Through the opening days of Onfield Team Activities, teams open the door to what to expect this preseason. Many are developing the chemistry they will rely upon later in the season. For others, it’s about their coaching staff adapting their practice style to best suit their rosters. In New York, the Jets are trying to set the tone for what will hopefully be a successful start to head coach Aaron Glenn’s tenure. The Jets star cornerback-turned-head coach is ready for a new era in MetLife Stadium. Among them is this star running back ready to explode. While he’s been productive, star Breece Hall could be set for one of the best years of his career. Between the new additions to the coaching staff, a new quarterback, and more offensive line help, a breakout year awaits the four-year veteran. Let’s examine how Breece Hall could be in for an impactful season.
Will This Star Running Back Be In for His Best Year Yet?
Despite only having three seasons under his belt, running back Breece Hall has left quite an impact on the Jets. The former Iowa State has been a crucial asset to the team’s offense since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. If not for his torn ACL vs. the Denver Broncos in October, he’d have likely won Offensive Rookie of the Year over teammate Garrett Wilson. However, Breece responded with a great 2023. Although they lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Hall was a stabilizing force on offense. Hall ended 2023 with over 1,600 total scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. In addition, he flashed his potential as a wide receiver as well. Alas, 2024 was a down year for the Jets star.
Due to an inconsistent offense, Hall wasn’t effectively utilized last season. Along with losing carries to rookie Braelon Allen, the team was to pass-oriented for Hall to play to his strengths. However, Hall still managed over 1,300 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns. The crux of this problem also stems from increased fumbles. While Hall is a threat with the ball in his hands, ending 2024 with six fumbles is not a recipe for success. Fortunately, the Jets have taken this new identity to heart, and it should benefit the Jets star.
New Look Offense Should Help Breece Hall
After the hiring of Aaron Glenn, many were interested in who his offensive coordinator would be. In a short time, that answer was revealed in former Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Engstrand spent his entire career in Detroit before heading to New Jersey. While he specializes in tight ends, Engstrand witnessed firsthand the success of the Detroit Lions running game. Thanks to this, Engstrand has the perfect player to model Breece Hall’s game after: Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
In two seasons, Gibbs has become a dangerous playmaker, earning Pro Bowl honors in each season. Like Gibbs, Hall has proven his versatility as a receiver. While David Montgomery has been the between-the-tackles running back, Gibbs has been more of a playmaker on the boundary and an efficient receiving back. One should expect Engstrand to find more ways to get Hall the ball. Between 2023 and 2024, Hall caught 133 passes for 1,074 yards. As New York looks for a dominant number two receiver behind Garrett Wilson, expect Hall to be featured heavily in the passing game.
Starting Quarterback with Mobility
Speaking of the passing game, New York has another major benefit under center this year. While he had a decent end to the regular season, Aaron Rodgers was a shell of his former self. At over 40 years coming of Achilles surgery, he wasn’t fast enough to maximize the offense in play action. However, Aaron Glenn recognized this and made a 180. Both he and Mougey decided to roll with 27-year-old Justin Fields this season.
Looking to show he can still start, the 2021 first-round pick brings athleticism under center that New York needs for a balanced offense. Through his four seasons, Fields averaged over five yards per carry every season while starting with the Chicago Bears. As a result, New York can see a boost in production when running RPOs. In addition, Fields can rely on Hall’s receiving skills when the pocket collapses for positive yardage when a play breaks down.
Well-Rounded Offensive Line
As useful as a great offensive coordinator and quarterback are, no asset is greater for a running back’s success than his offensive line. While it’s not perfect, the last of the Joe Douglas years has at least displayed some growth in the group. Due to heavy investments from offseasons past through the draft, the Jets offensive line does have talent. With four starters selected within the top-45 picks of the draft, the offensive line has the potential to make Hall into a bona fide star.
Except veteran left guard John Simpson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, Olu Fashanu, and Armand Membou were all selected early in the draft. AVT has emerged as one of the best run-blocking guards in the NFL. Despite snap issues early in 2024, Joe Tippmann’s tape flashed the potential of a top-tier center. Meanwhile, 2024 11th overall pick Olu Fashanu learned from future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith and flashed franchise-caliber left tackle play in November and December. Now, they will be joined by Jets’ 7th overall pick Armand Membou. After three seasons as a starter at Missouri, Membou will fit in like a glove at right tackle. Should they find the cohesion needed to succeed, Breece Hall could have the best offensive line of his career.
Final Thoughts
Entering 2025, Breece Hall needs a big season to establish himself as a true star. After the unconventional tenure of Robert Saleh, he hopes that Aaron Glenn can provide some stability for the team. Through his hard work, the opportunity exists to take advantage of it. Thanks to the retooled offensive line, new offensive philosophy, and a new quarterback, Breece Hall can have a productive year ahead of him. Which will come in handy as he looks for a long-term extension from the Jets after this season.
Main Photo: [Gregory Fisher] – USA Today Sports
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