Although the New York Jets have gone 1-2 over their past three games, one of the biggest positives from that stretch has been the emergence of running back Braelon Allen.

In Breece Hall’s absence, he has done an excellent job of leading the Jets’ backfield. Once Hall re-enters the fold, though, there obviously won’t be as many touches available. Still, what should his role look like within the offense?

How Allen could remain involved

Not only has Allen done a solid job carrying the load without Hall, but he’s also been one of the league’s best running backs over the past three weeks.

Before this week’s results from Sunday and Monday Night Football, here is where he ranks among 26 qualified RBs in key categories (minimum 30 carries) from Weeks 4-6:

  • 4.6 yards per carry (T-9th)
  • 4.04 yards after contact/attempt (3rd)
  • 17 missed tackles forced (1st)
  • 10 rushes of 10+ yards (1st)

That’s pretty impressive. Above all, as we pointed out last week, his improved elusiveness is what is really eye-catching. That volume of 10+ yard rushes and missed tackles forced isn’t something you typically see from a 250-pound running back.

So, what happens when Hall returns? Well, it does need to be very complicated. No, Allen is not going to replace him as the Jets’ lead back. This stretch has been very solid, but also, let’s not forget, we are talking about a three-game sample size.

He’s not going to replace Hall by any stretch of the imagination, but these past few games have earned Allen more opportunites when the starter comes back from injury. There is a world where they both get involved . At the end of the day, that’s how many top backfields around the league operate: they have a 1-2 punch that complements each other.

Allen’s success these past few weeks could actually benefit Hall, especially in the receiving game. Here at Jets X-Factor, we have emphasized his pass-catching value for the longest time. It’s one of the most underutilized areas of his game.

The same can’t be said about Allen. One of his biggest limitations is catching passes out of the backfield. So, once Hall returns, the Jets can use him more as a receiver and, in turn, increase Allen’s carries compared to what it has typically looked like when both are healthy.

When Frank Reich gets creative, especially with play-action looks and motion, the Jets’ offense functions at its best. Look no further than the Jets’ opening drive of Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, as well as their first drive of the second half.

Reich’s biggest problem as a play caller, though, has been maintaining that level of creativity throughout the game, especially in the moments that matter most. Having Hall, and now a more proven Allen, available at the same time gives Reich more opportunities to create unique opportunities.

The split will also be matchup-dependent. Some weeks and situations will make Hall a much better fit than Allen, and vice versa. What folks must understand is that this shouldn’t be a conversation of who’s better. It’s more about finding ways to integrate two very different, but equally talented, playmakers within the offense.

When all is said and done, Reich will have to find a way to work both of them in. The biggest takeaway, though, is that a path certainly exists. From a skill set standpoint, they complement each other strongly.

Now, it’s on Reich to consistently put both players in a position to succeed.