New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen scored two touchdowns against the Titans. Now, he has the hardware to show for it.
Allen was voted the NFL’s Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week.
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.@nyjets RB @BraelonAllen has been voted as the @Pepsi Zero Sugar @NFL Rookie of Week 2: https://t.co/QwOX9Z1YAN #ROTW
— NFL345 (@NFL345) September 19, 2024
This continues a trend among Jets rookies. If they’re on the ballot for Rookie of the Week, they usually win. In 2022, Jets rookies won the award a whopping 10 times. They won it only once in 2023 (Xavier Gipson in Week 1 after his walk-off punt return touchdown), but that was partially because their first-round pick (Will McDonald) barely played, and their second-rounder (Joe Tippmann) was an offensive lineman.
Allen, 20, became the youngest player in NFL history to score a touchdown when he took an Aaron Rodgers screen pass 12 yards for the score. There was a 20-year age gap between passer and receiver, as Rodgers is the NFL’s oldest player at age 40.
Braelon Allen gets his first NFL touchdown to tie the game up!
(Via: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/nildqs3PgX— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 15, 2024
Allen later added what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown on a 20-yard run.
Braelon Allen gets his second TD of the day and the Jets lead in the 4th!
(Via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/KSB6cMIacr
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 15, 2024
Allen has a reputation as a bruising downhill runner, but many underestimate his acceleration. It was on display on the rushing touchdown, as he easily outflanked the safety to the corner.
Allen reacted to the award on X (formerly Twitter).
Best fans in the world. Excited to see all of you tonight!! 💚 https://t.co/Zfc1DJOD0N
— Braelon Allen (@BraelonAllen) September 19, 2024
While the rest of the Jets’ draft picks have played little to no role so far this season, Allen showed in Week 2 that he is ready to contribute immediately.
The Jets used the pony package (two-RB) set on several plays. Allen and Breece Hall form a formidable one-two punch on the ground and through the air. Expect Nathaniel Hackett to continue to use them together to create mismatches and misdirection.
Allen and the Jets take on the Patriots in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football.
