever seen. In fact, it’s hard not to compare Mahomes to a far younger version of Rodgers, but perhaps with a little more flare.
Mahomes has already won an MVP and Super Bowl MVP. His award room is packed, and there will be more where that came from. However, in what’s Rodgers’ last best chance to take home some regular season hardware, the 37-year-old has defied the odds and played out of his mind in 2020, in spite of a franchise who hasn’t surrounded him with nearly the weapons Mahomes has at his disposal.
The gap between Mahomes and Rodgers is shrinking by the game
Mahomes usurped Russell Wilson at midseason, and cemented his status as the MVP favorite when he out-dueled Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. However, in the last two weeks, he’s turned in a less-than-stellar performance against the Denver Broncos, followed up by a brutal first half against the Miami Dolphins.
Don’t take my word for it.
Knowing Mahomes, he could very well throw several touchdowns as I’m writing this column. But the 2020 MVP race isn’t all about Mahomes’ struggles, but also due to the rapid rise of Rodgers. In his last three games, Rodgers has thrown for 10 touchdowns and just one interception. His regular season quarterback rating to date is an astronomical 118.5, and he’s thrown a gaudy 36 touchdowns to just four picks.
This is all despite lacking a No. 2 target behind Davante Adams, and a young Jordan Love breathing down his neck for reasons that are still beyond comprehension. The Packers set up Rodgers for mediocrity with their draft class, yet he continues to excel in the face of adversity.
Every Mahomes mistake is another step in the wrong direction as Rodgers continues to surge.