As the NFL season progresses, the performances of quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills have drawn significant attention. Both players have showcased their skills in the early weeks, leading their teams to solid starts. However, their individual grades after Week 2 reveal intriguing differences in their play styles and impact on their respective offenses.
Jackson has been described as a “walking highlight reel” following his impressive outing against the Cleveland Browns. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 225 yards and threw four touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to not only pass effectively but also to manage the game under pressure. His performance contributed to a commanding victory, solidifying his position among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
In comparison, Josh Allen has also performed well , throwing for 148 yards and two touchdowns while adding significant rushing yards. His ability to lead the Buffalo Bills to a 2-0 start reflects his effectiveness, but his statistics indicate he had a less dynamic game than Jackson. Allen’s role as a game manager has been crucial, especially in situations where the running game took precedence.
When analyzing their performances, Jackson’s versatility and explosive playmaking ability give him an edge in quarterback rankings. He has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to change the outcome of games through both his arm and legs, which has been a significant asset for the Ravens. Meanwhile, Allen’s consistency remains vital for the Bills, but his reliance on a balanced offensive approach limits his opportunities to shine in high-pressure situations.
As it stands, Jackson was given a better QB grade than Allen after the first two weeks of the season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brent Sobleski for Bleacher Report.
Josh Allen
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are just chugging along at the start of the 2025 campaign, with an impressive win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 and dominant effort against the rival New York Jets during the following weekend.
Honestly, Allen didn’t have to be Superman on Sunday. The team more than held its own without its quarterback shouldering the entire squad. He made a few throws and added a couple quality runs, including a 40-yard scramble early in the contest to help set up the Bills’ first touchdown.
Grade: B
Lamar Jackson
Think back to all of the people who claimed that Lamar Jackson couldn’t throw the ball with any consistency and shouldn’t even be a quarterback. Well, his performance Sunday against the Cleveland Browns allowed the two-time NFL MVP to become the league’s all-time leader in passer rater at 102.7.
Obviously, the number can vary depending on his performance. However, the figure shows Jackson’s consistency throughout this career. Case in point, he threw four touchdown passes against the Browns’ vaunted defense and it didn’t even seem like an outstanding effort, at least by his standards.
Grade: A
With both quarterbacks facing tough upcoming matchups, their ability to maintain or improve their performance will be critical. Jackson is set to face a challenging schedule that will test his skills further, while Allen will look to exploit weaknesses in the defense of their next opponent.
While both Jackson and Allen are having strong starts to the season, Jackson’s dynamic play and ability to make big plays under pressure currently place him ahead in the quarterback rankings. The competition between these two elite quarterbacks will continue to captivate fans as the season unfolds, making each game crucial for their MVP aspirations.
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