In an NFL season that will be remembered for the undefeated runs of the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, it was no surprise that Peyton Manning and Drew Brees were the recipients of the majority of the votes for the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. 

What was a surprise was the number of votes by which the two Pro-Bowl quarterbacks were separated.

Manning received 391/2 votes and Brees garnered 71/2 votes in a landslide victory for that sealed the quarterback’s fourth career MVP award.  And now that Manning has achieved a fourth MVP, his name has to be mentioned among the all-time greats in the game of football (at quarterback, and in general). 

But, at least for this season, more votes should have gone to Brees.

Brees and Alfonso Ribeiro (a.k.a. "Carlton"): Two guys who deserve to be appreciated a little more.

The MVP award is an award based on an individual season.  It is not a lifetime achievement award.  So, when you look at the impact that the Saints offense had on the imprint of this NFL season, it should be difficult to negate the success of Brees’ 2009 campaign.  Let’s take a look at the statistics:

Manning - 4500 yds. passing, 33 TDs, 16 INTs, 99.9 passer rating

Brees – 4388 yds. passing, 34 TDs, 11 INTs, 109.6 passer rating

The numbers are fairly comparable with the big differences appering in interceptions and passer rating – both in Drew Brees’ favor. 

Peyton Manning is credited with seven come-from-behind wins this year.  But how could that be an indictment against Drew Brees?  His Saints have been so dynamic offensively that he’s not in a position to author many comeback victories – and that is the sign of a quarterback (and a team) who is efficient and doesn’t squander possessions.

Any way you slice it, this voting looks like it was given to a player with a proven track record of success in his craft.  Under normal circumstances, you really couldn’t argue with giving the MVP to a guy like Peyton.

But, if only for this one year – - Drew Brees was anything but normal.