New York Jets running back Breece Hall looked like the favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year early in the 2022 NFL season. After tearing his ACL in Week 7, a promising season ended and the Jets’ offense regressed.
The Jets had high expectations for Hall after selecting him with the 36th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, the coaching staff made the two-time All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year work to earn his role in the backfield.
- Breece Hall stats (2022): 463 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 5 total touchdowns
Hall received just 21 total carries in his first three games, but he averaged 5.33 yards per carry and proved to be an effective pass-catching back (13 receptions, 101 receiving yards). After three weeks, New York pushed him into the featured role at the beginning of October.
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Over his next three games, Hall averaged 93 rushing yards per game and 11.7 yards per target. He scored three touchdowns and compiled 396 scrimmage yards, quickly emerging as one of the best running backs in the NFL.
He carried that explosive rushing ability into the Oct. 23 matchup against the Denver Broncos. However, Hall suffered a torn ACL in the first half after compiling 72 yards on just four carries. After averaging 141.8 rushing yards per game in four October games with Hall, the Jets’ rushing average fell to 86.7 rush ypg with a 3.8 yards per carry over their final 10 games.
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Speaking to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh said the team loves its depth and talent at running back for 2023, especially with how Hall looks returning from the ACL tear.
“Breece looks fantastic…We love our running back room.”
Robert Saleh on Breece Hall, New York Jets running backs
It’s excellent news following months of uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ backfield. Initial reports suggested New York was interested in signing running back Ezekiel Elliott, a sign that the Jets were uncertain of Hall’s recovery.
Now, it appears likely that Hall will be ready to rejoin the Jets’ offense for Week 1. The second-year running back even believes he could be ready for training camp in July.
Assuming Hall is cleared to return to practice this summer, New York will move forward with Hall, Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight leading its backfield. With each player serving a role in the offense, New York’s committee approach at running back should be very effective in 2023.