Ravens VS Bills Preview
J. Allen
Strengths:
Elite Arm Strength and Accuracy One of Josh Allen’s most defining characteristics is his rocket arm. Few quarterbacks in NFL history have the ability to throw the football as far and as accurately as Allen. His deep ball is a major weapon for the Buffalo Bills, capable of stretching defenses vertically. With a wide range of passing capabilities, Allen excels in both short and long-range accuracy, and his cannon arm forces defensive backs to respect all areas of the field.
Mobility and Dual-Threat Ability Although not known primarily as a runner, Allen’s mobility is a critical asset. Standing 6'5" and weighing around 240 pounds, he can break tackles and extend plays with his legs. Whether scrambling to escape pressure or picking up first downs with designed quarterback runs, Allen’s ability to contribute in the running game adds another layer to the Bills’ offense. His physicality and size make him a matchup nightmare for defenders when he decides to take off.
Poise and Composure Allen has proven himself to be a clutch performer in big moments. His leadership and confidence shine in the final minutes of games, and his ability to stay composed under pressure makes him a dangerous quarterback, especially when the game is on the line. He has shown an ability to lead the Bills to playoff contention year after year, and his overall performance in high-stakes games continues to improve.
Versatility in the Passing Game Josh Allen’s versatility as a passer sets him apart from many quarterbacks. He can throw accurately on the move, make throws off-platform, and deliver strikes in tight windows. His ability to operate from the pocket as well as out of structure—making plays while scrambling—gives the Bills' offense an unpredictable nature that keeps opposing defenses guessing.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Decision-Making One of Allen’s biggest challenges remains his occasional inconsistency in decision-making. While he has the ability to make incredible throws, he also tends to make high-risk throws in critical moments. His penchant for trying to force throws into tight coverage has led to turnovers and costly mistakes at times. Improving his decision-making and minimizing interceptions will be key for Allen if he hopes to take the Bills further in the postseason.
Accuracy Under Pressure While Allen’s arm strength is unmatched, his accuracy tends to dip when under duress. When faced with heavy pressure, Allen’s mechanics sometimes break down, leading to missed opportunities and errant throws. Improving his performance under pressure, especially in high-stress situations, will be an important area for growth in the 2024 season.
L.Jackson
Strengths:
Unparalleled Mobility and Speed Lamar Jackson's most significant strength is his elite speed and agility. As one of the most explosive quarterbacks in NFL history, Jackson’s ability to run the football has revolutionized how the position is played. His quickness and elusiveness make him an absolute nightmare for defenses, as he can turn a broken play into a game-changing run at any moment. Jackson’s running ability extends beyond scrambles—he is a legitimate threat on designed quarterback runs, and he has the speed to outrun defenders once he hits the open field.
Vision and Field Awareness Jackson’s ability to read defenses and react on the fly is exceptional. He’s shown a keen awareness of where the pressure is coming from and has the instincts to avoid sacks and extend plays with his legs. This vision also translates into the passing game, as Jackson frequently shows an ability to throw accurately on the move, making him dangerous even when out of the pocket.
Efficient Passing Game While known for his running, Lamar Jackson has worked hard to improve his passing accuracy and overall decision-making. His development as a passer, particularly on short-to-intermediate throws, has made him a more complete quarterback. His arm strength is often underrated, and his ability to deliver precise throws in the right spots is a growing aspect of his game. As a result, Jackson has developed into a legitimate dual-threat quarterback capable of hurting defenses with both his arm and his legs.
Leadership and Intangibles Lamar Jackson’s leadership qualities and his ability to elevate his teammates are also noteworthy. He has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and earned respect throughout the league for his work ethic and mentality. His passion for the game and his focus on team success are key drivers of the Ravens' culture, and his ability to inspire his teammates will continue to fuel his success in the NFL.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Deep Passing One area where Jackson still struggles is in his deep ball accuracy. While his arm strength is certainly adequate, Jackson has had difficulty connecting on deep throws with consistency. This can limit the offense’s vertical element and sometimes allows opposing defenses to stack the box to stop his running game. If Jackson can develop more consistency in his deep passing, it would further open up Baltimore’s offensive playbook.
Mechanics and Accuracy on the Move Though Jackson is dangerous outside the pocket, his mechanics can become inconsistent when forced to throw on the run. This can lead to missed opportunities or inaccurate passes, particularly when throwing deep or in tight windows. Fine-tuning his mechanics, especially when on the move, will be crucial for Jackson’s long-term success and his ability to make all the throws at an elite level.