As the Jets’ disappointing 2023 season comes to a close, there has been at least one positive development in recent weeks to provide hope for 2024 and beyond.
Breece Hall has emerged as not just a runner, but a pass catcher in recent weeks and the Jets’ coaching staff has a blueprint for how to use him next year.
For most of the season, Hall was off the field on third down.
The Jets used Michael Carter as their third-down back before they released him in the middle of the season.
Initially, after the Carter move, the Jets went to Dalvin Cook on passing downs.
But recently it has been Hall, and he has produced.
In the last seven games, Hall has 48 receptions for 333 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
In the Jets’ first nine games, he had just 26 receptions for 246 yards and one touchdown.
The Jets are targeting Hall more and he is responding.
Hall’s playing time was limited a bit early as he returned from the ACL injury he suffered in October 2022.
He now looks all the way back.
For the season, Hall has 186 rushes for 816 yards and four rushing touchdowns along with 74 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns.
His eight touchdowns lead the team.
“I think it takes time for these ACL injuries to take some playing time,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “Remember, he missed all OTAs, missed all the training camp, just trying to train. Not to give him an out or anything, but at the same time I do think he’s improved so much in terms of just not being satisfied. I want to make sure I’m saying this right, but understanding, take what the defense gives and your athleticism will do the rest, so he is lowering his shoulder.
“He is getting vertical. He is being opportunistic in terms of finding lanes and clear space to run through and he’s been doing an awesome job the last few weeks. He looks awesome, and then hopefully continues to get better.”
The Jets have gone to Hall frequently in the fourth quarter when trailing. Someone questioned whether that was a sound strategy after the 37-20 loss to the Browns on Thursday night, implying the short passes were not smart because the team needed to score quickly.
“I can score any time I touch the ball. I don’t think that’s a bad thing or anything like that,” Hall said. “I feel like the quarterback is going to take what the defense is giving them. You can’t force anything because if you force something, you’re turning the ball over.”
Like the entire Jets offense, Hall’s production in 2023 was hurt by the loss of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 1.
But Hall has shown now what he can do in the passing game and that should be featured in 2024 with a healthy Rodgers back under center.
“This whole season has been frustrating. I’m motivated every week,” Hall said. “I worked my ass off this offseason to come back. I expect to be one of the best in the league and I couldn’t really show that the whole season.”
Saleh knows the Jets need to get the ball to Hall and Garrett Wilson to have success.
Hall has gotten better at running routes as the season has gone on.
“He’s a threat every time he touches the ball,” Saleh said. “Obviously in the first half of the year, Michael, to his credit, is a really good all-around back, Michael Carter, but without him here, Breece, he’s getting healthy. He’s over a year past his ACL injury and he’s doing an awesome job.
“He’s doing an awesome job out of the backfield running the ball and he’s doing an unbelievable job with route running and catching the ball and getting vertical and he’s a mismatch, for sure.”
