Allen Vs. Jackson: 2024 Rushing Stats Compared!

Alright guys, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison that's been on everyone's mind: Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson in terms of their rushing stats for 2024. These two quarterbacks aren't just pocket passers; they're dynamic athletes who can change the game with their legs. In this article, we'll break down their rushing performance, analyze their styles, and see who comes out on top in the ground game.

Rushing Prowess of Modern Quarterbacks

Before we get into the nitty-gritty stats, let's appreciate the evolution of the quarterback position. Gone are the days when QBs were strictly limited to throwing the ball. Now, guys like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are dual-threat dynamos, capable of extending plays, picking up crucial first downs, and even scoring touchdowns with their legs. This adds a whole new dimension to their team's offense, keeping defenses on their toes and creating opportunities that wouldn't exist with a traditional pocket passer.

Josh Allen: The Power Runner

Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' star quarterback, is known for his imposing size and surprising speed. He's not just about finesse; he's a power runner who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards. Allen's rushing ability is a critical component of the Bills' offense, especially in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. His physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders to bring down, often requiring multiple tacklers to stop his momentum. Moreover, Allen's legs provide an escape route when the pocket collapses, turning potential sacks into positive gains.

Lamar Jackson: The Elusive Speedster

On the other side, we have Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens' electrifying quarterback. Jackson's game is built on elusiveness and speed. He possesses incredible agility and vision, allowing him to navigate through defenses with ease. Unlike Allen's power-running style, Jackson relies on his ability to make defenders miss, often leaving them grasping at air as he darts downfield. His speed is a game-changer, capable of turning broken plays into significant gains and keeping the chains moving. Jackson's rushing threat forces defenses to account for him on every snap, opening up opportunities for his teammates in the passing game.

2024 Rushing Statistics: A Detailed Comparison

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and compare their 2024 rushing stats. We'll look at several key metrics to get a comprehensive understanding of their performance.

Rushing Yards

Rushing yards is the most straightforward measure of a player's rushing ability. It tells us the total distance a player has run with the ball. In 2024, both Allen and Jackson have put up impressive numbers, but their styles dictate how they achieve those numbers.

• Josh Allen: Allen's rushing yards often come from a combination of designed runs, scrambles, and quarterback sneaks. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact contributes significantly to his total.
• Lamar Jackson: Jackson's rushing yards are more likely to come from designed quarterback runs and improvisational scrambles. His speed and agility allow him to exploit gaps in the defense and turn short gains into explosive plays.

Rushing Touchdowns

Rushing touchdowns are crucial because they translate directly into points. A quarterback who can punch it in from close range adds a valuable dimension to their team's scoring ability. Let's see how Allen and Jackson stack up in this category.

• Josh Allen: Allen's size and strength make him a formidable weapon near the goal line. The Bills often utilize quarterback runs in short-yardage situations, giving Allen ample opportunities to score.
• Lamar Jackson: Jackson's elusiveness also makes him a threat near the end zone. Defenses must account for his ability to make them miss in tight spaces, making him a dangerous option when the Ravens get close to scoring.

Average Rushing Yards Per Attempt

Average rushing yards per attempt provides insight into a player's efficiency as a runner. It measures how many yards a player gains on average each time they carry the ball. This metric can help us understand how effective Allen and Jackson are at maximizing their rushing opportunities.

• Josh Allen: While Allen may not have the highest average, his ability to gain tough yards and convert short-yardage situations is invaluable.
• Lamar Jackson: Jackson's average is typically higher due to his knack for breaking off long runs. His ability to turn a routine scramble into a significant gain boosts his average and makes him a constant threat to the defense.

Rushing Attempts

Rushing attempts simply refer to the number of times a player carries the ball. This statistic can reflect a team's offensive philosophy and how often they rely on their quarterback's rushing ability. Let's see how Allen and Jackson compare in terms of rushing attempts.

• Josh Allen: The Bills often incorporate designed quarterback runs into their game plan, particularly in crucial situations. Allen's willingness to run and his team's reliance on his legs result in a high number of rushing attempts.
• Lamar Jackson: The Ravens' offense is built around Jackson's unique skillset. His rushing ability is a focal point of their attack, and they frequently call designed quarterback runs to exploit his speed and agility.

Analyzing Rushing Styles and Impact

Now that we've looked at the stats, let's dig deeper into their rushing styles and how they impact their respective teams.

Josh Allen: The Powerhouse Effect

Josh Allen's rushing style is all about power and determination. He uses his size and strength to his advantage, often lowering his shoulder and fighting for every yard. This physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders to tackle, especially in short-yardage situations. Allen's willingness to run through defenders sets the tone for the Bills' offense, inspiring his teammates and demoralizing the opposition. Furthermore, his rushing ability forces defenses to respect the quarterback run, opening up opportunities for the Bills' running backs and receivers.

Lamar Jackson: The Elusive Maestro

Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, relies on his elusiveness and speed to make plays with his legs. He possesses exceptional agility and vision, allowing him to navigate through defenses with ease. Jackson's ability to make defenders miss is unparalleled, often leaving them grasping at air as he glides downfield. His speed is a game-changer, capable of turning broken plays into significant gains and keeping the chains moving. Jackson's rushing threat forces defenses to spread out, creating one-on-one matchups for his receivers and opening up running lanes for the Ravens' running backs.

Strategic Implications for Defenses

The rushing abilities of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson pose unique challenges for opposing defenses. Defenses must game plan specifically to contain these quarterbacks, which can significantly impact their overall defensive strategy.

Containing Josh Allen

Containing Josh Allen requires a disciplined and physical approach. Defenses must be prepared to deal with his size and strength, often requiring multiple tacklers to bring him down. Linebackers and defensive ends must maintain their gap integrity to prevent Allen from finding running lanes, and defensive backs must be ready to provide run support on the perimeter. Additionally, defenses must be wary of Allen's ability to extend plays with his legs, forcing them to stay engaged for the duration of the play.

Containing Lamar Jackson

Containing Lamar Jackson requires a different set of strategies. Defenses must prioritize speed and agility to match Jackson's elusiveness. Linebackers and defensive backs must be disciplined in their pursuit angles to avoid being juked out of their shoes, and defensive linemen must focus on containing the pocket to prevent Jackson from escaping. Furthermore, defenses must be prepared to defend the entire field, as Jackson is capable of making plays with his legs from anywhere on the field.

Who Comes Out on Top?

So, who comes out on top in the Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson rushing battle? It's tough to say definitively, as both quarterbacks bring unique strengths to the table. Allen is the power runner who can grind out tough yards and score in short-yardage situations, while Jackson is the elusive speedster who can break off long runs and make defenders miss. Ultimately, their value to their respective teams extends beyond just the raw stats, as their rushing abilities impact the entire offense and force defenses to adjust their game plans.

The Verdict

In conclusion, both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are exceptional rushing quarterbacks who add a dynamic element to their teams' offenses. While their styles differ, their impact is undeniable. Whether you prefer Allen's power or Jackson's elusiveness, there's no denying that these two quarterbacks are among the most exciting and dynamic players in the NFL. So, instead of declaring a definitive winner, let's appreciate the unique talents of both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson and enjoy the show they put on every week!