Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and Bills’ Josh Allen: A Clash of Quarterback Styles
The highly anticipated matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night will showcase two of the AFC’s top teams led by two of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Despite a slow start to the 2024 season with a 1-2 record, the Ravens demonstrated their potential in a dominant victory over the Dallas Cowboys last week. In contrast, the Bills have stormed out of the gates with a perfect 3-0 start, showcasing their early-season form.
Jackson and Allen, both part of the 2018 draft class, have taken different paths to establish themselves as elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Jackson quickly made an impact when he became the Ravens’ starter, while Allen’s rise to prominence was more gradual. However, both quarterbacks have emerged as contenders for the title of the best quarterback in the league, challenging Patrick Mahomes’ supremacy.
Contrasting Running Styles
One of the key similarities between Jackson and Allen is their exceptional running abilities, which set them apart as two of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL. Jackson, often regarded as the best rushing quarterback in NFL history, and Allen, known for his unique style of running, have amassed impressive rushing statistics since entering the league in 2018.
Jackson leads the NFL in carries (910) and rushing yards (5,512), while Allen ranks second in both categories with 674 carries and 3,696 yards. However, Allen holds a significant advantage in rushing touchdowns with 55, compared to Jackson’s 30. The two quarterbacks approach their running game in distinct ways, showcasing their individual strengths and preferences.
Divergent Running Approaches
Jackson excels as a designed runner, utilizing his speed and vision to execute read-option plays effectively. The majority of his rushing attempts and yards come from designed run plays, making him a formidable threat in the Ravens’ offense. In contrast, Allen combines designed runs with scrambles, showcasing a more balanced approach to his rushing game.
While Jackson predominantly relies on designed runs for his yardage, Allen’s scrambling ability contributes significantly to his rushing production. The two quarterbacks exhibit different tendencies in their running styles, with Jackson’s elusiveness and agility contrasting with Allen’s power and physicality on the field.
Location and Running Patterns
The location of their runs also reflects their contrasting styles, with Allen often running between the tackles due to his size and strength advantage over Jackson. Allen’s efficiency in running up the middle contrasts with Jackson’s effectiveness in exploiting the edges of the defense, showcasing their adaptability to different running situations.
Jackson’s running style resembles that of a running back, utilizing quick cuts and changes of direction to evade defenders and maximize yardage. In comparison, Allen’s running approach is more reminiscent of a power runner, using his size and strength to overpower defenders and gain crucial yardage on the ground.
In the upcoming game between the Ravens and the Bills, fans can expect a captivating clash of quarterback styles, as the two quarterbacks showcase their unique running abilities against formidable defenses. The contrasting approaches of Jackson and Allen add an intriguing dimension to the matchup, promising an exciting and entertaining showdown for football enthusiasts.
As the Ravens and the Bills prepare to face off, the spotlight will be on the dynamic duel between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, highlighting their remarkable talents and the diverse running styles that set them apart in the NFL. The clash of these two exceptional quarterbacks promises a thrilling spectacle for fans and a test of skill for both teams on the field.
