Allen vs. Jackson: The Quarterback Showdown in the NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs have always been an event that brings together the best athletes in the world to compete for one of the most coveted titles in sports — the Super Bowl. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness epic performances, drama-filled moments, and intense rivalries that showcase what makes the NFL so compelling. Among the rising stars in the league today are two quarterbacks who have generated significant excitement over the last few seasons — Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
Both quarterbacks are incredibly dynamic and have fundamentally altered how the quarterback position is played in the modern NFL. Josh Allen, known for his cannon of an arm and ability to take over games with his physicality, and Lamar Jackson, the former MVP whose unique blend of speed and elusiveness has redefined the rushing quarterback, have quickly become two of the most intriguing players in the league. A potential postseason clash between the two would be an electrifying matchup, and one that fans have dreamed of seeing for years.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, comparing their playing styles, how they’ve evolved over the years, and what makes them such dangerous forces in the postseason. Let’s dive into this quarterback showdown and break down why Allen vs. Jackson would be an NFL playoff matchup everyone would want to see.
The Rise of Josh Allen: Arm Strength and Mobility
When Josh Allen entered the NFL as the 7th overall pick in the 2018 draft, he was viewed by many as a raw, unpolished quarterback with a lot of potential but not much refinement. Critics were concerned about his accuracy, decision-making, and overall ability to lead an NFL team. Fast forward to today, and Allen is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league, both as a passer and a runner.
Allen’s physical tools are exceptional. At 6’5″ and 237 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism that makes him an imposing figure on the field. But it’s his arm strength that truly sets him apart from many of his peers. Allen can throw the football 70 yards downfield with ease, and his ability to make every throw in the playbook — from deep bombs to tight-window throws — makes him a nightmare for defenses. He’s especially dangerous on deep throws, where his accuracy has significantly improved over his first few seasons in the league. In 2020, Allen posted a career-high passer rating of 107.2, completing 69.2% of his passes and throwing for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns.
But Allen’s skill set doesn’t stop at his arm. His mobility is another dimension that makes him a dual-threat quarterback. Though not as fast or elusive as Lamar Jackson, Allen has proven that he can be a force with his legs, particularly in short-yardage situations and in the red zone. Over the years, he’s become adept at keeping plays alive with his legs, breaking tackles, and running for first downs when necessary. In fact, he’s developed a reputation for being one of the more physical quarterbacks in the league when it comes to rushing the ball.
Lamar Jackson: Revolutionizing the Quarterback Position
Lamar Jackson’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of revolutionary. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson was pegged by many as a risky pick due to concerns over his unconventional playing style and his ability to transition to a pro-style offense. Those concerns quickly evaporated as Jackson became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
What makes Lamar Jackson so special is his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, but it’s his elite running ability that has captured the most attention. Jackson’s speed and agility are unlike any quarterback in the history of the league. He possesses the quickness of a running back and has the vision and burst to evade defenders in open space. As a result, Jackson has set numerous NFL records for rushing yards by a quarterback, including breaking Michael Vick’s single-season rushing record with 1,206 rushing yards in 2019.
Jackson’s ability to elude defenders and turn broken plays into big gains is a constant threat to opposing defenses. He can turn a seemingly harmless pocket collapse into a 60-yard touchdown run, and his ability to throw on the run while keeping his eyes downfield makes him a dangerous passer as well. Over the course of his career, Jackson has developed into a more accurate passer, especially in the short-to-medium range. Though his deep ball accuracy has been inconsistent at times, he has more than proven that he can throw with precision when needed.
Lamar Jackson’s most impressive achievement came in 2019 when he was named the NFL MVP after leading the Ravens to a 14-2 record. He threw for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,200 yards. Jackson’s unique skill set made him the most dynamic player in the league that year, and his ability to single-handedly change the game with his legs and arm redefined the quarterback position.
Head-to-Head: What Makes the Matchup So Exciting
The potential of a Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson postseason showdown is enticing for several reasons. At its core, the matchup would feature two quarterbacks who approach the game differently but are both incredibly effective in their own right. Allen’s arm strength and ability to make big-time throws would be in direct contrast to Jackson’s speed and elusiveness, creating a fascinating dynamic between the two.
Quarterback Styles: Contrasting Strengths
One of the primary storylines in an Allen vs. Jackson matchup would be the contrast in playing styles. Allen is known for his rocket arm and willingness to take shots downfield. He’s a more traditional pocket passer who uses his mobility to extend plays when necessary, but he isn’t as reliant on his legs as Jackson. Allen is a powerful quarterback who can overpower defenders, while Jackson relies more on his agility, vision, and speed to escape pressure and break off long runs. This would make for an interesting chess match between the two quarterbacks as they try to outwit each other and exploit each other’s weaknesses.
Running Threats: Which Quarterback Can Do More Damage?
In terms of running ability, Lamar Jackson would have the edge in terms of pure speed and elusiveness. Jackson’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field is unmatched, and he’s proven to be a constant threat in the running game. However, Allen has shown time and time again that he’s no slouch as a rusher, particularly in short-yardage situations. Allen’s ability to power through tacklers in the red zone could be the difference in a tight postseason matchup.
Playoff History: Who Has the Edge?
While both quarterbacks have had successful regular seasons, the playoff performances of Allen and Jackson have been mixed. Josh Allen has had a strong playoff showing in recent years, making it to the AFC Championship in the 2020-2021 season, where he put up a valiant effort against the Kansas City Chiefs, though the Bills ultimately fell short. Allen’s poise under pressure and his ability to elevate his game in big moments has been one of the hallmarks of his career.
On the other hand, Lamar Jackson has had a more tumultuous postseason career. While he’s led the Ravens to multiple playoff berths, Jackson has struggled to get over the hump, with early exits in his first few playoff appearances. However, Jackson did achieve his first playoff win in 2020, defeating the Tennessee Titans in a thrilling Wild Card matchup, which proved that he can win in the postseason.
The contrast between Allen’s more established playoff experience and Jackson’s determination to prove himself in big moments would add a fascinating layer to any playoff contest between the two.
