NFL Vet Criticizes Lamar Jackson, Says Defenses 'Figured Out' 2-Time MVP Compared to Josh Allen

Washington Commanders defensive end Charles Omenihu criticized Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson when comparing him to Buffalo Bills star signal-caller Josh Allen.

"I don't think the league has truly figured [Allen] out," Omenihu said Thursday on the Speakeasy podcast (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). "With Lamar, honestly, you bring a five-man rush on him and collapse that pocket, he's drifting backwards and, unfortunately, he might make a play that isn't going to be the best play for the Ravens. With Josh, he's going to drift backwards, run around, and he's so hard to tackle. He's a large human being, hard to get down, he can make every throw. Every throw from no matter where he's at. His arm strength is unbelievable. I don't think Lamar has that big amount of arm strength like Josh does. Like I said, I think you've figured out Lamar."

"You come after him, you close all the lanes, you five-man rush him and you cover his guys, and I think you get it done," he added. "It's been shown."

Omenihu has experience facing both quarterbacks, as he's played for the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans throughout his seven years in the NFL.

After Jackson won MVP awards for his 2019 season as well as his 2023 season, he finished No. 2 in MVP voting once Allen won the honor following his 2024 campaign.

Jackson wasn't an MVP finalist in 2025, as he missed four games during the season due to hamstring and back injuries.

While Omenihu believes that defenses have figured out the four-time Pro Bowler, he was still difficult to slow down when healthy.

Jackson completed 63.6 percent of his throws for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions last season, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He also rushed for 349 yards and two scores.