Surprise Jets Star Can't Afford Slow Start in Week 1

The newfound star in the Jets backfield finds himself with incredibly high expectations following a stellar sophomore season. In 2023, Breece Hall collected over 1,500 all-purpose yards to go along with nine total touchdowns, but the biggest obstacle for him is a slow start to the 2024 season.

New York opens up the season against some of the more respectable defenses in the NFL. Even with the return of Aaron Rodgers, the run game has to be on point for the Jets to find early success. In a short sample size, Hall has had fewer touches in the early part of the year, per Pro Football Reference, and that must change for the Jets to set the tone for the rest of the season.

It's clear that the more involved Hall is in the offense, the better chance the Jets have to win against anyone in the NFL. Great teams find ways to utilize their running backs, as showcased by New York's Week 1 opponent. Since acquiring Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers have consistently been the best team in the NFC.

There is no reason the Jets shouldn't use Hall the same way that the 49ers use McCaffrey out of the backfield. That said, Hall is not the same player that McCaffrey is, but in a sense, they are both two of the NFL's best running backs with the ball in their hands. It is not crazy to think the Jets can use him the same way that the 49ers use McCaffrey.

Even with poor quarterback play last season, Hall found success with both running and catching the football. A productive game for Hall against one of the best defenses in the NFL on national television not only sets him up for a successful year but also makes the Jets' offense much scarier. There's a trickle-down effect with Hall as an added bonus in that his play can elevate the passing attack and take pressure off of Aaron Rodgers in his return to the field.

Here's hoping Hall gets off to the best start possible in Week 1.

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