Ed Reed Hypes Lamar Jackson as NFL MVP over Josh Allen Before Ravens vs. Bills

As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for their pivotal divisional playoff showdown against the Buffalo Bills in January 2024, all eyes are on Lamar Jackson and his quest for another MVP title. While both Jackson and Bills quarterback Josh Allen are among the top signal-callers in the NFL, Jackson’s former teammate and Ravens legend Ed Reed has made his case for why Jackson deserves the MVP honor over Allen heading into the postseason. Reed, who spent most of his career as a defensive back for the Ravens and is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, has always been a passionate supporter of Jackson

Ed Reed’s Praise for Lamar Jackson

Ed Reed, now an ambassador for the Ravens and a member of the team’s Ring of Honor, has always been vocal in his support of Lamar Jackson. Having witnessed Jackson’s growth from his rookie year in 2018 to his MVP campaign in 2019, Reed has seen firsthand the evolution of the dynamic quarterback who revolutionized the position with his athleticism and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground.

Before the Ravens’ divisional round matchup with the Bills in 2024, Reed took to social media and the media to praise Jackson’s performance during the regular season and argue that Jackson is more deserving of the MVP award than Allen, despite the latter’s impressive season. Reed highlighted Jackson’s leadership, versatility, and the way he has carried the Ravens’ offense, especially after the team faced a series of injuries to key offensive players throughout the year.

1. Jackson’s Dual Threat Ability

One of the key points Reed raised in favor of Jackson’s MVP candidacy is his ability to be a dual-threat quarterback. Jackson has established himself as one of the best rushing quarterbacks in NFL history, and he continues to dominate defenses with his ability to run the football. In the 2024 season, Jackson rushed for over 1,000 yards, adding yet another season of 1,000-plus rushing yards to his career resume. Reed pointed out that Jackson’s unique ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm makes him more valuable to the Ravens than any other quarterback in the league.

Lamar Jackson’s rushing threat opens up options for the Ravens’ offense in ways that few quarterbacks can replicate. His ability to extend plays with his legs forces opposing defenses to adjust their strategies, whether it’s a designed run, scramble, or read-option play. Reed argued that Jackson’s rushing ability not only contributes to his individual success but also elevates the entire offense, creating opportunities for his teammates that would not exist with a more traditional pocket passer.

2. Leadership and Resilience

Reed also commended Jackson for his leadership and resilience throughout the 2024 season. The Ravens faced a number of challenges, from injuries to key offensive players, including running back J.K. Dobbins and wide receiver Rashod Bateman, to offensive line struggles. Despite these challenges, Jackson was able to keep the Ravens in playoff contention throughout the season, showing leadership and determination. Reed emphasized that Jackson’s ability to stay calm under pressure and lead his team despite adversity is one of the defining traits of an MVP-caliber player.

“People don’t realize how tough Lamar is,” Reed said in his media appearances. “He’s had to carry this team when other stars around him have gone down, and he’s still performing at the highest level. That’s what an MVP does—he steps up and elevates the play of everyone around him, no matter what the situation is.”

This leadership, particularly in clutch moments, has been a hallmark of Jackson’s career. Whether it was leading the Ravens to come-from-behind victories or making key throws late in games, Jackson’s ability to be a calm and composed leader has been crucial to the Ravens’ success.

3. Improved Passing Game

While Jackson is often noted for his ability to run, Reed has also acknowledged Jackson’s development as a passer. Over the past few years, Jackson has made significant strides in the passing game, and in 2024, he posted one of his most efficient seasons yet. Jackson finished the regular season with over 4,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, numbers that rival some of the league’s most prolific quarterbacks.

Reed praised Jackson’s ability to make throws from all areas of the field, whether it be deep balls, intermediate routes, or quick throws to the sidelines. Jackson’s growth as a passer has been especially important in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, which has evolved to incorporate more spread concepts and passing attacks alongside their dynamic ground game. Reed noted that Jackson’s increased accuracy and poise in the pocket have been crucial to his MVP candidacy and that he’s become more of a complete quarterback than ever before.

In comparison to Josh Allen, who is known for his big arm and ability to make plays downfield, Reed believes that Jackson’s ability to excel in multiple facets of the game, both as a passer and a runner, gives him the edge for MVP. “Lamar is doing everything you want from a quarterback,” Reed said. “He’s not just winning with his legs; he’s winning with his arm too. And that’s what sets him apart.”

The Case for Josh Allen and Why Reed Still Chooses Lamar Jackson

Of course, Josh Allen is no slouch when it comes to the MVP race. Allen has consistently been one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and in 2024, he was once again a driving force for the Buffalo Bills’ offense. Known for his rocket arm, ability to throw on the run, and impressive playmaking ability, Allen is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the NFL. His statistics for the season—over 4,500 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions—were eye-popping and certainly deserving of recognition.

However, Reed pointed out that while Allen is undoubtedly an elite quarterback, Jackson’s unique skill set and leadership have set him apart in 2024. “Josh Allen is a fantastic quarterback,” Reed acknowledged. “He can make all the throws, and he has a great arm. But Lamar is something special. He’s revolutionized the game and continues to evolve. That’s why I think Lamar deserves MVP.”

Reed’s argument is based not only on Jackson’s individual stats but also on how he impacts the Ravens’ offense as a whole. While Allen has more offensive firepower at his disposal with a potent receiving corps and an elite offensive line, Jackson has carried a less-talented supporting cast to greater heights. Reed contends that Jackson’s ability to thrive despite these limitations is a testament to his value to the team and to the league.

Additionally, Reed pointed to Jackson’s performance in big games. While both quarterbacks had incredible regular seasons, Jackson has shown time and again that he can perform on the biggest stage, leading his team in critical moments and clutch situations. “When it comes down to it, Lamar has the ability to win the big game,” Reed said. “He’s done it in the regular season, and he’s done it in the playoffs before. He’s a gamer.”

The Importance of This Debate for the Ravens vs. Bills Playoff Game

As the Ravens head into their divisional round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, this MVP debate takes on added significance. Jackson’s performance in this game will have a direct impact on the outcome of the Ravens’ playoff run, and it could further solidify his case for MVP. Should Jackson lead the Ravens to victory over Allen and the Bills, it will not only be a huge step toward a potential Super Bowl appearance but also an important moment in the MVP race.

For the Ravens, winning this game would be a statement to the rest of the NFL that Jackson is not just a regular-season MVP candidate but a quarterback who can lead his team deep into the playoffs. This would add another layer to his legacy and elevate him in the eyes of many who still question his ability to perform in the postseason.

Reed’s support of Jackson will undoubtedly resonate with Ravens fans and with those who continue to believe that Jackson’s dual-threat ability, leadership, and growth as a passer make him a deserving MVP candidate. It will be interesting to see how Jackson performs in this high-stakes game against one of his biggest competitors for the award, Josh Allen.