Tough for Gurley to win MVP standing on Rams sideline

With a league MVP still possible, it just got that much tougher for Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley, now relegated to the sideline for Week 17.

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has been a hot topic in recent weeks when conversations about the 2017 MVP award comes around.

With him on the sideline in Week 17, the conversation may also meet its conclusion. But hey, if Gurley doesn’t seem to care much, why should anyone else?

Head coach Sean McVay’s decision to sit the likes of Gurley, Jared Goff, Aaron Donald, and others is met with a mixed bag of those who support it, and those who don’t. To Gurley’s credit, the passive aggressive and easy going nature of the Rams running back is “cool” with probably missing out on both the MVP, and the rushing title.

"“It’s cool,” Gurley said. “Obviously, it will be a good advantage just to be able to get a couple days of extra health… so I think it’ll be a good thing.” He’d add, “But, as far as everything else, my body has been fairly great this season, so thank God.”"

The third year running back has had a monster season after disappointing in 2016. He leads the league with 19 touchdowns and 1,305 rushing yards this year. Those numbers won’t change, as he won’t touch the football again in the season finale against division rival San Francisco.

Would one more big performance have solidified his credentials for NFL MVP?

Rams fans nor Gurley himself will ever know. With the league poster boy Tom Brady still the leading candidate and media darling, a big game against a suddenly hot Jimmy Garoppolo and the surging 49ers would have created an interesting debate. In a season where Los Angeles has blown up as a contender on the NFL landscape, an MVP award to tout would have been a nice addition.

Next: 3 predictions for Rams against 49ers in Week 17

Either way, Gurley seems to not care much with more on the horizon for the Rams.

"“You’ve just got to look at the bigger picture,” he said. “Coach has a plan and he’s done nothing but right things since we’ve been in here, so you’ve got to trust him on this decision as well.”"

Maybe next year he’ll get another shot.