NY Jets running back Breece Hall proved to the NFL world in 2023 that he belongs in the conversation of the best offensive players in the league today. If not for his abysmal supporting cast, Hall likely would have been showered with post-season awards and honors.
The former second-round pick finished the year with 994 rushing yards on a healthy 4.5 yards per carry while also adding 76 catches for 591 yards in the air. His 1,585 scrimmage yards were the most by a Jets player since 2004.
Despite this, it’s worth wondering just how impressive Hall’s season could’ve been with a competent offensive line and coaching staff. Hall might be wondering the same thing.
The former second-round pick took to social media during the Detroit Lions’ NFC Championship Game loss to the San Francisco 49ers to highlight the former’s usage of rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
That tweet, when combined with his most recent retweet, certainly reads as a subtle message sent to his team.
The way they using Jahmyr right now is a RB’s dream
— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) January 29, 2024
The NY Jets should listen to Breece Hall
Hall insisted that the way the Lions were using Gibbs in that game was a “running back’s dream.” While that’s not necessarily a direct shot at the Jets, it’s certainly an insinuation that Hall would like to be used in that way.
Despite his success in 2023, it’s fair to suggest that the Jets could’ve utilized Hall better. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett infamously told reporters earlier this month that he never anticipated Hall being this productive in the passing game.
That has, of course, been one of Hall’s strengths, dating back to his time at Iowa State. One has to wonder just how much more productive Hall would’ve been in the receiving game had Hackett emphasized that part of his game earlier in the season.
Hall’s last social media activity before that post came when he retweeted a post from former Jets offensive lineman Damien Woody that read, “How some teams neglect the OL is criminal.” That one reads as more of a direct shot.
How some teams neglect the OL is criminal 🤦🏾♂️
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 25, 2024
Hall is fully aware that the Jets’ struggles in the ground game at points in 2023 were a direct result of an inept offensive line. Part of that ineptitude was due to a slew of injuries, but it’s also fair to question the Jets’ game plan at the position in the first place.
Hall’s last two tweets/retweets have been about a team’s usage of a young star running back and certain teams’ inability to construct a quality offensive line. It isn’t hard to read between the lines here.
The Jets would be wise to adhere to Hall’s indirect advice this offseason. Prioritize the offensive line and utilize your star players to maximize their talents.