The beat writers have spoken. Justin Tucker is the MVP of the Baltimore Ravens.
Middle linebacker Daryl Smith finished second in the voting of reporters who regularly cover the team, according to The Baltimore Sun. Smith, who Tom Brady recently likened to Ray Lewis, is the Ravens' leading tackler this season.
Tucker's win should tell you a lot about how the season has gone for the defending Super Bowl champions, who are 8-7 and clawing for an invite back to the postseason dance.
With all apologies to Mark Moseley, a kicker should never win an honor like this. That's not to say the scribes got this one wrong -- and we certainly don't want to take away from Tucker's season. He's been stellar.
But when the kicker wins MVP, more important players haven't carried their weight.
That starts with Joe Flacco, who signed a $120.6 million contract in the offseason that included $52 million in guaranteed money. Flacco has set career worsts in interceptions (19) and passer rating (75.2). He's also now dealing with a bum knee, which hasn't helped matters.
Of course, nobody ever got too excited about Flacco until last January's epic playoff run. If Baltimore advances this year, perhaps Flacco again will prove himself to be the team's most valuable asset.
The Ravens would love for a scenario in which a re-count was in order.
The "Around The League Podcast" is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
