In the NFL, the difference between good and great is sometimes a matter of effort. And for two New York Jets rookies, their desire to win has a chance to elevate them to the next level.
Speaking at his Thursday media availability, Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing raved about the work ethic of Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
“There is a play, and I hope you guys can highlight it for me. Braelon Allen runs a cross-sift protection and wheels and pins Calais Campbell so that we can throw the ball down the field to Garrett Wilson. That play encapsulates who those guys are; they will do anything to help us win. They are eager and excited to get better at new techniques and run schemes. Those guys are an absolute pleasure to be around at all times,” said Downing.
“I was so happy for Isaiah (Davis),” Downing said, recalling Davis’ first career rushing touchdown. “He has been working with Tony Dews on his outside zone tracks, and we call that outside zone on the 17. He stretches and gets vertical, and then Allen (Lazard) has a great block on the backside. Isaiah is able to find his way into the end zone. It was fun to watch their hard work come to fruition in so many cool ways.”
With no Breece Hall in the lineup, the rookies are showing that they are more than capable of being relied upon at the NFL level.
Allen and Davis have both shown skill in between the tackles, out in space, and as pass catchers. They have already established a baseline as serviceable running backs, and their flashes show that they could be lead runners in the future.
In a season full of negativity, Allen and Davis have been bright spots. They must continue showing off their talents if New York wants to compete for the remainder of the 2024 season.
