2023 NFL Season: 3 MVP candidates that could be a surprise
As the 2023 NFL season draws nearer, fans are making predictions for who they think will win
individual awards at the end of the season. The most interesting of those awards is the MVP award, given to the most valuable player. Usually, it’s the same names that you expect to compete for it every year; Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers.
However, there are quarterbacks all over the league, who are in position and primed for an
incredible season. Although it’s an award for the most valuable ‘player’ unless someone has an
Adrian Peterson-like season, it’ll probably go to a quarterback.
The MVP race often comes down to multiple things, but most importantly it is based on
quarterbacks that lead their team to wins. Although wins are a team accolade and all three phases of the game, the quarterback is a huge part of how well a team does.
Even though we will likely see familiar candidates winning the award, let’s have a look at a few
other quarterbacks who could surprise everyone and win the 2023 NFL MVP.
2023 NFL Season: 3 MVP candidates that could be a surprise
Trevor Lawrence
In his second season, the 2021 number one overall pick took a massive jump. Under new head coach Doug Pederson, Trevor Lawrence looked like a much better player and a player who was close to what was expected of him coming out of Clemson.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were a mess in 2021 when Lawrence was drafted. He showed flashes, but it was not an environment that would help a rookie quarterback succeed. But in the 2022 off-season, the Jaguars reset. They sacked Urban Meyers and hired one of the best offensive minds in the game; Doug Pederson and spent the majority of their available cap space on offensive linemen to protect their star quarterback and weapons on the outside.
Lawrence looked amazing in 2022. In his rookie season, he led the league with 17 interceptions, which went down to just eight. His passing touchdowns more than doubled from 12 to 25. His passing accuracy improved significantly from 59% to just over 63% and he passed for 4113 yards.
The Jaguars went on to finish 9-8, win the AFC South and reach the playoffs. Although Lawrence
threw three interceptions in the first quarter of that game and was down 27 points, Trevor Lawrence was able to claw his team back and complete the third biggest comeback in playoff history.
In the 2023 off-season, the Jaguars further solidified their offensive line during free agency but most importantly, the return of wide receiver Calvin Ridley from his suspension will elevate Lawrence to the next level.
If Lawrence remains on this trajectory, he will be an 2023 NFL MVP candidate and he certainly has the talent to play at that level.