Who Has A Stronger Arm, Lamar Jackson Or Josh Allen?
When football fans talk about top quarterbacks, two names often come up: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. They both play the game in a way that makes you watch, you know, with incredible athleticism and, quite frankly, some serious throwing power. A big question that pops up a lot is about who has the stronger arm, really. It's a debate that gets people talking, and for good reason, too.
These two players, both from the 2018 NFL Draft class, have certainly made a name for themselves. Josh Allen, for instance, stepped onto the stage back in 2018, as a beaming prospect, ready to show what he could do. Lamar Jackson also arrived that year, bringing a style of play many had not seen before. They have, in fact, proved many draft doubters wrong since then, making their mark on the league.
So, the discussion about their arm talent is a natural one. People wonder about the raw power each quarterback brings to the field. This isn't just about throwing the ball far, you see. It's about the zip on a pass, the ability to make throws across the field, and even how they handle tough situations. It's a key part of what makes them so good, and it's something fans love to talk about, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- Quarterback Journeys: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen
- Lamar Jackson's Arm Talent
- Josh Allen's Arm Strength
- Comparing Their Throwing Abilities
- Beyond the Arm: Other Qualities
- How Arm Strength Shapes Their Teams
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quarterback Journeys: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen
Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have come a long way since their draft day in 2018. They both faced questions about their play styles and how their talents would translate to the professional game. Yet, they have certainly shown everyone what they can do. It's really quite a story, how they both became stars in the league.
Jackson, for one, was the unanimous NFL MVP in 2019, a season that showed everyone his unique abilities. Allen, too, has put together some incredible seasons, making his team a real contender. They have both, in a way, rewritten the book on what a modern quarterback can be. Their paths, while different, share this common thread of proving people wrong, you know.
Lamar Jackson: Personal Details and Bio Data
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. |
Born | January 7, 1997 |
Place of Birth | Pompano Beach, Florida |
College | Louisville |
NFL Draft | 2018, Round 1, Pick 32 |
Team | Baltimore Ravens |
Key Achievement | 2019 NFL MVP (unanimous) |
Josh Allen: Personal Details and Bio Data
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Joshua Patrick Allen |
Born | May 21, 1996 |
Place of Birth | Firebaugh, California |
College | Wyoming |
NFL Draft | 2018, Round 1, Pick 7 |
Team | Buffalo Bills |
Key Achievement | Multiple Pro Bowl selections |
Lamar Jackson's Arm Talent
When people talk about Lamar Jackson, his running ability often gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. But his arm, you know, is a big part of his game too. He can make throws that surprise people, passes that travel a long way down the field. There are times when he just uncorks one, and it's a sight to see.
Jackson has shown he can put plenty of zip on the ball, even when throwing across his body or on the run. This week, as a commenter has mentioned, Jackson himself complimented Allen for his strong arm and his uniqueness to make plays when they break down. This shows a mutual respect among these top players. Jackson's arm strength allows him to stretch defenses, opening up opportunities for his running game and his play-action fakes. He can, in fact, throw deep passes with touch, dropping the ball right into a receiver's hands.
His throwing style is perhaps a bit different from a traditional pocket passer, but it gets the job done. He uses his whole body to generate power, and that really shows up on those long throws. It's not just about distance; it's also about the velocity he can get on a ball, especially in tight windows. He can, like, make some really tough throws look easy, which is a sign of a very capable arm.
Josh Allen's Arm Strength
Josh Allen is often talked about as having one of the strongest arms in the league, and honestly, it's pretty hard to argue with that. He can throw the ball a truly incredible distance, and with a lot of force, too. From Josh Allen to Brett Favre, the NFL has seen some pretty strong arms at the quarterback position, and Allen certainly belongs in that group. His ability to launch the ball downfield is something that makes defenses think twice, you know.
He can make throws from anywhere on the field, often off-platform, and still get the ball where it needs to go with speed. This week, before their Week 4 matchup, Allen described Jackson as an incredibly dynamic player, showing respect for his opponent. Allen's arm strength is a big reason why his team's offense can be so explosive. He can hit receivers on deep routes, and he can throw darts into tight coverage. It's almost like he has a cannon for an arm, which is a common way people describe his throwing motion.
The sheer power he puts on the ball is something coaches dream of. It allows for a wider range of plays and makes it harder for defensive backs to react. He can, apparently, throw a football through a wall, or at least it seems that way sometimes. This arm talent is a huge asset for his team, letting them attack defenses in many different ways.
Comparing Their Throwing Abilities
So, when we really look at who has a stronger arm, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, it's not a simple answer. Both players possess incredible arm talent, but they use it in ways that fit their overall game. Allen's arm strength is perhaps more about raw, unadulterated power, the kind that can make a football hum through the air. He can throw a ball over 70 yards with what looks like very little effort, you know.
Jackson's arm, while perhaps not always showing the same raw distance on every throw, has plenty of pop. He uses his arm strength in conjunction with his mobility to create unique throwing angles and deliver passes with touch and velocity. It's a bit like comparing two different kinds of powerful engines; both get the job done, but they have different characteristics. In 2024, both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are considered among the top arms in the game, and in 2019, Lamar Jackson was also recognized for his passing ability.
If we are talking about pure, unadulterated arm strength for deep throws, Josh Allen might have a slight edge in terms of consistently showing off those massive throws. However, Lamar Jackson's ability to deliver accurate and powerful passes from unconventional positions, often after extending plays with his legs, makes his arm strength incredibly effective. It's really a matter of how you define "stronger" in this context. Both, in some respects, have arms that set them apart from many others in the league.
Beyond the Arm: Other Qualities
While arm strength is a fun topic, it's just one piece of the puzzle for a quarterback. Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen bring so much more to the field. Jackson, as we know, is an exceptional runner. His ability to evade defenders and gain yards on the ground is almost unmatched at his position. This running threat opens up his passing game, as defenses have to account for both his arm and his legs, you know. It creates a lot of stress for the other team.
Allen, on the other hand, is also a very capable runner, though perhaps not with the same elusive style as Jackson. He often uses his size and power to break tackles and gain tough yards. Both players also show great leadership and a will to win. They make plays when things break down, which is a huge part of being a successful quarterback in today's NFL. This week, Jackson complimented Allen for his uniqueness to make plays when they break down, highlighting this shared quality. They both have a knack for keeping plays alive, you see, which is a very valuable skill.
Accuracy, decision-making, and understanding the game are also huge parts of their success. A strong arm is great, but if you can't put the ball where it needs to go, it doesn't matter as much. Both of these players have worked on their craft, improving their accuracy and reading defenses over their careers. They are, quite frankly, complete players, not just guys with big arms. This is why, in most years, either quarterback would win easily in discussions about top players.
How Arm Strength Shapes Their Teams
The arm strength of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen really helps shape the offenses their teams run. For the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen's powerful arm allows them to run a very vertical offense, often taking shots deep down the field. They can stretch the defense with long throws, forcing defensive backs to play further back. This opens up space underneath for shorter passes and runs. His arm, in a way, is the foundation for their aggressive passing game. It allows them to attack defenses in ways that other teams simply cannot, you know.
For the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson's arm strength, combined with his incredible running ability, creates a unique challenge for defenses. They have to worry about him taking off and running, but also about him throwing a deep ball over their heads. This dual threat keeps defenses guessing and often leads to big plays. His arm allows the Ravens to run play-action passes that are very effective, as defenders step up to stop the run, leaving receivers open downfield. It's a system that plays to his strengths, and his arm is a big part of that, you see.
Both quarterbacks, because of their arm talent, make their teams incredibly dynamic. They can bail out plays that look like they're going nowhere, turning potential sacks into big gains. This ability to extend plays and still deliver a strong, accurate throw is a testament to their physical gifts. They really do make their offenses go, and their arm strength is a key ingredient in that success. You can find more about NFL player statistics to see how their passing numbers stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Josh Allen have the strongest arm in the NFL?
Many people consider Josh Allen to have one of the very strongest arms in the NFL. He can throw the ball a truly long distance with a lot of speed. Some observers would say he has the most powerful arm in the game today, you know.
How do Lamar Jackson's passing stats compare to Josh Allen's?
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have different passing statistics because their offenses use their skills in different ways. Allen often has more passing yards and attempts, while Jackson's stats are balanced with his rushing yards. Both have high completion percentages and good touchdown-to-interception ratios for their styles of play, as a matter of fact.
What makes a strong arm important for an NFL quarterback?
A strong arm allows a quarterback to throw the ball far down the field, reach receivers quickly, and fit passes into small spaces. It also helps when throwing against the wind or when needing to make throws from awkward body positions. It gives the offense more options and makes it harder for defenses to stop them, you see.
Learn more about quarterback play on our site, and link to this page for more discussions on NFL stars.

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