Throughout the NFL season, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has faced scrutiny from fans regarding his opinions on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. He has long maintained that Allen deserved the NFL MVP this season over Jackson, which has irked many Ravens supporters. The backlash became so pronounced that during a Ravens game against the Cleveland Browns in early January, when the crowd began chanting “M-V-P,” he questioned whether it was directed at him.
“MVP chants very much echoing through the stadium” – Chris Fowler
“I feel they’re very much so directed at the booth right now.” – Dan Orlovsky, who has said previously Josh Allen deserved the MVP pic.twitter.com/OzGuF1RyqA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 4, 2025
Fast forward to Sunday’s thrilling matchup between the Ravens and Bills, where Orlovsky watched the two AFC teams exchange punches until a failed two-point conversion pass from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews sealed Baltimore’s fate and allowed Buffalo to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Orlovsky was in awe of the game he witnessed. Following the game, he felt compelled to defend both Jackson and Andrews from critics blaming them for the loss.
If you put the loss on Lamar tonight, respectfully, you’re a loser
Mark Andrews is one of the all-time Ravens—he had a brutal drop and fumble yes. If you’re gonna use that to trash him, respectfully, you’re a loser.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 20, 2025
Opinions varied on Orlovsky’s remarks; statistically, Jackson outperformed Allen in terms of passing yards and touchdowns, but his two turnovers contributed to a disappointing showing, a trend that has unfortunately characterized his playoff performances. On Monday, Orlovsky redirected the focus to Allen and the Bills for their victory rather than placing blame on Jackson for the loss. “If you’re gonna blame last night on Lamar, I think, respectfully, you’re a loser,” he reiterated. “But we do have to praise Josh Allen.”
During a subsequent appearance on Unsportsmanlike, Orlovsky emphasized that Jackson must evolve in the playoffs, similar to the progress made by Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar Jackson is going to have to go through his playoff evolution the way that we’ve seen Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen do it. @danorlovsky7 https://t.co/rc4D4yLkJT pic.twitter.com/hhJEszi7fb
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) January 20, 2025
Emboldened by the game’s outcome and his steadfast views, Orlovsky took to X on Monday afternoon to send a message, seemingly targeting his critics. “The bloggers and haters have been mighty quiet today oddly enough,” he posted, though he deleted it shortly after (not before Prime Video’s Andrew Whitworth posed a relevant question).
😂😂😂
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 20, 2025
While it’s unclear who exactly Orlovsky was referencing, it’s safe to say that he might just be proven correct in his assertion that Allen will clinch the MVP title over Jackson, a two-time winner. Given his position and the public scrutiny he faced for his initial claims, it’s understandable if he wants to take a victory lap. We’ll find out on February 6 whether he rises above the bloggers and critics once again.
