Former AFC Rival Compares Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson for 'Scariest' NFL QB

New Commanders defender discusses what QBs have been 'figured out'

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:26pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the intense action of an NFL football game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of navy, red, and gold.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the ongoing battle between two of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.Kansas City Today

Charles Omenihu, the former Texans, 49ers and Chiefs defensive end who now plays for the Commanders, listed Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as the 'scariest' NFL QB, ahead of Lamar Jackson of the Ravens. Omenihu cited Allen's ability to make every throw from anywhere on the field and his hard-to-tackle size and athleticism as reasons why he believes the league has not yet 'figured out' how to defend Allen, unlike Jackson.

Why it matters

Omenihu's perspective carries weight given his extensive on-field experience facing both Allen and Jackson in the AFC, including multiple playoff matchups. His analysis provides an interesting counterpoint to the common narrative that Jackson is the more 'unstoppable' QB, highlighting how Allen's unique skillset may make him an even greater challenge for defenses.

The details

Omenihu listed his 'scariest' NFL QBs as: 1) Josh Allen, 2) Lamar Jackson, 3) Matthew Stafford, 4) Joe Burrow, and 5) Caleb Williams. He believes Allen is the scariest because 'the league has truly not figured him out' yet, unlike Jackson who can be forced into 'backyard plays' on five-man rushes. Omenihu faced both Allen and Jackson multiple times, including in the playoffs, during his time with the Texans, Chiefs and now Commanders.

  • Omenihu's rookie season in 2019 included a playoff matchup against Allen's Bills.
  • Omenihu's Chiefs also defeated Allen's Bills in the 2023 AFC divisional and 2024 AFC championship games.
  • Omenihu's Chiefs also battled Jackson's Ravens in the 2023 AFC championship game.

The players

Charles Omenihu

A defensive end who has played for the Texans, 49ers, Chiefs and is now with the Commanders. He has faced both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson multiple times, including in the playoffs.

Josh Allen

The quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who Omenihu believes is the 'scariest' QB in the NFL due to his unique skillset that the league has not yet 'figured out'.

Lamar Jackson

The quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, who Omenihu believes is the second 'scariest' QB in the NFL, but can be forced into 'backyard plays' on five-man rushes.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think the league has truly figured [Allen] out. 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.”

— Charles Omenihu, Defensive End, Washington Commanders

“Unfortunately, [Lamar Jackson] might make a play that isn't going to be the best play for the Ravens.”

— Charles Omenihu, Defensive End, Washington Commanders

What’s next

Omenihu and the Commanders will face both Allen's Bills and Jackson's Ravens during the 2026 NFL regular season, providing another opportunity for the veteran defender to test his theories on the league's 'scariest' QBs.

The takeaway

Omenihu's perspective on Allen and Jackson provides an interesting counterpoint to the common narrative, highlighting how Allen's unique skillset may make him an even greater challenge for defenses than the more widely recognized Jackson. This analysis from an experienced AFC defender who has faced both QBs adds valuable context to the ongoing debate over the NFL's most 'unstoppable' quarterback.