NFL analyst highlights "lesser talented offense" to make case for Josh Allen MVP win
The MVP race has ignited fresh debate as ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky challenged the conventional metrics. His argument shifted the focus from individual brilliance to team impact, specifically highlighting Josh Allen's ability to maximize Buffalo's offensive potential.
Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback turned analyst, weighed in on the Allen versus Lamar Jackson discussion. His insights carry extra significance given Buffalo's offensive transformation after losing star receiver Stefon Diggs.
The analyst presented his case during ESPN's "First Take" on Wednesday. His comments gained traction as Allen's MVP odds soared to -900, while Jackson remained at +550 despite superior statistical performances.
"It's not the great player award, it's the MVP the Most Valuable Player Award, if we just sparked out the offenses and took and talked about the difference in talent, Buffalo, I would tell you, one through 11 is a lesser talented offense than the Baltimore Ravens," Orlovsky said. "The quarterback's performance is elevating the group. That is the value of that role."
The numbers validate Orlovsky's perspective. Over the last three games, the Bills' offense has scored 17 touchdowns without turnovers or sacks. They stand alone since 1970 with three straight games of five-plus TDs, zero turnovers and zero sacks.
Josh Allen vs Jackson stats tell a different story
The statistical battle reveals Jackson's dominance in several categories. He leads the NFL with an 8.4% TD percentage and 8.9 yards per pass attempt. His 120.7 passer rating tops the league, complementing his 34 passing TDs to Josh Allen's 25.
Jackson's mastery showed in Sunday's game against the Giants, where he had more TD passes (five) than incompletions (four). His 21 of 25 performance yielded 290 passing yards and a 154.6 passer rating, plus 65 rushing yards.
Yet Josh Allen's Bills have carved out an 11-3 record and clinched the AFC East. They face a favorable schedule against struggling teams — the New England Patriots twice and the New York Jets once. Meanwhile, Jackson's 9-5 Ravens battle for the AFC North title against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans before closing against the Cleveland Browns.
The head-to-head factor adds another layer — Jackson's Ravens defeated Allen's Bills 35-10 in Week 4. However, Buffalo's recent offensive explosion and Allen's historic dual-threat performances might just tip the MVP scales in his favor.