A high-stakes showdown within the tundra generally known as Buffalo, New York, is on the playing cards Sunday evening when Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills host Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens within the AFC Divisional Round.
Adding much more coolness to the Orchard Park freeze, Jackson, who praised Allen’s “uniqueness,” defined why he is not near Allen or every other quarterback for that matter.
“I in all probability noticed Josh (Allen) early in our profession go to sure occasions across the time of the Super Bowl and issues like that, however within the offseason, I do not actually chill with individuals (in) the offseason, particularly not different quarterbacks, ” Jackson said when requested about his relationship with Allen, in line with the Ravens’ group web site.
“Don’t get me improper, there is no downside or something like that, however we’re competing with one another. I’m attempting to beat you. I’m not attempting to be your pal.”
Jackson and Allen, who’re MVP favorites this season, had been every chosen within the 2018 NFL Draft, with Allen the third quarterback off the board (No. 7) and Jackson the fifth (No. 32).
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, and the Ravens are coming off a 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers within the wild-card spherical that noticed the four-time Pro Bowler rush for 81 yards, file a 132.0 passer score and full 76 .2% of his passes (16 of 21). Meanwhile, Allen, a three-time Pro Bowler, and the Bills are contemporary off a convincing 31-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. Allen posted a passer score of 135.4 and accomplished 76.9 % of his passes (20 of 26) within the wild card spherical.
Must-Win Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills – AFC’s greatest playoff matchup
The Ravens and Bills performed in Week 4 this season, with Baltimore pulling off a 35-10 smackdown at dwelling. Jackson and Allen have confronted one another a complete of 4 instances (common season plus postseason) as starters, with the rating tied at two every. That mentioned, Buffalo received within the quarterbacks’ solely playoff assembly, profitable 17-3 at dwelling within the divisional spherical of the 2020 season.
Jackson is coming off arguably the perfect common season of his NFL profession. As a passer, he totaled 4,172 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and an NFL-best 119.6 passer score, finishing 66.7 % of his passes. Jackson’s yardage and landing totals, passer score and completion share (over a full season) had been all profession highs. He additionally rushed for 915 yards and 4 touchdowns on an NFL-record 6.6 yards per carry.
Allen, who threw no passes in his temporary look in Buffalo’s Week 18 recreation in opposition to the New England Patriots, totaled 3,731 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, six interceptions and a passer score of 101.4, finishing 63 .6% of his passes. He additionally rushed for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry.
The winner of Baltimore-Buffalo performs in opposition to the winner of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs within the AFC Championship Game.
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