Lamar Jackson Vs. Josh Allen: Who Has Better MVP Stats?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Alright, football fans! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both have been MVP frontrunners at different points in their careers, and their unique playing styles make this debate all the more interesting. We're going to break down their stats, accolades, and overall impact on their teams to determine who truly has the edge when it comes to MVP-caliber performances. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's get started!

Lamar Jackson: The Electric Raven

Lamar Jackson burst onto the scene with a style of play the NFL hadn't quite seen before. His exceptional speed, agility, and arm strength made him an instant threat, and his 2019 MVP season cemented his place as one of the league's most dynamic players. So, what made his MVP season so special, and how does it stack up against other top quarterback performances?

2019 MVP Season Stats

In 2019, Lamar Jackson put up some absolutely ridiculous numbers. He threw for 3,127 yards and a league-leading 36 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions. But what truly set him apart was his rushing ability. He ran for a staggering 1,206 yards, breaking Michael Vick's single-season record for a quarterback. This combination of passing and rushing prowess made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

  • Passing Yards: 3,127
  • Touchdowns: 36
  • Interceptions: 6
  • Rushing Yards: 1,206
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 7
  • ** passer rating: ** 113.3

Beyond the raw stats, it was the impact he had on the Ravens' offense that was truly remarkable. The Ravens went 13-2 in games he started, and their offense became the most explosive in the league. Defenses simply had no answer for Jackson's unique skill set.

Key Strengths

  • Rushing Ability: Lamar's ability to make plays with his legs is unmatched. He can turn a broken play into a huge gain in an instant, and defenses have to account for him as a runner on every single snap.
  • Arm Talent: While his rushing ability gets most of the attention, Lamar is also a very capable passer. He has a strong arm and can make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback.
  • Leadership: Lamar is a natural leader, and his teammates clearly respect and admire him. He brings a level of energy and enthusiasm to the game that is contagious.

Areas for Improvement

  • Consistency: While Lamar has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs to be more consistent from week to week. There have been times when he has struggled with accuracy and decision-making.
  • Durability: Lamar's playing style puts him at risk of injury, and he has missed games in each of the past two seasons. He needs to find a way to stay healthy and on the field.

Josh Allen: The Buffalo Blizzard

Josh Allen has transformed from a raw, unproven talent into one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. His rocket arm, imposing size, and surprising athleticism have made him a force to be reckoned with. While he hasn't yet captured an MVP award, he's been in the conversation multiple times, and his 2020 and 2022 seasons were particularly impressive. Let's delve into what makes Allen such a formidable player.

2020 and 2022 Seasons Stats

In 2020, Josh Allen had a breakout season, throwing for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions. He also added 421 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. In 2022, he continued his stellar play, passing for 4,283 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 762 yards and 7 touchdowns. These two seasons showcase Allen's ability to be a dominant dual-threat quarterback.

  • 2020 Passing Yards: 4,544

  • 2020 Touchdowns: 37

  • 2020 Interceptions: 10

  • 2020 Rushing Yards: 421

  • 2020 Rushing Touchdowns: 8

  • **2020 passer rating: ** 107.2

  • 2022 Passing Yards: 4,283

  • 2022 Touchdowns: 35

  • 2022 Interceptions: 14

  • 2022 Rushing Yards: 762

  • 2022 Rushing Touchdowns: 7

  • **2022 passer rating: ** 96.6

Beyond the numbers, Allen's impact on the Bills has been undeniable. He's elevated the entire team and turned them into a Super Bowl contender. His leadership and unwavering confidence have been instrumental in the Bills' success.

Key Strengths

  • Arm Strength: Josh Allen has arguably the strongest arm in the NFL. He can make throws that other quarterbacks simply can't, and his deep ball is a thing of beauty.
  • Physicality: At 6'5" and 237 pounds, Allen is a massive presence in the pocket. He's difficult to bring down, and he's not afraid to use his size to his advantage as a runner.
  • Improvisation: Allen is excellent at extending plays and making something out of nothing. He can scramble, throw on the run, and make off-balance throws with remarkable accuracy.

Areas for Improvement

  • Decision-Making: Allen sometimes tries to do too much, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. He needs to be more consistent with his decision-making and take what the defense gives him.
  • Accuracy: While his arm strength is undeniable, Allen's accuracy can be inconsistent at times. He needs to improve his accuracy on short and intermediate throws.

Head-to-Head Comparison: MVP Caliber

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: who has the edge when it comes to MVP-caliber performances? Here's a breakdown of their key stats and attributes:

  • MVP Awards: Lamar Jackson has one MVP award (2019), while Josh Allen has yet to win one.
  • Passing Yards: Josh Allen has generally had higher passing yard totals in his best seasons compared to Lamar Jackson's MVP season.
  • Touchdown-Interception Ratio: Lamar Jackson's 2019 season had a stellar touchdown-interception ratio (36:6), while Allen's best seasons have been good but not quite as exceptional in this category.
  • Rushing Yards: Lamar Jackson's rushing ability is a significant advantage. His 1,206 rushing yards in 2019 is a record for a quarterback.
  • Overall Impact: Both players have had a tremendous impact on their teams, leading them to playoff appearances and making them Super Bowl contenders.

The Verdict: Who Takes the Crown?

So, who comes out on top? It's a tough call, and honestly, it depends on what you value most in a quarterback. Lamar Jackson's 2019 MVP season was truly special, and his rushing ability gives him a unique dimension that few quarterbacks possess. However, Josh Allen's overall body of work over the past few years has been incredibly impressive, and his arm strength and physicality make him a nightmare for defenses.

If we're strictly looking at MVP stats and accolades, Lamar Jackson has a slight edge due to his MVP award. However, Josh Allen's sustained excellence and ability to elevate his entire team cannot be ignored. Both players are incredibly talented and have the potential to win multiple MVP awards in the future.

Ultimately, the debate between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen is a testament to the incredible talent at the quarterback position in the NFL today. Both players are game-changers, and it's a privilege to watch them compete each and every week. So, let's appreciate these amazing athletes and enjoy the show! What do you guys think? Who would you pick and why? Let me know in the comments below!