Imagining the Baltimore Ravens with Josh Allen at quarterback instead of Lamar Jackson is a fascinating exercise in football “what-ifs.” Both players are extraordinary talents but have distinct playing styles and career trajectories that could have significantly altered the Ravens’ fortunes, potentially leading to more Super Bowl victories. To explore this idea thoroughly, one must consider how Josh Allen’s unique skill set, leadership, and the team dynamics could have changed the Ravens’ past and future successes. The premise that the Ravens would have won two more Super Bowls by now with Allen isn’t just idle speculation; it rests on some critical comparisons, contextual factors, and potential shifts in team strategy and outcomes.
Lamar Jackson, drafted in 2018 as the 32nd overall pick, quickly became a transformative figure for the Ravens, breaking the mold of traditional quarterbacks with his unparalleled athleticism and rushing ability. His 2019 MVP season showcased how dynamic and game-changing he could be. Lamar’s style is heavily reliant on his mobility, elusiveness, and improvisational talent. These strengths forced defenses to account for him as a dual threat, reshaping Baltimore’s offense around his running and playmaking abilities. However, his passing game has been more inconsistent, with critics pointing to his limited downfield accuracy and struggles in high-pressure playoff moments.
On the other hand, Josh Allen, drafted in 2018 as the seventh overall pick by the Buffalo Bills, developed into one of the NFL’s most well-rounded and physically imposing quarterbacks. Allen combines a strong arm capable of making all the throws, including deep passes, with impressive mobility. His size and toughness allow him to withstand hits better, and his progression in accuracy and decision-making has been remarkable. Allen’s leadership qualities and poise under pressure have propelled the Bills to consistent playoff appearances and near-Super Bowl runs, particularly in recent years.
Had the Ravens picked Josh Allen instead of Lamar Jackson, the entire offensive philosophy might have been different from the start. Baltimore’s front office and coaching staff would likely have built the team around Allen’s strengths, which include a strong vertical passing game, the ability to read defenses quickly, and a more traditional pocket passing approach combined with a threat to scramble when necessary. This could have opened up new offensive dimensions and efficiencies.
First, consider the impact on the Ravens’ offensive line and supporting cast. Allen’s style demands a strong, stable pocket, which might have shifted Baltimore’s draft and free agency priorities toward building a more dominant, traditional pass-blocking line rather than the more mobile and versatile line needed for Lamar’s read-option-heavy offense. This could have led to acquiring or developing different linemen, receivers, and tight ends more suited to a vertical passing attack.
Moreover, Allen’s arm talent and ability to stretch the field would have created more explosive plays downfield, something the Ravens have sometimes lacked. The Ravens’ receiving corps over the years has been good but not elite in deep-threat capability. Allen’s presence could have attracted or maximized different types of receivers, changing how defenses played against Baltimore. Opponents might have been forced to play more honest, respecting the pass and thus opening up the running game with Mark Ingram or other backs in a more balanced way.
When thinking about playoff success, Allen’s composure and experience in close games provide a compelling argument. Lamar Jackson has had moments of brilliance in the postseason but also some disappointing losses where his passing limitations were exposed against elite defenses. Josh Allen, by contrast, has led his team to multiple playoff victories and demonstrated an ability to perform well under pressure, including in snowy, hostile environments that test a quarterback’s skill and mental toughness.
The Ravens under Lamar have won the AFC North several times and made playoff appearances, but they have not yet translated that regular-season dominance into Super Bowl wins. The idea that Allen could have pushed the Ravens over the top twice hinges on his demonstrated ability to manage games effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and make the throws necessary to win tight playoff games. With his arm strength and mobility, Allen might have been better equipped to overcome some of the strong defenses the Ravens faced in the postseason.
Leadership is another critical element. Allen’s fiery competitiveness, vocal leadership, and ability to rally his teammates have been widely praised. The Ravens have a strong locker room culture, but Allen’s presence might have enhanced team chemistry and resilience in high-pressure moments. His grit and work ethic could have galvanized Baltimore to push through tough stretches, especially in critical playoff scenarios.
It’s also important to recognize how the coaching style would have evolved. John Harbaugh and offensive coordinators might have tailored their game plans to suit Allen’s capabilities, emphasizing a more balanced offense with a stronger emphasis on passing. This strategic shift could have led to more consistent scoring and less reliance on Lamar’s miraculous runs, which, while spectacular, sometimes made the offense one-dimensional.
The presence of Josh Allen might also have influenced the Ravens’ draft choices beyond the offensive line and receivers. For example, defensive priorities might have shifted to complement a more traditional quarterback style, focusing on stopping big plays rather than solely creating turnovers that Lamar’s scrambling often provided. Allen’s ability to read defenses might have helped Baltimore better anticipate opponents’ schemes and adjust accordingly, both on and off the field.
Critics might argue that Lamar’s unique playstyle creates challenges defenses have never fully solved, which in itself could have led to more championships. However, defenses adapt quickly in the NFL, and over time, the risk of injury or offensive predictability can diminish a scrambling quarterback’s effectiveness in deep playoff runs. Allen’s blend of power and mobility offers a safer, more sustainable model that can maintain high performance under postseason pressure.
Looking at the numbers, Lamar Jackson’s MVP season was historic, but the Ravens’ offense sometimes stalled in crucial moments during the playoffs. Josh Allen, meanwhile, has taken a developing Bills team deep into the playoffs and nearly reached the Super Bowl, pushing the limits of his team’s capabilities and showing an ability to elevate his play against the NFL’s best.
In terms of legacy, two additional Super Bowl wins would have cemented the Ravens’ dynasty status in the 21st century. The franchise’s previous success, with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, set high expectations, and adding multiple championships with Allen at the helm would have extended that legacy even further. It would have also shifted the narrative around the Ravens’ quarterback position, historically a point of contention, showing that the franchise can draft and develop a franchise QB capable of ultimate success.
In conclusion, imagining Josh Allen in Baltimore instead of Lamar Jackson opens the door to many intriguing possibilities. Allen’s powerful arm, mobility, leadership, and playoff composure likely would have led to a more balanced and explosive offense, stronger team dynamics, and greater postseason success. While Lamar’s electrifying playstyle has made the Ravens thrilling to watch and brought them playoff relevance, the consistent and adaptable nature of Allen’s game might well have been the missing ingredient to push the Ravens to two more Super Bowl victories by now. This thought experiment underscores how critical quarterback selection is to the fortunes of NFL teams and how even small differences in playing style and mentality can shape football history.
