NBA legend Paul Pierce puts Patrick Mahomes back in MVP race amid Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson's rise
When Paul Pierce was asked who should be considered for NFL regular-season MVP, he surprisingly said Patrick Mahomes. Nominating the three-time Super Bowl winner would normally not raise eyebrows, but the Chiefs quarterback has not had a great season. Players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have better passing and rushing records, and running backs like Saquon Barkley have been indispensable for the Eagles.
However, the NBA legend said that Patrick Mahomes should be considered because the Chiefs are currently 14-1 and could finish 16-1. They are currently the best team in the league in terms of results and much of that has been possible because of their quarterback. Saying that he has nothing but love for Josh Allen, Paul Pierce said,
"It's time to put Patty Mahomes back in the MVP conversations now, because if we gave Lamar the MVP last year because of his record more so than the statistics, right? It's time, if the Chiefs end up 16-1... I love what Josh Allen's done this year, but the more and more I think about it, it may need to go to Pat Mahomes."
Paul Pierce says Chiefs' injuries should elevate Patrick Mahomes' MVP bid
Paul Pierce also highlighted how the Chiefs have been struggling with injuries on offense all year. Running back Isiah Pacheco was out for a significant duration and they have had to bring Kareem Hunt back. Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown have not been available for the majority of the season.
However, Patrick Mahomes has ensured that has not become an excuse for losing. The NBA legend thinks that should ensure the Kansas City quarterback is in the MVP conversation, noting,
"Everybody talking about Saquon [Barkley], everybody talking about Lamar, look at his stats. 16-1 with injuries all year long, holding the team together with a piece of tape, holding this team together, scratching the card and winning every week. It ain't looking pretty, but he's getting it done, and you got to put him back up there."
Paul Pierce might have a point but historically overall statistics and passer rating have influenced MVP decisions. For example, Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning have nine MVP awards but only three Super Bowls combined. On the other hand, Tom Brady has three MVP awards but has won the championship seven times. It is a deal that Patrick Mahomes will also take if it means he does not win the personal honor but the Chiefs end up winning the title again.