Josh Allen Vs. Lamar Jackson: 2024 Rushing Stats Compared

Hey football fans! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both are known for their incredible arm talent, but today, we're zeroing in on their rushing stats for the 2024 season. These guys aren't just pocket passers; they're legitimate dual-threat quarterbacks who can scramble for crucial first downs and even break off long touchdown runs. Understanding their rushing abilities is key to appreciating their overall impact on their respective teams.

Why Rushing Stats Matter for Quarterbacks

In today's NFL, a quarterback's ability to run the ball adds a whole new dimension to the offense. It forces defenses to account for the QB as a runner, opening up opportunities for other players. A quarterback who can pick up yards on the ground can extend drives, convert third downs, and keep the defense honest.

For Josh Allen, his rushing ability is a crucial part of the Buffalo Bills' offensive attack. He uses his size and strength to power through defenders, making him a nightmare to bring down in the open field. And for Lamar Jackson, his speed and agility make him one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league. He can make defenders miss with ease, turning potential sacks into positive yardage. When we analyze their rushing stats, we're not just looking at the numbers; we're looking at how these two quarterbacks impact their teams' success.

Breaking Down the Stats

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. We'll be looking at several key rushing stats, including total rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, average yards per carry, and rushing attempts. We'll also consider their impact on crucial situations, like third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency. By comparing these stats, we can get a better understanding of each quarterback's rushing prowess and how they contribute to their team's offense.

Josh Allen's 2024 Rushing Performance

Josh Allen is a force to be reckoned with when he takes off running. His sheer size and strength make him a tough guy to bring down. In the 2024 season, his rushing stats tell a compelling story.

Total Rushing Yards: Allen racked up an impressive 762 rushing yards. This shows how frequently the Bills rely on his legs to move the chains. Rushing Touchdowns: He found the end zone 9 times on the ground. That's a significant number for a quarterback and highlights his importance in short-yardage situations. Average Yards Per Carry: Allen averaged 5.8 yards per carry. This indicates that when he runs, he's often gaining significant yardage, not just scrambling for a yard or two. Rushing Attempts: He had 131 rushing attempts throughout the season. This high number demonstrates how integral his running is to the Bills' offensive scheme.

Allen's Impact on the Bills' Offense

Josh Allen's rushing ability provides a massive boost to the Buffalo Bills' offense. His willingness to run the ball keeps defenses honest and prevents them from solely focusing on the passing game. When defenses have to account for Allen's legs, it opens up opportunities for the Bills' running backs and wide receivers. His rushing prowess is especially valuable in the red zone, where his size and strength allow him to power through defenders for crucial touchdowns.

Key Moments and Games

Throughout the 2024 season, there were several games where Josh Allen's rushing ability was on full display. One standout performance came against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to extend drives with his legs kept the Chiefs' high-powered offense off the field and ultimately helped the Bills secure a victory. Another memorable moment was his game-winning touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins, where he showcased his toughness and determination by diving into the end zone despite taking a big hit. These key moments demonstrate how Allen's rushing ability can change the outcome of games and make him a true difference-maker for the Bills.

How Allen's Rushing Affects His Passing Game

It's not just about the yards he gains on the ground; Josh Allen's rushing ability also enhances his passing game. Defenses are forced to respect his running threat, which can create more favorable matchups for his receivers. When defenders hesitate or commit to stopping the run, it opens up passing lanes and gives Allen more time to make accurate throws. This dynamic makes the Bills' offense incredibly difficult to defend, as teams have to prepare for both Allen's arm and his legs.

Lamar Jackson's 2024 Rushing Performance

Lamar Jackson is a human highlight reel when he takes off running. His speed, agility, and elusiveness make him one of the most dangerous runners in the NFL. In the 2024 season, his rushing stats are nothing short of spectacular.

Total Rushing Yards: Jackson amassed an impressive 821 rushing yards. This high number showcases his ability to consistently gain yardage on the ground. Rushing Touchdowns: He scored 7 rushing touchdowns. This highlights his effectiveness in the red zone and his knack for finding the end zone with his legs. Average Yards Per Carry: Jackson averaged 6.1 yards per carry. This impressive stat indicates that when he runs, he's often making big plays and gaining significant yardage. Rushing Attempts: He had 135 rushing attempts throughout the season. This demonstrates how frequently the Ravens utilize his rushing ability as part of their offensive strategy.

Jackson's Impact on the Ravens' Offense

Lamar Jackson's rushing ability is the engine that drives the Baltimore Ravens' offense. His unique skill set forces defenses to play differently, as they have to account for his speed and agility on every play. When defenses overcommit to stopping the run, it opens up opportunities for the Ravens' passing game. Jackson's ability to extend plays with his legs keeps drives alive and puts immense pressure on opposing defenses. His rushing prowess is especially valuable in crucial situations, such as third downs and in the red zone, where his elusiveness makes him a nightmare to defend.

Key Moments and Games

Throughout the 2024 season, Lamar Jackson had several standout performances that showcased his incredible rushing ability. One unforgettable game came against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he rushed for over 150 yards and a touchdown. His electrifying runs helped the Ravens dominate the game and secure a crucial victory. Another highlight was his game-winning touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he weaved through defenders with ease, demonstrating his exceptional agility and speed. These key moments illustrate how Jackson's rushing ability can single-handedly change the outcome of games and make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL.

How Jackson's Rushing Affects His Passing Game

Like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson's rushing ability also has a significant impact on his passing game. Defenses are constantly wary of his running threat, which can create favorable matchups for his receivers. When defenders hesitate or focus on containing his runs, it opens up passing lanes and gives Jackson more time to make accurate throws. This dynamic makes the Ravens' offense incredibly versatile and difficult to defend, as teams have to prepare for both Jackson's arm and his legs. His ability to keep defenses guessing keeps them off balance and allows him to exploit their weaknesses.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Allen vs. Jackson

Now, let's put Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson side-by-side and compare their rushing stats for the 2024 season:

Total Rushing Yards: Lamar Jackson (821) edges out Josh Allen (762). Rushing Touchdowns: Josh Allen (9) surpasses Lamar Jackson (7). Average Yards Per Carry: Lamar Jackson (6.1) is slightly better than Josh Allen (5.8). Rushing Attempts: Lamar Jackson (135) has a few more attempts than Josh Allen (131).

Analysis and Key Differences

While both quarterbacks are exceptional runners, there are some key differences in their rushing styles and overall impact. Lamar Jackson is known for his incredible speed and agility, making him one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league. He often relies on his ability to make defenders miss and break off long runs. Josh Allen, on the other hand, is a more physical runner who uses his size and strength to power through defenders. He's particularly effective in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. In terms of pure rushing stats, Lamar Jackson had slightly more rushing yards and a higher average yards per carry, while Josh Allen had more rushing touchdowns. Ultimately, both quarterbacks bring a unique dimension to their respective offenses and are incredibly valuable assets to their teams.

Impact on Team Strategy

The rushing abilities of both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson significantly influence their team's offensive strategies. The Buffalo Bills often utilize Allen's running ability in designed quarterback runs and short-yardage situations. His willingness to put his body on the line and fight for extra yards makes him a valuable asset in crucial moments. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, build their entire offense around Lamar Jackson's unique skill set. They incorporate a variety of read-option plays and quarterback scrambles to take advantage of his speed and agility. Both teams have tailored their offensive schemes to maximize the impact of their quarterback's rushing abilities, making them incredibly difficult to defend.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are exceptional dual-threat quarterbacks who bring a unique rushing dimension to their respective offenses. While Lamar Jackson may have had slightly more rushing yards and a higher average yards per carry in 2024, Josh Allen found the end zone more often with his legs. Both quarterbacks are incredibly valuable to their teams, and their rushing abilities make them two of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL. Whether it's Allen's power and determination or Jackson's speed and agility, these two quarterbacks continue to redefine the position and showcase the importance of mobility in today's game. So, there you have it, guys! A thorough look at Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson's rushing stats for 2024. Who do you think is the more impactful rusher? Let us know in the comments below!