Chad Kelly 2023 CFL MOP

[RB957]

I disagree, but I guess it’s fashionable to jump off Kelly’s bandwagon. The only reason he regressed in the 2nd half is because they had nothing to play for and had big 2nd half leads. TD passes are such an overrated stat, especially when your passing gets you close to the goal line which lead to a league high 30 rushing TD’s and no other team was close to that. I don’t recall a lot of those rushing TD’s being long runs. Kelly was absolutely the right choice for the award.

Let me preface my response with the following: I have nothing against Chad Kelly. He had a very successful season, especially as a first year starter in the CFL, which is quite rare.

Chad Kelly shouldn't have won the award for MOP. To me, this is one of the weakest selections ever. I feel that he wasn't even the best player at his position, whereas Brady Oliveira was. As Paul Woods and Argo Ravi noted, Kelly regressed over the last half/third of the season. I would describe his performance during this time as "pedestrian."

Historically speaking , Kelly's 23 TD passes is the lowest amongst all MOP winning QB'S (in a full season) since the advent of the 18 game schedule in 1986. His passing yardage total (4,123) is the 2nd lowest ever. Here are some of Kelly's ranks this past season:

Passing Yards: 4th
Completion %: 4th
Yards Per Attempt: 1st
TD Passes: 3rd
QB Rating: 2nd
300 Yard Games: 4th

I realize that stats aren't everything. That being said, these numbers don't scream MOP to me. Kelly's selection will make good fodder for those who feel that the CFL shows favourtism towards the Argos.

On an unrelated note, I feel that Montreal's improbable Grey Cup title is reminiscent of the Argos winning in 2017. Personally, it takes a little bit of the sting out the disastrous Eastern Final.

Honestly, I can see both sides and could argue either of your positions. Perhaps from a strictly statistical perspective, TICAT's argument has merit. But for me, and I think this is where I lean toward Angelo's comment, the crux is how you define "outstanding". Does it mean you have to be the top in all or most statistical categories? I don't think so, and I don't think that the evaluators saw it that way. If you look at it from the perspective of most "valuable", then Kelly wins hands down. And I agree that some of the stats can be misleading.

To the comment that the Alouettes remind you of the 2017 Argonauts, I would say they also remind me so much of the 2012 Argonauts. As I recall, that team was mediocre, but then had a big win on the road in Saskatchewan, after which they caught fire. They were a .500 team, and had to win two games to make it to the Grey Cup. It just reinforces for me how important the mental aspect and team culture is. The Als had that MOJO going for them and they caught fire at the right time.