The Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen debate rages on.
Even in April, after a year in which neither quarterback made the AFC Championship Game nor won an MVP, the discussion of which player is better continues to be conjured by chittering podcasters and manufactured debaters to fill the void when meaningful pigskin play is months in the making. With little better to talk about, here we are.
Charles Omenihu, who played the past three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs and signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason, has played both quarterbacks. On the “Speakeasy” podcast, the pass rusher said he believes NFL defenses have figured out how to defend Jackson but are still struggling with Allen.
“This is the thing about Josh Allen. I don’t think the league has truly figured him out,” Omenihu said. “With Lamar, honestly, you bring a five-man rush on him and collapse that pocket, he’s drifting backwards and, unfortunately, he might make a play that isn’t going to be the best play for the Ravens. With Josh, he’s going to drift backwards, run around, and he’s so hard to tackle. He’s a large human being. Hard to get down. He can make every throw. Every throw from no matter where he’s at. His arm strength is unbelievable. I don’t think Lamar has that big amount of arm strength like Josh does.
“Like I said, I think [people] have figured out Lamar. You come after him, you close all the lanes, you five-man rush him and you cover his guys, and I think you get it done. It’s been shown.”
Given the discourse surrounding the topic, at least Omenihu brought an interesting take to the table. The pass rusher was asked if there was one trait Jackson boasts over his counterpart.
“The speed. If you do let him out, he’s gone,” he said. “And he’s not going to fumble the ball. Josh is going to fumble the ball. That’s the thing about it. If Josh could just chill on the turnovers — don’t try to be Superman all the time — the Bills, I think, beat the Broncos. Before it even got to my boy, (Brandin) Cooks‘ catch-not catch, all that craziness, it would have never gotten to that. They would’ve won.”
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