Josh Allen isn’t under as much pressure as Lamar Jackson to win Super Bowl, feels Stephen A. Smith
Stephan A. Smith claimed Lamar Jackson is under much more pressure than his competitor, Josh Allen to win the Super Bowl this season.
Follow Us
Lamar Jackson, Stephen A. Smith and Josh Allen (Via The Boston Globe/The Billboard/Imago)
Despite the best attempts by the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow and Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley, the ultimate debate for the NFL MVP award has come down to two names: Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. However, a sports analyst believes more than the MVP, the pressure to win the Super Bowl is more evident in the latter than the former.
After winning his second MVP honor last season, Jackson opened up about having a chip on his shoulder to win the Super Bowl as winning one would engrave his name among the future Hall of Famers. Although Allen also is yet to secure a Super Bowl ring, there is no doubt about his prominence or legacy in the league.
Emphazing the high stakes for the two-time NFL MVP winner, Stephan A. Smith claimed that Jackson is under much more pressure compared to his competitor and Super Bowl top contender, Allen to win the Super Bowl this season.
Lamar Jackson’s a superstar, but there are nine people in NFL history who’ve won multiple MVPs. He’s the only one who has never won a Super Bowl. I think his 16 points per game in the NFL postseason being the lowest for any quarterback named NFL MVP in the Super Bowl era is something we can’t ignore.
Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take.
.@stephenasmith believes Lamar Jackson is under MORE pressure to win a title than Josh Allen.
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 8, 2025
"Lamar Jackson's a super star, but there are nine people in NFL history who've won multiple MVPs. He's the only one who has never won a Super Bowl." pic.twitter.com/Ihzd6QD43Y
Additionally, Smith also argued that in the Bills’ losses this season, quarterback Allen has never been held responsible, as he can’t be blamed for not receiving support from his teammates. In contrast, with the Ravens, Jackson has often been scrutinized and criticized whenever the team falls short.
Lamar Jackson’s playoff hopes elevated by Derrick Henry’s arrival in Baltimore
Despite Jackson’s poor playoff record, this season may turn up differently. The Ravens have worked on weaponizing the offense to take the burden off the star quarterback’s shoulders. The biggest addition has been running back Derrick Henry, who posted his best season in 2024, along with Pro Bowler center Tyler Linderbaum and Roger Rosengarten.
You can put anybody by Lamar, and they’re going to have a hell of a year. That’s just the type of player he is. I feel like he’s the best player in the league.
Henry said about his quarterback, crediting him for his success.
The quarterback-running back has formed a dynamic duo this season, posting 2,836 rushing yards together this season. They are headed for the Wild-Card Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers to commence the playoffs. The Ravens have played the Steelers twice this season where they lost once and won once at M&T Bank Stadium.
Stay Updated!
Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)