Lamar Jackson Vs Josh Allen: Who's The Better QB?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into a hot topic that's been buzzing in the football world: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen. These two quarterbacks are absolute game-changers, electrifying to watch, and consistently put up insane numbers. We're going to break down their stats, compare their playing styles, and try to figure out who's currently the better QB. Buckle up, because this is going to be a fun ride!

The Tale of the Tape: Early Career & Draft Status

Before we get into the nitty-gritty stats, let's rewind and look at how these guys entered the NFL. Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens as the last pick of the first round (32nd overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft. At the time, there were questions about whether his running style would translate to a sustainable career at the quarterback position. But, oh boy, did he prove everyone wrong! His electric athleticism and dynamic playmaking ability were immediately evident. Jackson’s selection was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some analysts unsure if his unique skillset would translate to the NFL level.

On the other hand, Josh Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills a year earlier, also in the first round (7th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Allen's draft stock was a bit of a rollercoaster. He possessed a cannon for an arm and impressive size, but his accuracy and decision-making were areas of concern. The Bills saw potential, however, and were willing to invest in his development. Allen’s selection was seen as a gamble by some, but his raw talent and physical attributes were undeniable. The Bills saw in him the potential to be their franchise quarterback, a player who could lead them to the playoffs and beyond.

Early Struggles and Triumphs

Both quarterbacks experienced their share of growing pains early in their careers. Jackson took over as the Ravens’ starter mid-season in his rookie year and immediately injected a jolt of energy into their offense. His running ability gave defenses fits, and he quickly became a must-watch player. He even earned the starting spot when Joe Flacco was still on the team. Allen also faced challenges early on. His accuracy issues were evident, and he struggled with turnovers. The Bills offense had a slow start, but Allen's resilience and determination never wavered. Through it all, both players showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated why they were considered top prospects. It was obvious that the teams were investing in the future, hoping their star quarterbacks would develop. The teams and the fans stuck with it and were rewarded with playoff appearances for both teams.

The Rise of the Dual-Threat Quarterback

These two were ahead of the curve in many ways because of the evolution of the dual-threat quarterback. Jackson and Allen, with their ability to both run and pass, helped redefine the quarterback position. They brought a new dimension to their respective offenses, making them incredibly difficult to defend. Their success paved the way for more teams to seek out quarterbacks with similar skill sets, making the NFL more exciting to watch. Both Jackson and Allen became known for their ability to make plays with their legs, extending drives and creating opportunities for their offenses. Their rushing ability forced defenses to account for another threat, opening up passing lanes and creating mismatches.

Statistical Showdown: Passing, Rushing, and Everything In Between

Alright, let's get down to the numbers, shall we? This is where things get interesting. We'll compare their passing stats, rushing stats, and overall impact on their teams. Keep in mind that stats don’t always tell the whole story, but they definitely give us a good starting point. We'll be using stats through the 2023 season.

Passing Prowess

• Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson has thrown for 15,901 passing yards, 130 touchdowns, and 53 interceptions in his career. His completion percentage hovers around 64.5%. He has proven himself as a passer, improving his accuracy and decision-making over the years. Jackson has demonstrated the ability to read defenses and make accurate throws under pressure, and he is a constant threat in the passing game.
• Josh Allen: Josh Allen has accumulated 21,833 passing yards, 166 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. His career completion percentage is around 63.5%. Allen’s arm strength is undeniable, and he can make throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of. He’s become a more consistent passer over the years, significantly improving his accuracy and ability to read defenses. Allen's willingness to take risks and make plays downfield is a key part of his success.

Rushing Dominance

• Lamar Jackson: This is where Jackson truly shines. He has rushed for 5,256 yards and 30 touchdowns. His rushing yards are more than many running backs in the league. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and his speed and agility make him nearly impossible to bring down in the open field.
• Josh Allen: Allen is no slouch in the rushing department either. He has rushed for 3,466 yards and 49 touchdowns. While he may not be as prolific a rusher as Jackson, his size and strength make him a powerful runner, and he's a frequent red-zone threat. He is often used in short-yardage situations, where his ability to lower his shoulder and gain tough yards is invaluable.

Efficiency Metrics

Let’s look at some advanced stats that help us understand a quarterback's efficiency.

• Lamar Jackson: Jackson’s career passer rating is around 99.3. He has a career yards per attempt of 7.6. Jackson’s efficiency metrics reflect his ability to make smart decisions and limit turnovers. He efficiently moves the chains and can score from anywhere on the field.
• Josh Allen: Allen’s career passer rating is around 90.7. His career yards per attempt is 7.2. Allen's efficiency metrics have improved, but there have still been issues with turnovers that impact his numbers. Allen's willingness to take risks can sometimes lead to interceptions, affecting his passer rating.

Key Takeaways from the Stats

While Allen has more passing yards due to playing more games and a pass-heavy offense, Jackson has the clear edge in rushing yards and touchdowns. Their touchdown numbers are fairly close. However, Jackson has a significant advantage in rushing yards. Jackson has the upper hand in efficiency, reflected in his higher passer rating and yards per attempt. The statistics highlight each player's strengths, showcasing how they impact their teams. While Allen's arm strength and passing volume are impressive, Jackson's rushing ability and overall efficiency make him a more complete threat.

Play Style Analysis: Athleticism vs. Arm Strength

Now, let's look at how these guys actually play the game. Their styles are different, and that's what makes this comparison so interesting.

Lamar Jackson: The Elusive Maestro

Lamar Jackson is a magician with the ball in his hands. He's incredibly elusive, with exceptional speed, agility, and a knack for making defenders miss. His running style is a blend of speed, patience, and a dash of improvisational genius. His ability to extend plays with his legs puts constant pressure on defenses, forcing them to adjust on the fly. He can throw on the run and make big plays downfield. Jackson’s play style is all about creating opportunities, keeping plays alive, and making the spectacular look routine.

Josh Allen: The Strong-Armed Gunslinger

Josh Allen is known for his incredible arm strength. He can make any throw on the field, with the ability to launch the ball deep downfield with ease. He's a big, physical quarterback who can withstand hits and keep plays alive with his legs. His aggressive style and willingness to take risks make him a thrilling player to watch. Allen's play style is about making high-risk, high-reward plays, trusting his arm and his ability to make something happen.

Head-to-Head: Styles Clash

• Jackson's Strengths: Superior running ability, elite agility, and quick decision-making. He is exceptional at avoiding pressure and extending plays with his legs.
• Allen's Strengths: Powerful arm, ability to make any throw, and willingness to take risks. He's a tough player who can make plays in difficult situations.

The contrasting styles create exciting matchups. Defenses have to plan differently for each quarterback. Allen forces defenses to cover the entire field and prepare for deep throws, while Jackson forces defenses to contain his running ability and be ready for improvisational plays.

Intangibles and Leadership: The Heart of a Team

It's not all about stats and play styles. A quarterback's leadership and impact on the team are huge. This is where we look at how these guys lead their teams, how they handle pressure, and what they mean to their franchises.

Lamar Jackson: Quiet Confidence and Playmaking

Lamar Jackson has a quiet confidence, and he leads by example with his play on the field. He's not the most vocal guy, but his teammates respect his work ethic and his ability to make plays. He elevates the Ravens' offense with his creativity and determination, always looking to make the big play. Jackson's playmaking ability inspires his team and helps create a culture of winning.

Josh Allen: Vocal Leader and Competitor

Josh Allen is a vocal leader who wears his heart on his sleeve. He's a passionate competitor who inspires his teammates with his energy and enthusiasm. He has shown the ability to rally his team and help them overcome adversity. Allen's leadership is a key factor in the Bills’ success, driving the team to play hard every snap.

The Impact on Their Teams

Both quarterbacks have transformed their teams. Jackson has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and an MVP award. Allen has helped the Bills become a perennial contender, bringing excitement and hope to Buffalo. The impact goes beyond wins and losses. These quarterbacks have changed the culture of their organizations. Their presence and leadership have fostered a winning environment.

The Verdict: Who's the Better Quarterback?

So, who is the better quarterback? It's a tough call, and the answer might depend on your perspective and what you value in a quarterback. If you prioritize electric playmaking ability, rushing dominance, and efficiency, Lamar Jackson might be your guy. He can simply take over a game with his legs and make plays that nobody else can.

If you prefer a quarterback with a cannon for an arm, the ability to make all the throws, and a willingness to take risks, Josh Allen could be your choice. His arm strength and ability to make big plays are undeniable. It depends on your style of play. But, both are amazing quarterbacks!

Reasons to Pick Lamar Jackson

• Unmatched Rushing Ability: His threat to run on every play makes him difficult to defend.
• Exceptional Agility and Elusiveness: He avoids sacks and extends plays.
• Efficiency: He makes smart decisions and limits turnovers, leading to a higher passer rating.

Reasons to Pick Josh Allen

• Elite Arm Strength: He can make any throw on the field, including long bombs.
• Strong-Armed Gunslinger: He is willing to take risks and make plays downfield.
• Leadership and Passion: His leadership drives the team to perform and elevates the team’s overall performance.

The Final Word

Ultimately, both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are elite quarterbacks who have changed the game. They both bring unique talents and leadership to their respective teams. Neither is better than the other, as it is a matter of preference. Hopefully, we will be able to watch them both for many years to come. Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think in the comments!