Will Jets Feed Their 'Special Talent' in Week 17?

After touching the ball a season-high 32 times against the Commanders, Hall may be in line for another heavy workload

The New York Jets have had a sleeping giant in their offensive backfield in recent weeks, and it appears as if he's awoken. 

Busting out of a rushing slump, second-year running back Breece Hall put forth an historic performance on Christmas Eve. In a 30-28 victory over the Washington Commanders, Hall totaled 191 yards from scrimmage as the game's leading rusher and receiver.

"He's so special, man. He's the best in the league and I can't wait for the world to be able to see that. That was just a glimpse of that today," said wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

It was Hall's second career appearance with at least 95 yards on the ground and 95 yards through the air. The late Walter Payton, the NFL's all-time second-leading rusher, achieved that feat a record three times over his storied career.

Prior to the December 24 eruption, Hall had not eclipsed the 50-yard rushing mark since an October 8 road win over Denver — a span of nine straight games. Over six outings from November 12 through December 17, the RB1 averaged only 2.44 yards per carry. 

"With Breece, he’s a special talent, like I said, just trying to find ways to get him the ball as best we can," said head coach Robert Saleh.

In the six games leading into the Week 16 win, Hall averaged 9.9 rush attempts per outing. Then, he carried 20 times for 95 yards against Washington.

"The coaches were able to get me in good spots to get the ball in space and they stayed with me the whole game," said Hall. "It’s a blessing that they still have faith in me after having a big knee injury and everything and still believe I’m the guy."

Hall's rookie season lasted only 6.5 games due to a torn ACL, but the 22-year-old bell-cow back returned in time for the 2023 season opener. He rushed 10 times for 127 yards on September 11 against Buffalo and gained 177 yards on 22 carries in Week 5 against the Broncos.

"He’s one of our best playmakers and then we got to do everything we can to find a way to get him the football," said Saleh with the Jets facing a short week of preparation for Thursday night's road game against the Browns.

Although his rushing totals were routinely unimpressive for a nine-week span, he remained a key component to the pass game. Hall has made at least four receptions in eight of 15 games and his 65 catches are second most on the team. In four of his last five appearances, he has earned at least eight targets as a receiver.

Hall caught 12 of 16 targets against Washington, gaining a season-high 96 yards via the aerial attack.

"That’s huge for us as an offense right now, to be able to check it down to Breece or something and a five-yard catch becomes 20, 30, whatever it is," said tight end Tyler Conklin.

After touching the ball a season-high 32 times against the Commanders, Hall may be in line for another heavy workload against the Browns on December 28.

"I think I read that we gave over 30 touches yesterday, which is awesome. If I’m not mistaken. It’s deserved," said Saleh.

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