Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has been one of the biggest supporters of Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson, arguing that he’s the best quarterback in the league and deserving of a third NFL MVP award in his trophy case. Does he have a point?
What Did Cam Newton Say About Lamar Jackson?
Newton appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith to discuss whether a win this weekend would be more important for Jackson or Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson.
Newton took the conversation to another level by saying that Jackson is the best quarterback in the NFL and even said Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen isn’t “held to the same standards” as Jackson.
“Right now, I’m taking Lamar Jackson over any other quarterback in the NFL.”
–@CameronNewton 👀 pic.twitter.com/rNu7CkUvG1
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 20, 2024
When Newton brought up Jackson’s struggles against the Steelers, he claimed it’s because they are a division rival, so they “know him best.”
Perhaps Newton isn’t properly respecting the fact that Allen has to play the Kansas City Chiefs every single year and still shows out.
Allen and Jackson are the two odds-on favorites to win MVP, with Allen at -900 and Jackson at +550 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
If Jackson can duplicate the performance he had last week against this bitter rival, don’t be surprised if this conversation opens up even more.
Is Jackson the Best QB in the NFL?
The conversation shifted from the Ravens-Steelers game to a debate about the best quarterback in the NFL after Newton’s comment.
“Lamar Jackson is the greatest QB in the NFL right now,” Newton argued, to which Stephen A. quickly countered with Patrick Mahomes.
There is no denying that Mahomes has the greatest legacy of any active player in the NFL, but is he the best in the NFL right now?
While the numbers aren’t as eye-popping as they have been in past years, Mahomes is finding a way to continue to win games, leading the Chiefs to yet another division title and a 13-1 record as it stands today.
With that said, Allen is the current favorite to win the MVP award for a reason. While Allen will be tough to beat, if Jackson finds a way to capture the division crown from Pittsburgh, this will certainly help Cam’s argument.
When it comes down to it, Allen is making clutch plays and has his division in the bag even after losing Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans.
Jackson’s stats are certainly impressive, as he has 34 touchdowns to just three interceptions plus 743 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. However, when you watch the games, it seems like they just aren’t as in control as Buffalo is, and to me, that is what makes for a league MVP.
Absolutely can’t use stats as an example. If it were true, Dak should’ve walked away with 2023 MVP. Stop busting out the stats. pic.twitter.com/Wa1sdFnWIW
— Kent Hull fan account (@1980Billsfan) December 20, 2024
Look at 2023 as a perfect example: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had Jackson beat in many statistical categories, but Lamar was truly the most valuable player that year, so he took home the award.
When it comes down to it, it is all about winning games, and even if Allen wins MVP, he needs to defeat Mahomes and bring the Bills to a Super Bowl to advance his legacy to another level.
It’s worth noting that PFN’s QB+ metric currently agrees with Newton, as Jackson is the No. 1 ranked quarterback this season, followed by Allen at No. 2. Mahomes, shockingly, is ranked No. 12 this season, as his stats have hurt his case in the metric-based evaluation.
