Cam Newton goes off on Stephen A. Smith over Josh Allen-Lamar Jackson debate

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton goes to bat for Lamar Jackson.

Tim Weaver | 10 Hours Ago

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is introduced prior to the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. / (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

Saquon Barkley has had a hell of a year, but realistically there are only two players who have a real chance to win the NFL's MVP award for this season. With three games left to play, it'll come down to either Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who's the odds-on favorite, or Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who's already won it twice.

It's not hard to tell who former Carolina Panthers and one-time league MVP Cam Newton thinks should take home the hardware. Watch Newton go off on ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith - who's taking Josh Allen - on the latest episode of First Take.

Cam Newton on NFL MVP

Cam Newton takes direct aim at Stephen A. Smith:

"You must watch what you say about Lamar Jackson, and I don't appreciate it. ... You gotta watch what you say about Lamar Jackson, because you ain't holding Josh Allen to the same standards. ... He's [LJ] the greatest quarterback… pic.twitter.com/XZp6jx0aEC
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) December 20, 2024

There's no denying that Josh Allen is having an amazing season and after the Bills beat the Detroit Lions it's tough to say any other team is the best in the league. However, if we're going purely by individual numbers, Jackson has the stronger case. Heading into Week 16 Jackson has a better completion rate, more passing yards, more passing touchdowns, fewer interceptions, a better passer rating, and more rushing yards. Allen has the advantage in rushing touchdowns, but that's about it.

Nevertheless, we do expect Allen to take home the hardware this year, and nobody really has any right to complain about it. It's a really close race, butAllen is doing all of this while having fewer weapons to work with, especially in the backfield and at wide receiver.