Jets' Breece Hall confident in his team, his knee and himself
New York Jets running back Breece Hall at training camp on Thursday. Credit: Ed Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Breece Hall finished six yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards last year. He guaranteed he would easily surpass that milestone this season.
“I’m going to for sure have 1,000-plus yards this year,” Hall said Thursday after the Jets' second practice of training camp.
It would be silly to doubt Hall. He nearly did it last year coming off a torn ACL, playing with four different quarterbacks and behind an offensive line that was piecemealed together.
Losing Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 last year changed everything for the Jets and how teams defended them. The Jets weren’t much of a passing threat, so teams often loaded the box to stop Hall. He still found a way to make big plays.
If Rodgers can stay healthy, teams have to honor his passing prowess, especially with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams on the outside. The Jets also upgraded the offensive line, adding veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson and drafting Olu Fashanu in the first round. Hall should have much more room to run than last year.
“When everybody talks about the O-line, I just smile because now I feel like I’m blessed because I’m around all these guys,” Hall said.
The third-year running back is in a much better place physically and mentally than a year ago. He didn’t fully participate in training camp because of his injury and was on a snap count early. Hall said there were times he was sore last season but his knee feels great now.
All things considered, Hall had a remarkable 2023 season. He led all backs with 76 catches and was fourth in the NFL with 1,585 scrimmage yards.
Hall is proving to be a Christian McCaffrey-type of back with his ability to play every down and be a major playmaker in the run and pass game. Hall made a catch on the sideline Thursday, coming back to the ball as Rodgers rolled to the right to keep the play alive.
The Jets didn’t always utilize Hall the right way last season. During a seven-game stretch in November and December, Hall had fewer than 20 touches six straight times. They went 1-5. Hall could be more dangerous this year because of all the additions and changes on offense.
“He’s important because he’s special,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s a three-down back because he’s capable. He’s got electric speed. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s smart. Even him just getting a full offseason of work without having to worry about his injury — knock on wood — I’m really looking forward to a full season with him.”
The timing could not be better for Hall. He is eligible for a contract extension after the season. Hall believes the NFL still undervalues the running backs by how much they’re getting paid, but he said he’s not worried about it.
“I feel like I have the talent and the team around me,” Hall said. “If we do everything we’re supposed to as a team then I know I’m going to do everything because I have one of the bigger roles in the offense. I’m not really worried about that. It’s going to take care of itself.”
Hall also is confident he will make the Pro Bowl and be an All-Pro.
“I’m sure it will happen,” Hall said. “I’m not really worried about that. It’s going to happen.
“If we do what we’re supposed as a team, then I’m going to have every individual goal that I want.”
Haason Reddick’s holdout continues
The Jets placed edge rusher Haason Reddick on the reserve/did not report list. Reddick is holding out over a contract dispute. He will be fined $50,000 for each day he misses.
The open roster spot went to former Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant. Saleh said the Jets needed another arm because rookie quarterback Jordan Travis’ recovery from a broken leg will take more time than they hoped.
Offensive line updates
Saleh said right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (torn Achilles tendon) and Moses (torn triceps), the right tackle, are trending toward taking part in team drills some time next week . . . Trying to limit pre-snap penalties, players are coming off the field for one play during team periods when they commit a false start. It happened to Smith once and Simpson twice.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
