Despite Josh Allen ultimately winning the 2024 NFL MVP award, Lamar Jackson’s season was a historic showcase of quarterback excellence that arguably deserved the league’s highest individual honor.
In fact, his season wasn’t just MVP-worthy — it was one of the greatest quarterback years in NFL history. Here’s why Jackson’s campaign should have earned him a third MVP trophy.
1. Historic Dual-Threat Dominance
Jackson became the first QB in NFL history to throw for 4,000+ yards (4,172) and rush for 900+ yards (915) in a single season. He also tallied 41 passing touchdowns and 4 interceptions, making him the first player with 40+ TD passes and fewer than five INTs. This blend of elite passing and unmatched rushing redefined dual-threat quarterback play.
2. Record-Breaking Rushing Legacy
Jackson surpassed Michael Vick’s all-time QB rushing record during a Christmas Day blowout of the Texans, highlighted by a 48-yard TD run at 21.25 mph. He finished the season averaging 6.6 yards per carry — best among QBs—and led all players in rushing yards.
3. Elite Efficiency and Ball Security
His 119.6 passer rating ranked fourth all-time, trailing only peak Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning. Jackson also led QBs in EPA/dropback and posted a 1.4% turnover-worthy play rate, the lowest at his position.
4. Dominance Against Elite Competition
Jackson went 7-3 against playoff teams, outperforming Allen’s 2-3 record. Against top-10 defenses, he posted a 4-2 record, 0.27 EPA/play, and 15 total touchdowns. His ability to elevate against the NFL’s best was unmatched.
5. Unanimous All-Pro Recognition
Jackson was named First Team All-Pro quarterback for the second straight year, earning 30 of 48 first-place votes — a clear indicator of his peerless regular-season performance.
6. Advanced Metrics Supremacy
He earned a 94.3 PFF grade (sixth-best by a QB since 2014) and led the league in yards per attempt (8.8) and big-time throws, while minimizing risks.
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7. Improvement Over Previous MVP Seasons
Jackson’s 2024 stats eclipsed his 2019 and 2023 MVP campaigns. He set career highs in passing yards, TDs, completion rate and QBR. Voters often penalize repeat candidates, but Jackson’s growth warranted exception.
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8. Carried a Transitional Ravens Roster
Despite losing key weapons, Jackson propelled Baltimore to a 13-4 record. The Ravens’ offense ranked first in points per game (29.8) and third in total yards, leaning heavily on his creativity.
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9. Signature Performances in Prime Time
His Christmas Day masterpiece against Houston featured 3 total TDs, 168 passing yards, and 87 rushing yards — good for a 99.8 Total QBR, tied for the highest single-game mark ever.
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10. Respect from Peers and Analysts
Jackson won the Pro Football Writers of America MVP award, and 13 ESPN analysts ranked him above Allen in their MVP straw poll. Even in defeat, his season was widely recognized as transcendent. While Josh Allen’s “Heisman moments” swayed voters, Lamar Jackson’s 2024 campaign was a masterclass in consistency, innovation, and statistical brilliance.
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