The NFL Most Valuable Player award can’t really be called that these days. Anybody who understands reality knows it is basically the Most Valuable Quarterback Award. Whichever quarterback has the best season in the eyes of voters wins the award. Other positions just don’t get much attention. In fact, only three others in league history have done so. Running backs, an outside linebacker, a defensive tackle, and a kicker. Could Allen Robinson be a pioneer for the wide receiver position in 2021?
Dan Hanzus of NFL.com seems to think so. The analyst labeled the 27-year old as the player on the Bears’ roster with the best chance to claim MVP honors. Why? A number of key factors. Starting with Robinson’s uncanny ability to play like a Pro Bowler despite being saddled with less-than adequate quarterbacks. Combine that with a potential upgrade at QB? It might not be so crazy to think Robinson makes a serious run at the honor.
“The man is QB-proof — perhaps the most valuable trait any wideout can possess. Playing with a coterie of ham-and-eggers behind center, Robinson has averaged 100 receptions for 1,200 yards the past two years with 13 total touchdowns. Andy Dalton is a capable hold-the-fort QB who provides higher upside than former Bear Mitchell Trubisky or current backup Nick Foles. Fields is a wild card with monster upside. With typical Bears QB play, Robinson will continue to deliver like a star. But with a legit QB throwing him the ball? Robinson can go to the next level.”
Can it be done?
Sure, but it would take something crazy. Record-breaking numbers. Only wide receiver has come close to winning MVP honors in NFL history. That was Jerry Rice back in 1997. Both the Pro Football Writers Of America and Sporting News named him the Most Valuable Player. The Associated Press though, whom many acknowledge as the primary source, chose John Elway instead.
It was a controversial choice at the time. Elway had 3,198 yards with 19 TDs and 12 interceptions. He also ran for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Rice though was on another planet. In just 12 games he managed 1,078 yards and 22 touchdowns. A TD record that took 20 years to break and Randy Moss needed 16 games to do it. This is the sort of year Robinson likely needs to have. The Bears need to win and he has to score a lot of touchdowns.
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Allen Robinson may finally have some help
People will think Andy Dalton is a poor option to help Robinson reach this milestone. That isn’t necessarily true though. While nobody will accuse him of being an elite quarterback, Dalton does know one thing. He understands how to feed a star receiver. A.J. Green had some outstanding seasons with him at quarterback, topping 1290 yards and 10 touchdowns three times between 2012 and 2015.
So it is at least possible with him. Justin Fields though? His upside is far above Dalton. He also has a keen understanding of targeting a go-to receiver often. In his last year at Ohio State, he found Chris Olave 50 times for 729 yards and seven touchdowns in just seven games. His accuracy spoke for itself. If Allen Robinson continues to get open like he always does, Fields would find him. That combination has limitless potential.
In all honesty though?
Don’t count on it happening. Robinson can have a career year but the league will never allow a wide receiver to win MVP honors. The string of circumstances requires just doesn’t happen these days. That said, the Bears would benefit from such a season regardless. The better Robinson plays, the higher their odds of winning football games. That is the endgame everybody wants. MVP awards don’t equal Super Bowl rings.