The NY Jets' 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks was an emotional game for quite a few players, but perhaps none shouldered the blame for the loss more than running back Breece Hall.
Hall rushed for 60 yards on a healthy 5.0 yards per carry in the game, but it was a fourth-quarter fumble — his second of the game — that ultimately contributed to Seattle's come-from-behind victory.
Hall leads all running backs with six fumbles through 12 games in 2024. It's an issue that has become increasingly problematic for the Jets, one that Hall is clearly hoping to put behind him.
The former Iowa State star sounded as dejected as ever when speaking to reporters after the game. He told reporters that 2024 has been "the most trying year of [his] life," while pointing fingers at himself for the loss.
Hall went on to say that if he can't take care of the football, he shouldn't be on the field. ESPN's Rich Cimini insisted that this was "as down as [he's] ever seen [Hall] after a game."
Breece Hall shoulders blame for NY Jets loss, suggests benching
Hall's newfound issues with ball security are as sudden as they are problematic. The former second-round pick had fumbled just three times in his NFL career entering 2024. He's doubled that total through the first six weeks of the season.
Hall coughed the ball up just four times on 800 total touches in three years at Iowa State. Fumbling has never been an issue for Hall at any level of football until now.
The Jets did limit Hall's usage on Sunday, perhaps as a direct response to his two fumbles. Hall played just 62 percent of snaps in Week 13, his lowest in any game this season.
Rookie Isaiah Davis took many of those extra reps, capitalizing on his 12 offensive snaps. Davis had been limited to exclusively special teams and garbage time up until Sunday's game, playing just six total offensive snaps through Week 12.
It should also be noted that Hall was dealing with a knee injury entering the game, so it's possible that contributed to his decrease in playing time. Either way, the Jets might be forced to have some difficult conversations if Hall continues to turn the ball over.
Hall ranks 10th among all players in total scrimmage yards this season and is on pace for over 1,600 scrimmage yards. He's averaging over 5.0 yards per carry over the last five weeks.
Hall remains one of the focal points of the Jets' offense, but his ball security issues are becoming a serious problem. It's nice to see Hall take accountability after the loss, as he always does. Here's to hoping he figures out his on-field struggles next.
