Lamar Jackson: The Case for His Superiority Over Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes

Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has made waves in the NFL since his arrival. His unparalleled athleticism, arm strength, and unique playing style have led many to believe he is the most exciting quarterback in the league. Recently, a star from the Ravens camp boldly claimed that Jackson is in a league of his own and that Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are no match for him. This assertion, while controversial, is rooted in Jackson’s impressive statistics, his transformative impact on the game, and his ability to change the way football is played. In this piece, we will analyze why Lamar Jackson might, in fact, be the superior quarterback when compared to Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Unmatched Athleticism and Mobility

One of the defining characteristics of Lamar Jackson’s game is his extraordinary mobility. Jackson is not only a gifted passer but also arguably the best running quarterback in NFL history. His ability to elude defenders, change direction at full speed, and make plays with his legs sets him apart from traditional quarterbacks. In a league dominated by pocket passers, Jackson represents a new breed of dual-threat quarterbacks capable of reshaping defenses.

In terms of rushing, Jackson has consistently proven his dominance. As of 2024, he holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback with 1,206 yards set during the 2019 season. His ability to run the football is not merely a safety valve but a primary weapon in his arsenal. Jackson’s rushing ability gives the Ravens an offensive dimension that is unique compared to Mahomes or Allen. Both Mahomes and Allen are excellent runners in their own right, but Jackson’s ability to consistently pick up huge chunks of yardage on the ground without significantly sacrificing his passing ability remains unparalleled.

When you consider the scrambling prowess of Josh Allen, who stands at 6’5″ and has a powerful running style, he does bring a similar dual-threat dimension. However, Allen’s rushing game is often more about bulldozing defenders, while Jackson’s agility and finesse as a runner often lead to jaw-dropping highlights. Jackson’s combination of speed, vision, and elusiveness makes him a nightmare for defenses, something neither Mahomes nor Allen can consistently replicate.

2. Passing Accuracy and Improvement

Lamar Jackson’s passing accuracy is often the subject of debate, as his early years in the NFL were marked by questions regarding his consistency as a passer. However, Jackson has made significant strides in this area, and his development as a passer makes him a more well-rounded quarterback than many give him credit for. Over the course of his career, Jackson has shown remarkable improvement, especially in his deep-ball accuracy, decision-making, and overall confidence.

In 2019, Jackson won the NFL MVP award after throwing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns with only six interceptions. This was a historic season for Jackson, not just because of his rushing yardage but because he demonstrated that he could be an elite passer as well. His 2019 MVP season showed he could be efficient, accurate, and capable of making throws all over the field, including deep passes.

In contrast, while Mahomes is often regarded as the most gifted passer of the three, Jackson’s ability to deliver accurate throws under pressure should not be overlooked. Mahomes has become known for his no-look passes and improvisation skills, but Jackson’s performance in clutch situations is equally impressive. In fact, Jackson’s ability to deliver pinpoint throws on the move is an aspect of his game that rivals Mahomes.

Josh Allen, on the other hand, while improving, is often criticized for his inconsistency. His big arm allows him to make throws that few can match, but his accuracy can be erratic at times. In the 2023 season, Allen led the NFL in turnovers, a weakness that has been a consistent issue throughout his career. Jackson, by contrast, has often been one of the most disciplined quarterbacks in terms of ball security, which makes him an even more valuable asset to his team.

3. Leadership and Mental Toughness

Another area in which Lamar Jackson excels is his leadership on and off the field. Jackson has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his career. From the moment he took over as starting quarterback for the Ravens, Jackson has carried himself with a sense of responsibility and poise that belies his age. His leadership qualities were evident in the 2019 MVP season, where he led the Ravens to a 14-2 record, the best in the NFL. His ability to inspire his teammates and take command of the offense has earned him the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike.

Jackson’s leadership is particularly evident in his ability to lead his team in clutch moments. His numerous game-winning drives and performances in high-pressure situations show his mental toughness. For example, in the 2021 season, Jackson led the Ravens to several victories despite facing adversity, proving that he could get the job done when it mattered most. Even in games where the Ravens were down by significant margins, Jackson has shown the ability to rally his team and make big plays.

When comparing Jackson’s leadership to that of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, Jackson’s ability to galvanize his team is particularly noteworthy. While Mahomes is undoubtedly a leader, and Allen has grown in that department as well, Jackson’s charisma and poise in the most difficult of situations are what elevate him above the competition. The Ravens’ offense under Jackson has a level of creativity and unpredictability that keeps defenses guessing, largely because of Jackson’s leadership and ability to perform in crucial moments.

4. Impact on the Game and Scheme

Lamar Jackson’s influence on the game extends beyond his individual performances. The Ravens have built an offense around Jackson’s strengths, focusing on the run game and incorporating unique concepts that maximize his abilities as both a passer and a rusher. The offense is centered around the read-option, RPO (run-pass option) plays, and heavy use of play action, all of which leverage Jackson’s speed and decision-making.

Jackson’s success has helped change the way the NFL views mobile quarterbacks. His ability to dominate both in the air and on the ground has forced other teams to reconsider their offensive schemes. In fact, his presence has pushed other organizations to explore more creative ways to utilize quarterbacks with similar skill sets. While Mahomes and Allen are also innovative in their own right, they have not had the same level of influence on the evolution of the position.

Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are both exceptional quarterbacks who have their own strengths. Mahomes’ ability to make magical throws from all angles, combined with his strong arm, is unmatched. Allen’s physicality, combined with his cannon arm, makes him a dangerous dual threat. However, Jackson’s ability to blend a power running game with accurate, timely passing is what sets him apart. It is his unique combination of skills that makes him a different breed of quarterback.

5. Playoff Success

One argument that has been leveled against Lamar Jackson is his relative lack of postseason success. While it’s true that Jackson has faced challenges in the playoffs, the criticism often ignores the fact that the Ravens’ losses were not always due to Jackson’s individual performance but also to coaching, team dynamics, and other factors. Jackson’s ability to lead the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons as a starter is an accomplishment that shouldn’t be overlooked.

In contrast, Mahomes has a Super Bowl victory under his belt and has led his team to multiple AFC Championship appearances. Allen has also made deep playoff runs in recent years, but neither Mahomes nor Allen has yet to replicate Jackson’s combination of MVP-caliber play and consistent team success. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability, combined with his leadership, gives the Ravens a better chance of making a Super Bowl run year after year, even though the team has not yet captured a title.