New York Jets running back Breece Hall was not thrilled about being snubbed from the Pro Bowl this season. He took to social media to express his displeasure, sending a bold message to the rest of the league about what is to come in 2024.
Despite spending the start of the season on a pitch count behind Dalvin Cook, Hall put together a very strong 2023 campaign. He carried the ball 186 times for 816 yards and four touchdowns. His production was just as strong as a receiver, as he caught 74 passes for 579 yards and four more scores.
While he led the Jets in rushing, the reception and yardage were second to only star wide receiver, Garrett Wilson. Hall did lead the team in touchdown receptions and added himself to an elite list of running backs with one of his performances.
NFL News & Rumors: Breece Hall, Nathaniel Hackett, New York Jets Updates
There have been only four other players in NFL history, Brian Westbrook, Thurman Thomas, Priest Holmes and Walter Payton, to record multiple games of 90+ rushing yards and 90+ receiving yards. Payton is the only player to do it more than twice, as he did it three times in his career.
Hall has already accomplished it twice despite playing in only 23 career games to this point. It is an impressive feat, and when taking into account that he is only in Year 2 and dealt with an ACL tear, it is even more impressive.
Hall has routinely showcased his incredible dual-threat ability, as he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. However, his production could have been even better had Jets offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, not been the only person in the world unaware of Hall’s receiving ability.
“I don’t think I was ready for him to be as productive as he was in the pass game. I think that is something that has added a whole dimension to things that we can do. Lining him up at wide receiver, catching the ball from the backfield, and when he touches the ball I mean he can score at any time,” Hackett said during a press conference on January 4th.
NFL News & Rumors: Breece Hall, Nathaniel Hackett, New York Jets Updates
That is a truly bizarre admission from an offensive coach who is calling the plays for the Jets. What did Hackett do to prepare for the job if he was unaware of the kind of skill sets one of his most important skill position players brought to the table?
That kind of comment should be a fireable offense. The fact Hackett even admitted to such a thing, especially with how much the Jets have struggled to move the ball this season, is truly mind-blowing.
The Jets hired Hackett in large part because of his relationship with Aaron Rodgers. If his track record didn’t prove him not being fit for the job, that quote should be the nail in the coffin, as Hackett admitted Week 8 against the New York Giants was when he realized how effective Hall is in the passing game.
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