Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Hall of Famer Critiques MVP Decision: Sympathy Votes for Josh Allen Over Lamar Jackson
Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, captured his first MVP award on Thursday night, winning by a narrow margin. He outperformed Lamar Jackson by just 21 points in the overall voting.
This year, Allen secured 27 first-place votes while Jackson garnered 23. Although Allen has consistently been a top MVP contender, he had yet to claim the prestigious title until now.
Controversial Votes: Sympathy for the Underdog
The MVP race has sparked debate this year, especially following Jackson’s previous win. Jonathan Ogden, a Hall of Famer, expressed concerns that sympathy played a part in the decision. He stated, “I get it because [Josh] is a great quarterback. He hadn’t won one. Lamar had two. And they’re like, ‘Let’s just give him one.’ But that’s the wrong reason.” Ogden emphasized that while he respects Allen’s talent, the rationale behind the decision doesn’t sit well with him.
Ogden remarked, “I don’t want it to sound like I’m hating on Josh because the brother is a tremendous quarterback. But he didn’t have the year Lamar had.” This sentiment captures the frustration of fans and analysts who closely followed both players’ performances throughout the season.
Comparing the Seasons: Numbers Tell the Story
While Jackson may have had stronger statistical numbers this season, Allen’s team performance cannot be overlooked. His leadership helped the Bills dominate their division despite losing star receiver Stefon Diggs. However, this season marked a notable dip in Allen’s individual performance. It was the first time since 2019 that he did not surpass 4,000 passing yards.
Despite these numbers, Allen did lead the NFL with an impressive 77.4 total QBR. His 28 passing touchdowns were his lowest since 2019, but he did contribute significantly on the ground, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns, which is the second highest of his career.
Jackson’s Stellar Season: A Heightened Expectation
In contrast, Jackson had a breakout season last year, achieving career highs in both passing yards and touchdown count, with 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, respectively. Such a performance raised expectations among fans and experts alike going into this MVP race.
This season, Allen enjoyed the advantage of competing in a less challenging division as the Bills clinched the AFC East on December 1. This accomplishment underscored the notion that as long as Allen remains at the helm, the Bills remain formidable contenders.
The MVP Voting Breakdown
In the MVP voting, Allen secured 22 second-place votes compared to Jackson’s 26. Notably, Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow each received one second-place vote as well. Furthermore, Allen was granted a third-place vote, while Jackson received a vote for fourth place.
This year’s results were particularly striking, as Jackson received more first-team All-Pro votes than Allen, marking the first instance since 1987 (John Elway) that a first-team All-Pro did not win the MVP award.
The Aftermath: What Lies Ahead
The discourse surrounding this MVP award will likely echo throughout the NFL community in the coming weeks. While players and fans celebrate Allen’s achievement, many will continue to debate the validity of the voting process, particularly the influence of sympathy on the results.
As the NFL landscape continues to change, both quarterbacks have an opportunity to showcase their skills and leadership in the upcoming season. The discussions about their performances this year will shape their legacies for years to come.
