OTL: Another Chapter in Jackson vs. Allen

Two Franchise Quarterbacks. One Draft Class.

The 2018 NFL Draft featured the selection of five separate quarterbacks in the first round. Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson. As we enter Week 4 of the 2024 season, only two of the five selected QBs remain with the teams who gave them the call on draft night. Allen, who many deemed a “project” more than a prospect, has given Buffalo and their fans the QB they so desperately missed since the Jim Kelly days. Jackson received criticism throughout the draft process, with some so-called “experts” suggesting the Heisman-winning quarterback switch positions. He’s now a two-time MVP of the National Football League. As Lamar himself would say, “Not bad for a running back.”

Many see both quarterbacks as the best dual-threat athletes at their position. Allen will run through anyone who gets in his way, while Jackson will snatch your favorite linebacker’s ankles, on his way to the secondary. Sunday’s matchup between the two elite quarterbacks might be the most anticipated one yet. It’s been seven years since both franchises found their guy. The two, considered gambles, have become home runs for their respective franchises.

Jackson’s Key to Success in Week 4

Entering Week 4, Lamar Jackson ranks 10th in passing yards (702) and 8th in rushing yards (254). It’s been a really solid start for Jackson despite the team’s lack of success in the win column. His offseason weight loss has been obvious in the run game, as Jackson has seen a return to the quickness that brought him success early in his career. Jackson’s willingness to run this season has allowed the Ravens offense to truly take the next step in year two of Todd Monken’s scheme. The Ravens rank first in total yards per game (437.3) and second in rushing yards per game (203.3). Baltimore’s willingness to lean on their run game is going to play a large part in the success of their season. The one-two punch of Jackson and Henry can truly wear down a defense for four quarters.

The Bills defense is coming off a full four-quarter beatdown to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Monday. Buffalo was in the backfield almost at will, getting to Trevor Lawerence on five separate occasions. The resurgence of Von Miller has made this Bills defensive front more dangerous than ever before. It’s possibly the deepest pass-rush group in the league. Baltimore’s offensive line will need to be on the absolute top of their games if they have any thoughts of picking up a victory Sunday night. It’s hard to imagine Jackson sitting and picking the Bills secondary apart, especially with questions surrounding the health of the line coming into Week 4. The Ravens will take their shots, don’t get it twisted there, but they’ll need another solid performance on the ground from their new backfield duo of Jackson and Henry. According to Next Gen Stats, Jackson has totaled 133 yards and a touchdown on 18 designed run plays this season. In just three games played, Jackson has already picked up five carries of 10+ yards, after just 11 in 2023.

Getting Lamar going early on the ground looks to be a large factor in the Ravens path to victory this coming Sunday.

Cooling off Allen’s Hot Start

The Bills are one of just five remaining undefeated teams heading into Week 4. Allen has Buffalo’s offense firing on all cylinders to get the season going. Following the trade of Stefon Diggs and the Free Agency departure of Gabe Davis, many wondered if the Bills could stay relevant contenders in such a deep AFC conference. It’s a completely revamped receiver room as well as the first season with OC Joe Brady. It’s been more than a solid start for the Bills offense to begin 2024, who lead the NFL in points per game with an eye popping 37.3. Allen has kept everyone involved early to begin the year, finding 10 separate receivers through three games, connecting on touchdowns with six of them. It’s not a one-dimensional offense anymore in Orchard Park, ultimately making Buffalo seem more dangerous.

Between the newly found run game and the next-man-up mentality in the receiver room, Allen seems to have thrown out his need to play “hero ball” so far this year. Getting to Allen will be key for Zach Orr and his defense, as the Bills QB has seen pressure on just 23.8% of his dropbacks according to Next Gen Stats. It’ll take more than just simply disrupting his time in the pocket, as Allen brings the true ability to run and break off a big gain. Getting hands on him and bringing a physicality Buffalo hasn’t seen yet this season, could make for a long night as Allen returns to M&T Bank Stadium for the first time since 2022.

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