The 2024 NFL MVP race had enough controversy to fill an entire offseason’s worth of debate shows. Josh Allen walked away with the trophy, but plenty of fans (especially in Baltimore) would tell you Lamar Jackson had the better season. Stats, eye tests, gut feelings—everyone had their own argument. But if you ask Dolphins legend Dan Marino? He saw it coming a mile away.When asked about Allen taking home MVP honors, Marino didn’t hesitate on the Not Just Football podcast:“I wasn’t because the impact he’s made this year. You know, Lamar Jackson could have been a good pick, too. I think the fact that they got to the AFC Championship game; how he’s been consistently playing each and every week. And the production he’s put up, not only throwing the ball but also running the ball, is pretty special.”Marino wasn’t alone in that thinking. Sure, Lamar Jackson had the stats. He torched defenses for 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 119.6 passer rating. He also earned a first-team All-Pro QB nomination, historically an automatic MVP ticket. But Allen? He had the narrative. And in the NFL, sometimes that’s the final nail in the coffin.Numbers alone did not build Allen’s case. He led the Bills to a 13-4 record, secured another AFC East title, and did it all with a supporting cast that had more question marks than exclamation points. He finished with 41 total touchdowns—28 through the air, 12 on the ground, and one receiving (because, of course, he did). More importantly, he cut down on turnovers, throwing a career-low six interceptions.Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) speaks with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after the game during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn ImagesYet, some still argue he didn’t deserve it. Jackson had better passing numbers, rushed for 915 yards, and had the All-Pro vote in his favor. Even more confusing? Jackson got 30 first-place votes for All-Pro but only 23 for MVP. The math isn’t mathing. This factor also did confuse Marino as he said: “Yes, it is strange,” when the podcast host reminded him of the difference in voting.Fans cried foul. Was it voter fatigue? Was the league trying to give Allen his “due” after years of coming up short? Maybe. Maybe not. I mean, the thing is, it has only happened twice that the first-team all-pro QB has NOT become the MVP. Something that even sent Marino backtracking on his original ‘I’m not surprised’ remark.Allen had the wins, the moments, and the highlight-reel plays. But if you’re a Ravens fan still fuming, you’re not crazy either. But hey, there’s always next season.Josh Allen could make the Lombardi Parade happen in Buffalo!Back in September, ahead of the 2024 season, Josh Allen didn’t mince words. “I can give 2 ‘you know whats’ about winning the MVP; the only thing I care about is raising that Lombardi Trophy.” That’s how you shut down a question. Allen made it clear on The Facility with Emmanuel Acho—individual awards? Nice. But a Super Bowl? That’s the goal. Remember when he even joked on Pardon My Take about retiring if it guaranteed a title? Wild, but that’s the level of obsession we’re talking about. Now, with the MVP checked off the list, all eyes are locked on the real prize.Dan Marino believes it’s possible. The Dolphins legend, who spent his career going toe-to-toe with the Bills, knows the sting of never winning it all. “Josh Allen is extremely disappointed…he’ll think about losing that playoff game all offseason…but also he’s a tough dude. He’s mentally tough…I think he’ll get over the hump.” Strong words from a Hall of Famer who lived the highs and lows of trying to reach the mountaintop. Marino made it to the Super Bowl in his second year and never got back—so when he speaks on this, Bills fans better listen.Allen’s playoff track record? A mixed bag. In seven years, he’s 7-6 in the postseason, with four brutal exits at the hands of the Chiefs. Yet, his individual performances have been electric—32 total touchdowns, only four interceptions, and a 101.7 QB rating. The guy shows up when it matters. But the team? They haven’t cracked the Kansas City code. That’s the roadblock standing between Buffalo and history.So, what now? Allen knows what’s at stake. MVPs don’t change legacies—rings do. No one remembers Marino’s MVP season over his Super Bowl loss. No one talks about Jim Kelly’s stats without mentioning those four Super Bowl trips. That’s what’s fueling Allen this offseason. Because in Buffalo, there’s only one thing that matters—getting that parade route mapped out.And if Allen finally does it? The Bills Mafia might just throw a tailgate that lasts all offseason.The post Unusual Josh Allen’s MVP Trivia Leaves Dan Marino Speechless as Dolphins Legend Doesn’t Mince Words on Bills QB appeared first on EssentiallySports.