Josh Allen Vs. Lamar Jackson: 2023 Season Stats Compared

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Alright guys, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both had significant impacts on their teams' fortunes in the 2023 season, and fans are always debating who had the better year. So, let's break down their stats and see how they stack up against each other. This isn't just about numbers, though; we'll also touch on the context around these stats to give you a clearer picture.

Passing Stats

When we talk about quarterbacks, the first thing everyone looks at is passing. Passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage – the whole nine yards.

  • Josh Allen consistently showcases his arm strength and ability to make every throw on the field. In the 2023 season, Allen threw for 4,306 yards. This is a testament to his role as a focal point of the Bills' offense, where he's often tasked with airing it out. Beyond the sheer yardage, Allen's ability to create explosive plays through the air keeps defenses on their heels, knowing that he can strike deep at any moment. His 29 passing touchdowns reflect his proficiency in finding the end zone, making him a constant threat in scoring situations. While he can make incredible plays, sometimes this leads to turnovers. His completion percentage hovered around 66.5%, indicating a good level of accuracy, even with the high degree of difficulty of some of his throws.

  • Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, brings a different dimension to the passing game. With 3,678 passing yards in the 2023 season, Jackson's numbers might not be as high as Allen's, but they are incredibly efficient. His passing game is often complemented by his running ability, which forces defenses to account for his dual-threat capabilities. This can create more favorable passing lanes and opportunities. Jackson’s 24 passing touchdowns show his effectiveness in the red zone, where his decision-making and accuracy shine. What stands out is his completion percentage of 67.2%, slightly edging out Allen. This suggests a more measured approach, prioritizing accuracy and ball control, which is crucial for maintaining drives and minimizing turnovers. While he might not always go for the deep bomb, Jackson's efficiency and decision-making make him a reliable passer who can consistently move the chains.

The contrast here is pretty stark. Allen is the gunslinger, racking up yards and TDs with a higher risk, higher reward style. Jackson is more efficient, making smart decisions and keeping the offense moving. Both styles have their merits, and their effectiveness depends heavily on the team's overall strategy and the strengths of their supporting cast.

Rushing Stats

Alright, now let's talk about what makes these guys REALLY special: their legs. In today's NFL, a quarterback who can run is a serious weapon.

  • Josh Allen is known for his powerful running style. He uses his big frame to pick up tough yards, oftenLowering his shoulder and plowing through defenders. In 2023, Allen rushed for 524 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those 15 rushing touchdowns are insane for a quarterback! It shows how much the Bills rely on him in the red zone. Allen’s rushing ability isn't just about scrambling when a play breaks down; it's a designed part of the Bills' offense. They frequently use quarterback runs and read-option plays to exploit Allen's physicality and decision-making. However, this aggressive running style does come with risks. The more Allen runs, the more he's exposed to hits, increasing the potential for injury. The Bills have to balance his effectiveness as a runner with the need to protect their star quarterback. It’s a calculated risk, but one that has paid off with numerous crucial first downs and scores.

  • Lamar Jackson is arguably the best running quarterback in NFL history, and his 2023 season was another showcase of his incredible athleticism. Jackson ran for 821 yards, demonstrating his agility, speed, and elusiveness. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is unmatched, and he turns potential sacks into positive yardage plays. While he only had 5 rushing touchdowns, his impact on the ground goes beyond just scoring. Jackson’s rushing ability forces defenses to account for him on every play. This opens up opportunities for his teammates, both in the running game and the passing game. Defenses have to commit extra resources to contain him, which can create mismatches and favorable situations for the rest of the offense. Jackson's rushing threat is a game-changer, and it's a key reason why the Ravens' offense is so dynamic and difficult to defend.

Jackson is the clear winner here in terms of pure rushing yards, but Allen's power running and goal-line effectiveness can't be ignored. Both guys bring a unique dimension to their offenses with their legs.

Touchdowns

Touchdowns are the name of the game, right? Let's break down how these two QBs found the end zone.

  • Josh Allen accounted for a total of 44 touchdowns in 2023 (29 passing and 15 rushing). This number underscores his importance to the Bills' offense. He is involved in nearly every scoring play, either through the air or on the ground. His ability to contribute both as a passer and a runner makes him a constant threat, keeping defenses guessing and creating opportunities for his teammates. Allen’s high touchdown total reflects the Bills' offensive philosophy, which often relies on his individual brilliance to make plays. While this can lead to spectacular moments, it also places a significant burden on him. The Bills need to ensure they have enough supporting pieces to alleviate some of the pressure and diversify their offensive attack.

  • Lamar Jackson totaled 29 touchdowns (24 passing and 5 rushing). While lower than Allen, these numbers don't tell the whole story. Jackson's impact extends beyond just touchdowns. His ability to extend drives and create opportunities for his teammates is invaluable. His presence alone forces defenses to adjust their schemes, opening up the field for other players. Jackson’s lower touchdown total can also be attributed to the Ravens' offensive system. They often employ a more balanced approach, spreading the ball around and utilizing a variety of playmakers. This can result in fewer individual touchdowns for Jackson, but it also makes the Ravens’ offense more unpredictable and harder to defend.

Allen's got the edge in total touchdowns, but again, it's important to consider the context. Allen is the focal point of the Bills' offense, while Jackson operates within a more balanced system.

Turnovers

Turnovers can kill drives and swing momentum. Let's see how these two protected the ball.

  • Josh Allen is known for his aggressive style, which sometimes leads to turnovers. In the 2023 season, Allen threw 18 interceptions and fumbled 9 times (though not all fumbles were lost). His willingness to take risks and make difficult throws can result in spectacular plays, but it also increases the chances of mistakes. The Bills understand this trade-off and accept that turnovers are a part of Allen's game. They believe that his potential for explosive plays outweighs the risk of occasional errors. However, reducing turnovers is always a point of emphasis for Allen and the coaching staff. They continually work on improving his decision-making and ball security to minimize costly mistakes.

  • Lamar Jackson is generally more careful with the ball, but he's not immune to turnovers. Jackson threw 7 interceptions and fumbled 8 times. His focus on ball security and smart decision-making helps him avoid many of the costly mistakes that can plague other quarterbacks. Jackson's ability to protect the ball is a key reason why the Ravens are consistently one of the top teams in the league. They value ball control and minimizing turnovers, which allows them to control the game and wear down opponents. While Jackson is not perfect, his commitment to protecting the ball is a major asset for the Ravens.

Jackson definitely has the edge here. Allen's gunslinger mentality comes with a higher risk of turnovers, while Jackson is more conservative.

Overall Impact

Stats are great, but what about the overall impact on their teams?

  • Josh Allen is the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bills. His performance dictates their success. When Allen is on, the Bills are nearly unstoppable. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He elevates the play of his teammates and inspires those around him. Allen’s leadership and competitive spirit are infectious, and he sets the tone for the entire team. However, the Bills' reliance on Allen can also be a weakness. When he struggles, the team often struggles as well. They need to develop more consistent offensive options to take some of the pressure off Allen and ensure they can win games even when he's not at his best.

  • Lamar Jackson transforms the Baltimore Ravens into a dynamic and unpredictable team. His unique skill set forces defenses to completely change their approach. He opens up opportunities for his teammates and creates mismatches all over the field. Jackson’s presence alone makes the Ravens a contender. He brings a level of excitement and energy to the team that is unmatched. However, the Ravens also need to ensure they have the right pieces around Jackson to maximize his potential. They need to continue to develop a strong running game and improve their receiving corps to take full advantage of his abilities.

Conclusion

So, who had the better season? It's tough to say definitively. Josh Allen put up bigger numbers and accounted for more touchdowns, but he also had more turnovers. Lamar Jackson was more efficient and took better care of the ball, but his overall numbers weren't as eye-popping. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more in a quarterback. Do you want the gunslinger who can make any throw and score in a variety of ways, even if it comes with some risks? Or do you prefer the efficient playmaker who protects the ball and makes smart decisions? Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are incredible talents who bring a unique set of skills to the game. They are both game-changers who can lead their teams to victory. The debate will continue, and that’s part of what makes football so great!