New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is in awe of the talent of running back Breece Hall
When Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles on his fourth snap in Week 1, you could hear the collective gasps and groans throughout MetLife Stadium. A catastrophic injury derailed the New York Jets‘ season before it could even begin – or did it?
Instead of lying down in the face of adversity, the Jets would pull off a miracle upset against the Buffalo Bills. A large part of that was due to the running game, and more specifically, Breece Hall.
Like Rodgers, Hall suffered a season-ending injury back in 2022. The running back tore his ACL in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. Coming into 2023, many (including myself) expected growing pains before Hall would return to his dominant ways.
Instead, Hall made everyone look foolish, toting the rock 10 times for 127 yards while hauling in a reception for 20 yards. Hall’s 83-yard run was a catalyst for the Jets and their “don’t quit” mentality. Speaking to Eric Allen of the Jets’ official website, head coach Robert Saleh was in awe of Hall’s season-opening effort.
“I don’t know, man,” said Saleh when asked to explain what makes Hall so unique. “He’s a big man that runs fast, but he’s [also] very slippery, a deceptive runner. You could see it on that breakaway run, where I think everybody on the Jets’ sideline was celebrating because we thought he was gone. He got hawked down, which we’ll make fun of him for. His speed’s not back yet, but it’s getting there.”
Saleh had no hesitation if he believed the Jets’ top running back will only continue to improve as the season goes on.
“Oh my god, yeah. He’s going to get a lot better.”
If Hall can get better than his 12.7 yards per carry performance in Week 1, NFL defenses will be in for a rude awakening. Without Rodgers under center, the Jets’ gameplan is likely to feature a lot of the 22-year-old running back. Hall and the Jets will face their next test on Sunday, taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
