In a fiery debate following the Baltimore Ravens decisive Christmas Night victory over the San Francisco 49ers, tensions flared as former NFL stars-turned-analysts Keyshawn Johnson and Richard Sherman clashed over the NFL MVP race.
Johnson declared on FS1’s “Undisputed”: “After the Ravens big Week 16 win over the 49ers, Lamar Jackson has locked up the NFL MVP Award.”
However, Sherman had a different opinion that led to a heated exchange on the set.
“Josh Allen has 40 total touchdowns right now. Does that mean he’s the MVP? No, it does not,” Sherman argued. “No QB is more important to their team right now than Josh Allen is to the Buffalo Bills. So you can argue whatever you want to argue, you can walk off, because that means you don’t have the power to make a conscious argument.”
Sherman continued to make his case, pointing out that it’s the Ravens defense who truly carried the team against San Francisco.
Brock Purdy All 4 Interceptions Week 16 San Francisco 49ers vs Baltimore Ravens NFL Christmas 2023
Purdy was the MVP favorite heading into the game. Game featured top seeds of each conference, who were both 11-3 headed into the game. #football #highlights #FTTB #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/tl4eTW6iju
— @NFLStudy (@NFLStudy) December 26, 2023
“The Baltimore Ravens defense had five turnovers last night. When we watch that game, and you watch them play against one of the best offenses in the NFL and they have five turnovers and you tell me, ‘Lamar Jackson is the reason they won that game,’ then I have a hard time with that.”
Amid Sherman’s impassioned argument, Johnson walked off the set, expressing his disagreement with the former cornerback’s viewpoint.
This NFL MVP take from @RSherman_25 forced @keyshawn to leave the set 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/BEqEOIvGai
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 26, 2023
It’s true that following the Ravens 33-19 road win against the Super Bowl favorite Niners, Jackson did throw his hat back in the MVP race.
It’s also true that a vital key to Baltimore’s success, especially on Monday, was indeed their defense – as Sherman pointed out.
Sherman would go on to propose alternative candidates for the MVP crown, suggesting either Christian McCaffrey or Tyreek Hill.
What are your thoughts on the Johnson-Sherman disagreement?
Where do you stand with the MVP race?
Is Purdy definitely out of contention after his four-interception performance on Christmas Night?
Will Jackson win his second MVP?
Or is this the year we have a non-quarterback candidate, such as McCaffrey or Hill, win the award???
