Taylor's Pick: Ravens 2010 MVP

This year, I'd have to say that my pick for MVP goes to Ed Reed.

After missing the first six games of the season, Ed Reed returned to the Ravens on October 27th for their game against the Buffalo Bills. During his first appearance of the season, Reed grabbed two interceptions and forced a fumble. Not bad after being injured for 6 weeks if you ask me!

Following his return, Baltimore went an impressive 8-2 and only narrowly missed winning the AFC North for the first time since 2006. He led the NFL with a record 8 interceptions, including three multi-pick games. Before he returned, the Ravens had only managed three interceptions in six games! With Reed's return to the defensive line for the Raven's final 10 games, Baltimore recorded 16 interceptions and forced 11 fumbles! To me, this says something about Reed's leadership ability and reliability. We always know that Ed Reed will be there when we need him to make big things happen on defense! As the numbers above indicate, the Ravens are a totally different team when they are missing Ed Reed.

It is Reed's ability to force turnovers that I believe makes him an invaluable asset to the Baltimore Ravens. Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Lardarius Webb all made great plays and were great weapons for the Ravens defense this season. However, turnovers change games and it really is incredible for a single player to be so consistent in his ability to cause them. The things that Reed was able to accomplish for the Ravens in his 10 games of the season is more than many other safeties were able to do all season.

One can only imagine what Reed would have been able to accomplish had he been able to play the full 16 games this season! His limited time on the field is certainly not apparent in his numbers that he produced and his impact on the Ravens is immeasurable. I believe that with the exception of Troy Polamalu for the Steelers, there is really is no other defensive player that is as valuable to his team as Ed Reed is to the Baltimore Ravens. He is a leader for the Ravens both on and off the field and I think that he truly was the Ravens most valuable player this season!