Breaking news: Rod Woodson, Lamar Jackson Is MVP, Not Josh Allen… ‘No Question In My  Head’

Rod Woodson, the Hall of Fame defensive back, has never been shy about sharing his opinions on the NFL, particularly when it comes to evaluating the league’s top talent. In a recent interview, Woodson was adamant in his belief that Lamar Jackson, not Josh Allen, should be the 2024 NFL MVP. With his extensive background as both a player and a commentator, Woodson’s views carry weight, and his endorsement of Jackson as the most valuable player in the league adds a new layer of intrigue to the MVP conversation.

This piece takes an in-depth look at Woodson’s assertion, breaking down why he believes Lamar Jackson stands head and shoulders above Josh Allen in this MVP race. It also delves into the broader context of the 2024 NFL season and explores the individual performances of both Jackson and Allen, examining how their contributions to their respective teams have shaped this season and why Jackson deserves to take home the MVP hardware.

Rod Woodson’s Legacy and Insight Into the Game

Before diving into the specifics of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen’s MVP cases, it’s important to understand who Rod Woodson is and why his opinions hold such value in the NFL community. Woodson was a standout cornerback in the NFL for 17 seasons, earning 11 Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. His ability to shut down opposing receivers was legendary, and he is often regarded as one of the best defensive backs in league history.

Since retiring, Woodson has transitioned into a commentator and analyst, providing expert insights on the game he dominated for nearly two decades. His deep understanding of the sport, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, gives him a unique perspective when evaluating quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Woodson’s experiences as a player and his role as a coach make him more than qualified to comment on the MVP race, and his strong opinion on Lamar Jackson only adds to the credibility of his stance.

Lamar Jackson’s Evolution as a Quarterback

When Lamar Jackson entered the NFL as a rookie in 2018, there were many skeptics who questioned whether his unique playing style — a blend of dual-threat quarterbacking with an emphasis on rushing yards — could succeed at the highest level. Critics doubted that Jackson’s reliance on running could translate into sustained success in the NFL. Fast forward to 2024, and Jackson has not only proved his doubters wrong, but he has also evolved into one of the most dynamic and complete quarterbacks in the league.

Jackson’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. He has refined his passing game to complement his unmatched ability as a runner. The Ravens’ offensive system, which revolves around Jackson’s mobility and playmaking, has become one of the most effective and difficult to defend in the NFL. His ability to evade pressure, extend plays, and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates makes him a unique weapon.

But it’s not just Jackson’s athleticism that has earned him the MVP talk; it’s his leadership, poise, and growth as a passer. Over the course of the season, he has improved his decision-making in the pocket, developed chemistry with his receiving corps, and has consistently delivered in clutch moments. Jackson’s ability to lead his team to victories, particularly in high-pressure situations, has solidified his case for MVP.

Moreover, Jackson has continued to break records, adding to his legacy as one of the most exciting and electrifying players in NFL history. His ability to make plays with his legs, combined with his growth as a passer, has made the Ravens one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

Josh Allen’s MVP Case

While Lamar Jackson has been making waves in 2024, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has also enjoyed another outstanding season. Allen has consistently been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league, combining powerful arm strength, mobility, and an aggressive style of play that has propelled the Bills into Super Bowl contention.

The MVP race between Jackson and Allen has often been framed as a clash of styles. Allen, with his powerful arm and ability to make plays from the pocket, has long been considered a top-tier quarterback in the league. However, his tendency to make risky throws and force plays under pressure has led to some inconsistencies. Despite those flaws, Allen’s explosive ability to make plays in both the passing and running games has been a major asset for Buffalo.

In 2024, Allen’s stats have been impressive, but they don’t tell the full story. He’s had some impressive games, including several multi-touchdown performances and a knack for coming through in crunch-time situations. However, there have also been games where his decision-making under pressure has hurt his team. In a league that values consistency and reliability, Allen’s occasional lapses in judgment have raised questions about whether he can elevate his game to the level of other MVP candidates.

While Allen’s arm strength and playmaking ability are undeniable, it is Jackson who has taken more strides in developing a well-rounded game. Jackson’s balance of both passing and rushing ability makes him a more complete player and, by Woodson’s estimation, the better candidate for MVP.

Rod Woodson’s Argument: Jackson Over Allen

In his recent comments, Rod Woodson was firm in his assessment that Lamar Jackson is the MVP over Josh Allen. “No question in my head,” Woodson declared, clearly confident in his evaluation of the two quarterbacks. For Woodson, the argument comes down to Jackson’s ability to impact the game on all levels — not just through passing but as a dual-threat quarterback who can take over games with his legs when needed.

One of Woodson’s main points is that Jackson has shown the ability to lead his team both in the air and on the ground, maintaining a level of consistency that Allen has not consistently matched. While Allen may have the stronger arm, Woodson argues that Jackson’s growth as a passer, combined with his exceptional running ability, makes him the more dangerous and complete quarterback.

Another aspect of Woodson’s reasoning is the context of each team’s success. The Ravens have been one of the most consistent and dominant teams in the league in 2024, largely due to Jackson’s leadership. The Bills, while strong, have experienced more ups and downs in the season, with Allen’s sometimes erratic play being a contributing factor. Jackson has consistently delivered in key moments and has shown the ability to elevate his team in critical situations.

Moreover, Woodson pointed out Jackson’s ability to thrive in a variety of offensive systems. Under head coach John Harbaugh, Jackson has proven himself to be adaptable, excelling in an offense that is tailored to his unique skill set. Woodson emphasized that Jackson’s success is not limited to a specific system or style of play, further adding to his value as an MVP candidate.

The Broader Impact of Lamar Jackson’s MVP Campaign

Lamar Jackson’s MVP candidacy in 2024 is about more than just individual accomplishments; it’s about the broader impact he has had on the NFL. Jackson has redefined the quarterback position and continues to change the way teams approach offensive schemes. His combination of arm talent, football IQ, and exceptional running ability has forced defensive coordinators to rethink how they defend mobile quarterbacks.

Jackson’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance. His success has paved the way for more quarterbacks who can run and throw to be viewed as legitimate franchise players. The dual-threat quarterback has become a viable option for teams looking to build around a unique skill set, and Jackson has proven that a quarterback doesn’t have to be a traditional pocket passer to succeed in the modern NFL.