I still don't understand how "stat whoring" would negatively impact this game.
I understand the basic idea that an owner might care greatly about stats/awards, but I don't understand what negative impact this could have in MFN.
Who cares if an owner wants to have the leading rusher, or the player with the most sacks? What difference would that make?
Even if they changed their gameplan to somehow accomplish this feat, so what?
Even if they wanted this so bad that they were willing to not even try to win. I would think they would already be tanking in order to get a better draft pick. Besides, it's pretty clear that outright tanking is not frowned upon enough to do anything about it.
I can't imagine someone would care more about a particular player stat/award more than they would value a better draft pick.
But, if you can win AND have the MVP (for example), great for you.
I would see this as a positive addition to the game. It may even keep owners interested in their teams after they've been eliminated from playoff contention.
A big
+1 from me.