Is Jackson vs. Mahomes the new Manning vs. Brady?

The advantage of having the AFC stocked with exceptional young quarterbacks is that their careers are inevitably entwined. Patrick Mahomes has already developed budding rivalries with Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, but his most significant competitor within the conference is someone he hasn’t faced since Week 2 of the 2021 season: Lamar Jackson.

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As Jackson approaches his potential second MVP award, it’s evident that these two quarterbacks stand out as the best in the AFC, if not the entire NFL. While they have a journey ahead to match the longevity of iconic quarterback rivalries from the previous generation, such as the battles between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Mahomes and Jackson could very well become the newest quarterback duel shaping the landscape of the conference.

Fresh from recent performances that highlight why they enjoy widespread acclaim in the world of football, Jackson and Mahomes showcased their prowess. Jackson orchestrated a second-half surge, scoring three touchdowns against the Houston Texans on Saturday, securing the Ravens’ first home AFC championship game.

Following a noteworthy offseason that earned him a substantial contract, solidifying his role as the Ravens’ long-term quarterback, Jackson has justified the team’s confidence by putting up MVP-worthy performances. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and operating in a spread-style attack, Jackson demonstrates his exceptional talent. This scheme allows him the space to operate effectively and showcases the best version of his quarterback abilities.

On Sunday, Mahomes demonstrated why he has held the title of the best quarterback in the sport since assuming the role as the Chiefs’ starter in 2018. Despite the Chiefs’ offense facing inconsistency throughout the season, Kansas City found its stride at the perfect moment to overpower the Bills’ defense in a 27-24 victory, a score that could easily have been 34-24 if Mecole Hardman hadn’t fumbled the ball through the end zone. Replicating such efficiency against the formidable Ravens defense will be challenging, but counting Mahomes out of any situation has become impossible at this juncture. Achieving six consecutive AFC title game appearances is a remarkable feat that cannot be understated.

While Mahomes holds an advantage in terms of postseason success with two Super Bowl titles compared to Jackson’s zero, it doesn’t diminish Jackson’s potential to reach those heights. This dynamic resembles the situation between Brady and Manning. Jackson possesses all the necessary skills and supporting talent to secure a Super Bowl victory; he just needs to deliver in crucial moments where Mahomes has already proven to be unstoppable.

This game’s intrigue lies in the contrast between Mahomes, an established figure in NFL lore despite his youth, and Jackson, who is seeking to fill the last remaining gap in his impressive NFL resume.

Only time will reveal whether these players eventually achieve the level of success on the field that Brady and Manning did. However, players consistently involved in pivotal moments that shape legacies automatically become the prominent figures in the sport. By the conclusion of this season, Mahomes and Jackson will have collectively earned four MVP awards since the beginning of the 2018 season. This accomplishment alone establishes them as two of the most dominant players in this era of football, and now they are set to face each other with a chance at the Lombardi Trophy on the line.

While Mahomes has encountered matchups against Allen and Burrow, Jackson stands out as the only player who has come close to matching him in terms of accolades. When they step onto the field on Sunday, it will be evident that this emerging quarterback rivalry between Mahomes and Jackson is poised to define the next several years in the NFL. Mahomes vs. Jackson. Brady vs. Manning. A new era in quarterback rivalries has arrived.