After a very underwhelming 2024-25 season, the New York Jets‘ offense is seeking a rebound performance in 2025-26. That applies to the unit as a whole and several of its key players. Running back Breece Hall might headline that group.
Entering his fourth year, Hall has yet to fully break out. He’s flashed plenty of upside in three seasons on the job but also managed to leave Jets fans wanting more. Could a new level be reached this coming season?
That’s the plan, if you ask head coach Aaron Glenn.
Glenn on Breece Hall: ‘Going to Open His Game Up’
Speaking to the media following August 2’s training camp practice, Glenn gushed over his 24-year-old halfback.
“I think Breece, this year, you’re going to see a guy who’s going to really turn it up a notch because of what we’re going to do, who we’re going to be, and because of who he is also,” Glenn said.
There’s no denying that the 2023 campaign was Hall’s best. Playing in all 17 regular-season games, he logged career-high marks in carries (223), rushing yards (994) and total touchdowns (9). He also served as a legitimate factor in the receiving game, hauling in 76 passes on 95 targets for 591 yards. Each of those marks led all running backs in the sport.
Last season, Hall failed to replicate that effort for the Jets. He saw slight dips in per-snap efficiency and also witnessed then-rookie Braelon Allen log some snaps. Hall still figures to be New York’s go-to back, but the goal is to keep him healthy and productive.
Glenn believes tapping into the receiving aspect of Hall’s profile could be what unlocks his true potential.
“Well, when it comes to our guys, the skill set is different for the most part, and when a defense has to be able to plan for those skill sets, that’s kind of hard, because you could do a lot with Breece,” Glenn said. “And I’m going to tell you, we are going to open his game up quite a bit, and I’ve said this before, he’s the type of guy that you can split out wide and let him run the route tree, because he can run it like a receiver. And I like that matchup with him against a safety or a linebacker, too.”
Hall knows that in order to receive an extension, he must prove to this regime that he’s worth it. Glenn seems to share that same goal.
Jets’ Offense Must Find Different Ways to Achieve Success in 2025
With Aaron Rodgers out and Justin Fields in at quarterback, things will undoubtedly look different for the Jets. Fields, a run-first signal-caller, will rely on a steady rushing attack to get the job done. That’ll include not just Hall, Allen or Isaiah Davis but also himself. Back in 2022, Fields ran for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns. Keeping defenses honest with various looks could be the ticket to freeing up stars like Hall on a weekly basis.
There’s no dancing around the question marks of the offense, though, Fields included. Aside from Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ wide receiver room is a walking red flag. Perhaps Josh Reynolds cements himself as a valid No. 2 option and Allen Lazard is the veteran presence New York is hoping for. It’s a competitive room that seems to get along quite well. But at the end of the day, talent must reign supreme. Using Hall as a de facto wideout can possibly offset that at least a bit.
One young player on offense is standing out during camp. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor, a second-round pick, was widely regarded as a tremendous value get. That’s shining through this summer, which could mean great news for Fields and Co. New York’s first unofficial depth chart of the preseason is something to monitor, however.
A long road to a short path: Hall is as critical as anyone to the Jets’ success. If this team is to inch closer to contention during this year’s rebuild, he’ll be at the forefront.
