Daniel Jones vs. Lamar Jackson: A Rushing Yard Comparison & Expectations

Sep 08, 2025

Daniel Jones vs. Lamar Jackson: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks and Rushing Yard Expectations

The modern NFL quarterback is evolving. Gone are the days of purely pocket passers. Quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Daniel Jones are rewriting the playbook, showcasing the impact of rushing ability on a team's success. While both are quarterbacks with rushing capabilities, their styles, effectiveness, and expectations for rushing yards differ significantly. This article delves into a detailed comparison of Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson, analyzing their rushing stats, the context surrounding their performances, and what the future holds for their ground game.

Understanding the Modern Mobile Quarterback

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to define what makes a quarterback a mobile threat. It's more than just raw speed; it's about the ability to:

• Extend plays when the pocket collapses.
• Convert third downs with their legs.
• Exploit defensive breakdowns in designed runs.
• Add a dimension to the offense that defenses must account for.

The rise of quarterbacks who can effectively run has forced defensive coordinators to adapt their strategies. Defenses must now account for the quarterback as a legitimate rushing threat, adding complexity to their game plans.

Lamar Jackson: A Rushing Revolution

Lamar Jackson has redefined the perception of a running quarterback. His impact on the NFL has been nothing short of revolutionary.

Statistical Dominance

Lamar Jackson's rushing statistics speak volumes:

• He holds the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback.
• He is consistently among the league leaders in rushing attempts and yards among quarterbacks.
• He boasts a high yards-per-carry average, showcasing his explosiveness.

Jackson's rookie season immediately signaled his potential. He quickly became the focal point of the Baltimore Ravens' offense, showcasing an unparalleled ability to make defenders miss in open space.

The Ravens' Rushing Scheme

The Baltimore Ravens, under the guidance of head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman (previously), built their entire offensive scheme around Jackson's unique abilities. This scheme heavily incorporated:

• Read-option plays: Jackson's decision-making on whether to hand off or keep the ball keeps defenses guessing.
• Quarterback power runs: Designed runs where Jackson attacks the line of scrimmage.
• Zone-read variations: Further exploiting defensive uncertainty with multiple run options.

The Ravens' commitment to Jackson's rushing prowess allowed him to thrive. They understood his strengths and weaknesses and tailored their approach to maximize his impact.

Impact on Defensive Strategies

Lamar Jackson's running ability has forced opposing defensive coordinators to drastically alter their game plans. Defenses must now:

• Assign a dedicated spy to shadow Jackson.
• Utilize zone defenses to contain his perimeter runs.
• Adjust their run fits to account for the quarterback as a runner.

The resources required to contain Jackson create opportunities for other offensive players. This indirect impact on the passing game highlights the value of his rushing ability.

Daniel Jones: A Developing Rushing Threat

While Daniel Jones may not possess the same explosive rushing ability as Lamar Jackson, he has shown flashes of potential as a mobile quarterback.

Statistical Analysis

Daniel Jones' rushing statistics, while not as eye-popping as Jackson's, demonstrate his willingness and ability to use his legs:

• He has shown an increase in rushing attempts and yards over his career.
• He is capable of making key runs to extend drives and score touchdowns.
• His yards-per-carry average is respectable, indicating he can gain positive yardage.

Analyzing his rushing statistics in the context of the Giants' offensive system is crucial. The Giants' offensive line struggles and inconsistent play-calling have often limited Jones' opportunities to run effectively.

The Giants' Offensive Approach

Unlike the Ravens, the New York Giants have not built their entire offense around Daniel Jones' rushing ability. However, they have incorporated some elements to utilize his mobility:

• Designed quarterback runs in specific situations.
• Utilizing Jones' legs to escape pressure and extend plays.
• Incorporating read-option elements, though less frequently than the Ravens.

The Giants' offensive approach has been more balanced, focusing on developing Jones as a passer first and utilizing his rushing ability as a complementary weapon.

Context and Challenges

Several factors have impacted Daniel Jones' rushing performance:

• Offensive line struggles: Poor pass protection often forces Jones to run for his safety rather than designed runs.
• Inconsistent play-calling: A lack of commitment to the run game can limit Jones' opportunities.
• Injuries: Jones has suffered injuries that have hampered his mobility and effectiveness.

It's important to consider these contextual factors when evaluating Jones' rushing statistics. A more stable offensive environment could unlock his full potential as a runner.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Rushing Stats and Style

A direct comparison of Lamar Jackson and Daniel Jones' rushing statistics reveals significant differences:

Raw Numbers

A side-by-side comparison of key rushing statistics:

These raw numbers clearly demonstrate Lamar Jackson's dominance as a rusher compared to Daniel Jones. However, it's crucial to analyze the context surrounding these statistics.

Rushing Style and Approach

Their rushing styles also differ significantly:

• Lamar Jackson: Explosive, elusive, and often runs in designed plays. He is a primary focus of the running game.
• Daniel Jones: More of a scrambler, using his legs to extend plays and escape pressure. He is a secondary rushing threat.

Jackson's style is predicated on speed and agility, making him a difficult target to bring down in the open field. Jones relies more on his size and strength to gain yards and protect himself.

Impact on Team Success

The impact of a quarterback's rushing ability on team success is undeniable, but it manifests differently for Jackson and Jones.

Lamar Jackson's Transformative Impact

Lamar Jackson's rushing ability has been a catalyst for the Baltimore Ravens' success:

• He has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances.
• His rushing threat has opened up opportunities for the passing game.
• The Ravens' unique offensive scheme, built around Jackson's rushing ability, has been difficult for defenses to stop.

Jackson's impact extends beyond the stat sheet. His presence on the field elevates the entire team and instills fear in opposing defenses.

Daniel Jones' Potential Impact

While Daniel Jones' rushing ability has not had the same transformative impact, it still contributes to the Giants' success in specific ways:

• He extends drives with key runs on third down.
• He escapes pressure and creates opportunities for receivers.
• His mobility forces defenses to account for his running ability.

If the Giants can build a more consistent offensive line and develop a more effective rushing scheme, Jones' rushing ability could become a more significant asset.

Durability and Risk Factors

The increased reliance on quarterbacks to run brings inherent risks of injury.

Lamar Jackson's Durability Concerns

Lamar Jackson's aggressive running style has raised concerns about his long-term durability:

• He has sustained injuries that have sidelined him for games.
• His willingness to take hits increases his risk of future injuries.
• The Ravens must carefully manage his workload to preserve his health.

The Ravens have adjusted their offensive scheme to reduce Jackson's exposure to hits, but his running style will always carry some risk.

Daniel Jones' Injury History

Daniel Jones has also faced his share of injuries, some related to his rushing attempts:

• He has suffered ankle sprains and other lower-body injuries.
• Poor offensive line play has exposed him to unnecessary hits.
• The Giants must prioritize protecting Jones to ensure his long-term health.

Improving the offensive line and limiting designed quarterback runs can help reduce Jones' injury risk.

The Future: Evolving Rushing Expectations

The role of the running quarterback will continue to evolve in the NFL. Expectations for rushing yards will depend on individual skill sets, offensive schemes, and team philosophies.

Lamar Jackson's Future

Lamar Jackson's future likely involves a continued emphasis on his rushing ability, but with adjustments to preserve his health:

• The Ravens may incorporate more passing plays to reduce his rushing workload.
• Jackson may become more selective about when he runs, focusing on high-leverage situations.
• His evolution as a passer will be crucial to his long-term success.

Jackson's ability to adapt and evolve will determine his longevity as a running quarterback.

Daniel Jones' Future

Daniel Jones' future as a runner will depend on his development as a passer and the Giants' offensive strategy:

• He may continue to use his legs to extend plays and escape pressure.
• The Giants may incorporate more designed quarterback runs to utilize his mobility.
• His rushing ability will likely remain a secondary weapon in his arsenal.

If Jones can improve his decision-making and accuracy as a passer, his rushing ability could become a valuable complement to his passing game.

The Analytics Perspective

Advanced analytics offer further insights into the value and efficiency of quarterback rushing.

Expected Points Added (EPA) and Win Probability Added (WPA)

These metrics can quantify the impact of rushing plays on a team's scoring potential and likelihood of winning:

• Lamar Jackson consistently ranks high in EPA and WPA for rushing plays.
• Daniel Jones' EPA and WPA for rushing plays are more variable, depending on the situation and success of the play.

Analyzing these metrics provides a more nuanced understanding of the value of each quarterback's rushing ability.

Success Rate

Success rate measures the percentage of rushing plays that result in a positive outcome (e.g., gaining a certain percentage of the required yardage):

• Lamar Jackson's rushing success rate is typically high, indicating his consistency in gaining positive yardage.
• Daniel Jones' rushing success rate can be affected by factors such as offensive line play and defensive schemes.

Success rate provides a valuable measure of the efficiency of each quarterback's rushing attempts.

Coaching Philosophies and Influences

The coaching philosophies of the Ravens and Giants have significantly shaped the rushing expectations for Jackson and Jones, respectively.

The Ravens' Rushing-First Approach

The Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh (and previously with offensive coordinator Greg Roman), embraced a rushing-first approach centered around Lamar Jackson's unique abilities:

• They built a complex rushing scheme that utilized Jackson's speed and agility.
• They prioritized the run game, even when facing pass-heavy defenses.
• Their coaching staff has a strong understanding of how to maximize Jackson's rushing potential.

This coaching philosophy has been instrumental in Jackson's success as a runner.

The Giants' Balanced Approach

The Giants, under various coaching regimes, have generally favored a more balanced offensive approach:

• They have focused on developing Daniel Jones as a passer first.
• They have incorporated some rushing elements to utilize his mobility, but not as a primary focus.
• Their coaching staff has prioritized building a complete offensive system rather than relying solely on Jones' rushing ability.

This coaching philosophy has shaped Jones' role as a runner and his overall development as a quarterback.

Conclusion: Two Different Paths to Quarterback Mobility

Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson represent two different approaches to quarterback mobility. Lamar Jackson has revolutionized the position with his unparalleled rushing ability, while Daniel Jones has shown flashes of potential as a mobile quarterback within a more traditional offensive system. Their rushing statistics, styles, and impact on team success differ significantly, reflecting their individual skill sets, team strategies, and coaching philosophies. As the NFL continues to evolve, the role of the running quarterback will remain a crucial aspect of the game, and these two quarterbacks provide valuable insights into the diverse ways that mobility can contribute to team success.

Future Projections and Rushing Yard Expectations (2024 and Beyond)

Predicting future performance is always challenging, but we can project reasonable rushing yard expectations for both quarterbacks:

Lamar Jackson's Projected Rushing Yards

Given his age and potential for evolving play style, here's a reasonable expectation for Jackson:

• **2024:** 700-900 yards (Slightly decreased emphasis on rushing due to longevity concerns and development of passing game).
• **2025-2026:** 600-800 yards (Continued evolution towards a pass-first approach while still maintaining a running threat).
• **Long-term:** Reduced rushing attempts with focus on efficiency and game management, potentially shifting into more designed scrambles.

Daniel Jones' Projected Rushing Yards

Assuming he remains the Giants' starting quarterback, here's a potential outlook:

• **2024:** 300-450 yards (Dependent on offensive line improvements and offensive scheme).
• **2025-2026:** 350-500 yards (Increased comfort and trust in his rushing ability, potentially leading to more designed runs).
• **Long-term:** Stable or slightly increased rushing production based on offensive line performance and coaching philosophy.

These projections account for potential injuries, offensive line play, and coaching strategy changes. Ultimately, individual performance will dictate the reality.

Legal and Ethical Considerations of QB Rushing

It's important to briefly acknowledge the legal and ethical ramifications of using QBs as rushing threats:

• **Player Safety:** The league is increasingly focused on player safety, specifically concussion protocol. Over-reliance on QB rushing could put the player at higher risk.
• **Contract Negotiations:** A QB's rushing ability can significantly increase their value, leading to complex contract negotiations that need to balance skill and risk.
• **Representation and Agency:** Agents need to carefully manage their QB client's rushing usage and health in order to maximize both their short-term earnings and long-term health.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson offer unique dimensions to their respective teams. While Jackson has already cemented himself as one of the most dynamic rushing quarterbacks in NFL history, Jones is still developing his rushing skillset within a more traditional framework. Their future rushing yard totals will be a fascinating storyline to follow in the coming years, impacted by their health, coaching decisions, and the evolving dynamics of the NFL game itself.