The NFL has officially recognized Lamar Jackson for making history with a season that has intensified the MVP debate. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback became the first player in NFL history to record at least 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season. This rare combination of passing and rushing production has solidified Jackson as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
This announcement has sparked renewed debate about the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, with many analysts and fans arguing that Jackson has separated himself from the competition. His strongest competitor for the award is Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, who has also had an impressive season. With the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the Ravens and Bills looming, the battle for MVP is far from over.
In this article, we will break down Jackson’s historic season, how it compares to other MVP contenders, and what this means for the Ravens and the NFL moving forward.
Lamar Jackson’s Historic Season
Lamar Jackson has been one of the most electrifying players in the NFL since entering the league in 2018. However, this season has been particularly special. Jackson’s ability to dominate both as a passer and a rusher is what makes him unique, and his numbers from this year prove it:
- Passing Yards: 4,122
- Rushing Yards: 813
- Passing Touchdowns: 31
- Interceptions: 5
- Quarterback Rating: 112.4
- Completion Percentage: 69.8%
These numbers highlight Jackson’s efficiency, accuracy, and versatility. He is not just a running quarterback—he has proven to be an elite passer capable of leading the Ravens’ offense through the air while still being the most dangerous rushing threat at his position.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Jackson has done this in a season where the Ravens have faced multiple injuries to key offensive players. Despite these setbacks, he has led the team to a 12-5 record, earning them the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The MVP Debate: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen
As the regular season ended, the MVP race became a two-man battle between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
Allen has also had an incredible season, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 13-4 record and ranking among the league’s best in passing touchdowns and total yards. However, the key question in the MVP debate is value—who has done more to elevate their team?
Josh Allen’s 2023-24 Season Stats:
- Passing Yards: 4,350
- Rushing Yards: 510
- Total Touchdowns: 44 (36 passing, 8 rushing)
- Interceptions: 14
- Completion Percentage: 66.2%
Allen’s numbers are slightly better in passing, but Jackson’s ability to run the ball at an elite level while still being an efficient passer is what separates him. Allen plays in a pass-heavy offense where he is expected to throw the ball more often, while Jackson balances both aspects of his game without being turnover-prone.
Additionally, Jackson has shown remarkable leadership. He has been able to keep the Ravens at an elite level despite injuries to players like Mark Andrews and multiple offensive linemen. This resilience is a key reason why many believe Jackson should be the MVP.
NFL Analysts and Fans React
The NFL’s historic recognition of Jackson’s season has ignited debates across social media, sports networks, and fan discussions.
Shannon Sharpe, Hall of Fame tight end and sports analyst, took to social media to declare Jackson the clear MVP:
“There is no debate. Lamar Jackson is the MVP. If you’re still questioning it, go check the numbers again.”
Sharpe is not alone in this belief. Many sports analysts argue that Jackson has done more with less, while Allen has been surrounded by a more stable supporting cast.
However, Allen’s supporters believe that his playoff success could tip the MVP voting in his favor. If Allen outplays Jackson in their upcoming AFC Divisional Round matchup, some voters might favor recency bias and shift their votes.
Meanwhile, Ravens fans have voiced concerns that Jackson could be “robbed” of the MVP award, much like he was in previous years despite consistently putting up elite numbers.
Why Lamar Jackson Should Win MVP
Many analysts believe that the MVP award should go to Jackson for the following reasons:
- Unmatched Dual-Threat Ability – No quarterback in NFL history has combined 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a season. This unprecedented milestone proves Jackson’s unique skill set.
- Leadership in Adversity – Despite multiple injuries to offensive playmakers, Jackson has led the Ravens to the best record in the AFC.
- Efficiency and Decision-Making – Jackson has a higher completion percentage than Allen and significantly fewer interceptions (5 compared to Allen’s 14).
- Head-to-Head Performance – When the Ravens and Bills faced off earlier this season, Jackson outperformed Allen in every major statistical category.
If the MVP truly stands for Most Valuable Player, Jackson should win because he is the most irreplaceable player for his team. Without Jackson, the Ravens would likely struggle to compete, whereas the Bills have more offensive depth to support Allen.
Upcoming Playoff Matchup: The Final Test
As fate would have it, the MVP debate will play out on the field in the AFC Divisional Round when the Ravens face the Bills.
This game could serve as a de facto MVP showdown—if Jackson leads the Ravens to victory, it would likely cement his case for the award. However, if Allen dominates and the Bills win, some voters might favor him for MVP instead.
Either way, this game will be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the postseason.
Historical Significance of Jackson’s Season
Regardless of whether he wins MVP, Lamar Jackson has already made history. His combination of passing and rushing production has redefined what is possible at the quarterback position.
Previous dual-threat quarterbacks, like Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Steve Young, have made impacts in the past, but none have reached the statistical milestones Jackson has achieved. His season is a testament to his evolution as a passer while still being the most dangerous runner at his position.
Additionally, Jackson’s success paves the way for future quarterbacks. Young mobile quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and Kyler Murray will look at Jackson’s season as proof that you don’t have to fit the traditional quarterback mold to dominate in the NFL.
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s historic announcement about Lamar Jackson’s season has only intensified the MVP debate. While Josh Allen remains a strong contender, Jackson’s record-breaking numbers, leadership, and efficiency make him the frontrunner for the award.
With the AFC Playoffs looming, the upcoming Ravens vs. Bills matchup could serve as the final argument in the MVP discussion. If Jackson leads Baltimore to victory, it will further cement his case as the best player in the NFL this season.
Regardless of how the MVP voting turns out, Lamar Jackson’s legacy is already being written. His ability to combine elite passing and rushing production at a level never seen before ensures that his 2023-24 season will be remembered as one of the most groundbreaking in NFL history.
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