Instead of forcing New York Jets running back Breece Hall in the a-gap on inside zone plays, new play caller for the offense, Todd Downing, sequenced in misdirection, toss, sweeps, and outside runs to create lateral advantages for his dynamic half-back.
Breece Hall goes 42 yards!
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By forcing opposing linebackers to pursue Hall laterally, Downing understands that this increases the probability of Hall making defenders miss. While Hall’s nimble stature and quickness allows him to elude tackles in the open field, versus interior linemen, he’s like a candle in a the hot sun.
Inside runs should alternatively be handled by Hall’s reserve, running back Braelon Allen. The Jets did sequence in some 21 personnel versus the Buffalo Bills, with Allen and Hall on the field simultaneously but limited Allen to just three carries.
Hall finished Monday night with 18 carries for 113 yards at a six yards per carry average. However, things will be much more difficult versus the Pittsburgh Steelers defense in week seven.
While an improved performance on ground may boost morale in the Jets locker room, there’s really little room for moral victories when the team is two games under .500 and two games behind the Bills in the AFC East.
