Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson: A High-Stakes Playoff Showdown for NFL Legacies
When the Buffalo Bills take on the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, the game is about more than just a ticket to the next round—it’s about the future legacy of two of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, both of whom have brought unique styles of play to their teams, now find themselves in a high-stakes playoff scenario where their performances could help define their careers for years to come. With both players having already made a significant mark on the league, their legacies are tied to postseason success and the ability to transcend the regular season into lasting greatness.
The stakes are high. For Allen, this playoff matchup is another opportunity to prove that he is capable of leading the Bills to the promised land of a Super Bowl. For Jackson, it’s about cementing his place in history, proving that his MVP season wasn’t a fluke, and silencing critics who question his postseason ability. As both quarterbacks face off in a thrilling playoff contest, here’s a closer look at how their journeys to this point have shaped their respective legacies and what this game means for their futures in the NFL.
Josh Allen: From Raw Talent to Elite Playmaker
Josh Allen’s NFL career started with uncertainty. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft, Allen’s first few seasons were marked by inconsistency, particularly with his accuracy. His raw talent was never in doubt—he had a cannon arm, athleticism, and a natural playmaking ability that made him stand out—but questions remained about whether he could consistently harness those traits to succeed at the NFL level.
Fast forward to today, and Allen is one of the most feared quarterbacks in the league. His development has been a testament to his work ethic and the excellent coaching staff in Buffalo, particularly offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who played a crucial role in refining Allen’s mechanics and decision-making. Allen’s biggest leap came in 2020, when he posted career highs in passing yards (4,544), touchdowns (37), and passer rating (107.2), leading the Bills to the AFC Championship game and earning a spot as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
One of Allen’s defining characteristics is his dual-threat ability. While his arm strength often takes center stage, Allen is a physical runner who can break tackles and pick up first downs with his legs. His combination of size, speed, and power gives him a unique dimension as a playmaker. However, despite his talent and regular-season success, one major question looms over Allen’s legacy: Can he deliver in the postseason?
Allen’s playoff history to this point has been a mixed bag. After leading the Bills to the playoffs in 2019, he struggled in a loss to the Houston Texans, failing to keep up with Deshaun Watson in a shootout. In 2020, however, he showed he could rise to the occasion, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 17-3 win over the Indianapolis Colts, followed by a stellar performance against the Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round. Though the Bills fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, the 2020 playoff run proved Allen could deliver in big moments.
In 2023, Allen once again led the Bills to the postseason, cementing his status as a perennial contender. The playoffs are where legends are made, and for Allen, this matchup with Jackson could be the platform that catapults him into the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the league’s history. A deep playoff run or a Super Bowl appearance could make Allen not just a great player, but a future Hall of Famer.
Lamar Jackson: The Revolution of the Position
Lamar Jackson’s rise to stardom was nothing short of revolutionary. Drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson entered the league with the reputation of being a raw talent with extraordinary athleticism but a quarterback who needed to prove he could succeed in the traditional pocket-passing NFL. Critics questioned whether his unique style of play would translate at the highest level, but Jackson has done nothing but silence those doubts.
Jackson’s MVP season in 2019, where he threw for over 3,100 yards and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns, solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players the NFL has ever seen. Jackson redefined what it means to be a quarterback, using his elite speed and agility to carve up defenses and create plays with his legs that no one else could replicate. The Ravens’ offense under Jackson became one of the most dynamic in NFL history, blending the power of a traditional run game with the unpredictability of Jackson’s running and passing ability.
While Jackson’s regular-season accomplishments are impressive, his playoff resume has been a point of contention. In his first three playoff appearances (2018, 2019, and 2020), Jackson struggled. Despite his regular-season dominance, the Ravens failed to win a playoff game in those years, with Jackson’s performances often falling short in key moments. The Ravens were knocked out by the Chargers, Titans, and Bills, respectively, with Jackson enduring criticism for his inability to perform in the postseason.
However, in 2021, Jackson’s performance in the playoffs was highlighted by his individual resilience, even though the Ravens were eliminated early. For Jackson, the 2023 season would be another opportunity to prove that he can win in the postseason and lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl. Critics still question whether his playing style—relying heavily on his legs—will hold up in the pressure cooker of playoff football, but Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs still makes him a nightmare matchup for any defense.
As Jackson’s career moves forward, playoff success remains the key to his legacy. He’s already etched himself in history as a groundbreaking quarterback, but a deep playoff run or Super Bowl victory would elevate his place in the annals of NFL greatness. A win over Allen in this playoff matchup would be a huge step in that direction, proving that Jackson can deliver on the biggest stage.
The Rivalry: Allen vs. Jackson in the Playoffs
The playoff matchup between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson is more than just an individual contest—it’s a battle between two quarterbacks with differing styles, but both of whom are on a quest to prove their worth as the best of their generation. Allen, with his ability to throw from the pocket and use his legs to extend plays, is a prototypical modern quarterback. Jackson, on the other hand, brings an element of athleticism that has redefined the position. Both players have the talent to dominate games, and in this playoff battle, the winner will take another step toward solidifying their legacy.
Both quarterbacks have had their share of critics and challenges. For Allen, it’s about showing that he can take his team to a Super Bowl and prove that his dynamic skills are a consistent force in the postseason. For Jackson, it’s about overcoming the stigma of his early playoff failures and proving that his electrifying regular-season play can translate to playoff victories.
If Allen can out-duel Jackson in this high-pressure scenario, it would push him closer to becoming the face of the NFL for years to come. If Jackson prevails, it could silence the doubts surrounding his postseason performance and cement his place among the all-time greats. Either way, this playoff matchup between two of the NFL’s brightest young stars will have a lasting impact on their respective legacies.
