Ravens’ Lamar Jackson vs. Bills’ Josh Allen: An In-Depth Comparison of QB Rushing Styles
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, all eyes will be on the two star quarterbacks leading their respective teams: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both players have established themselves as elite talents in the NFL, but their styles of play couldn’t be more different, especially when it comes to their abilities as rushing quarterbacks.
Background of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen
Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, burst onto the scene as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, utilizing his speed and elusiveness to become one of the most dangerous runners in the league. In contrast, Josh Allen, the Bills’ signal-caller, took a more gradual approach to developing his rushing prowess, relying on his size and power to bulldoze through defenders.
Despite their differing paths to success, both Jackson and Allen have proven themselves as formidable rushing threats in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2018, Jackson leads all quarterbacks in carries (910) and rushing yards (5,512), while Allen isn’t far behind with 674 carries and 3,696 yards on the ground. Allen holds a significant edge in rushing touchdowns with 55, compared to Jackson’s 30.
Contrasting Rushing Styles
When it comes to their rushing styles, Jackson and Allen couldn’t be more different. Jackson is known for his agility and quickness, often utilizing his exceptional vision and cutting ability to evade defenders in the open field. His running style resembles that of former NFL star Michael Vick, as he relies on his elusiveness to outmaneuver opponents.
On the other hand, Allen’s running style is more reminiscent of a power back than a traditional quarterback. Standing at 6-5 and 237 pounds, Allen has the size and strength to run through defenders, making him a formidable force in short-yardage situations. While he can still make defenders miss with his agility, Allen’s physicality sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the league.
Analysis of Running Patterns
When analyzing the distribution of their runs, it’s clear that Jackson and Allen have distinct preferences when it comes to running lanes. Jackson tends to favor running to the edges of the defense, utilizing his speed and agility to exploit openings on the perimeter. In contrast, Allen shows a willingness to run between the tackles, using his size and power to gain tough yards up the middle.
In terms of efficiency, Jackson excels when running to the left side of the field, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt, while Allen is more effective running up the middle, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. Their differing running patterns reflect their unique skill sets and provide insight into how they approach the game as rushing quarterbacks.
Impact on their Teams
Both Jackson and Allen have had a significant impact on their respective teams’ success, with their rushing abilities adding an extra dimension to their offenses. Jackson’s elusiveness and playmaking ability have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, while Allen’s physicality and toughness have helped the Bills establish a dominant ground game.
As the Ravens and Bills prepare to face off on Sunday night, the matchup between Jackson and Allen promises to be a showcase of contrasting styles and talents. While Jackson’s speed and agility will test the Bills’ defense on the edges, Allen’s power and determination will challenge the Ravens’ front seven in the trenches. It’s a battle of wills between two of the league’s best quarterbacks, and fans can expect an exciting showdown between these two dynamic playmakers.
In conclusion, the comparison between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen’s rushing styles highlights the diversity of talent among NFL quarterbacks. While Jackson relies on his speed and elusiveness to make plays, Allen uses his size and strength to impose his will on defenders. Regardless of their differences, both players have proven themselves as elite rushing quarterbacks in the league, and their matchup on Sunday night is sure to be a thrilling display of athleticism and skill.
