Josh Allen, the 2024 league MVP and current front-runner for the award again, just dropped a bombshell after the Bills’ dramatic overtime win against the Rams on Monday night, stating Matthew Stafford might be “the greatest thrower of the football of all time.” That’s high praise, especially when the unofficial title has consistently gone to Aaron Rodgers, a sentiment even echoed by the GOAT himself, Tom Brady.
Allen’s Unbelievable Respect for a Gritty Competitor
Before that overtime thriller even kicked off, we saw Allen and Stafford, two of the era’s best QBs, meet at midfield. It immediately brought back memories of those epic Brady-Manning matchups. After the game, Allen didn’t hold back his admiration. He told ESPN he has “an unbelievable amount of respect for Matthew” and how Stafford has always played the game. Allen called him “as tough as they come.” Then came the clincher: “If he’s not the greatest thrower of the football of all time, I don’t know who is. He spins it. He’s a competitor. He’s a guy who every quarterback should strive to be like.” That’s a serious statement coming from a guy who knows a thing or two about slinging the rock himself.
The Thrower Debate Just Got a New Challenger
For years, Aaron Rodgers has been touted as the “greatest thrower of the football,” a title Tom Brady has routinely given him, even as Rodgers, at age 42, continues to display his legendary touch. Brady once said, “I think there’s no greater passer of the football than Aaron Rodgers.” He added that “Aaron Rodgers was incredible.” It seems Allen might have had that thought cross his mind, because when asked about Stafford again, he slightly adjusted his take. “In my opinion, if he’s not the greatest thrower of the football, he’s No. 2,” Allen clarified.
But whether he’s number one or two, Stafford’s status as an all-time great isn’t up for debate anymore. He backed up his talent with a Super Bowl win in 2021 and cemented his legacy by becoming the oldest league MVP in history last year. Even with the Rams’ season being disappointing so far, the 38-year-old Stafford is still playing at an elite level. He’s currently leading the NFL in attempts, completions, and passing yards. Against Allen’s Bills, Stafford threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns, completing a ridiculous 74.1% of his passes. He played lights out, even if Allen ultimately got the overtime win.
So, while Josh Allen might be leading the MVP race this year, he’s clearly paying attention to the legends still out there. With Stafford still putting up monster numbers at 38 and Rodgers defying age at 42, the “greatest thrower” conversation just got a whole lot more interesting. It’s clear Allen sees Stafford as not just a peer, but one of the absolute best to ever grip a football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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