Braelon Allen looked the part on Saturday, the New York Jets rookie running back with some strong runs in his preseason debut.
In Saturday’s preseason win over the Washington Commanders, Allen ran for 54 yards on six carries. It was Allen’s debut in the NFL. He was taken by the Jets in the fourth round of April’s NFL draft after a strong career at Wisconsin.
Allen is a strong and imposing running back, but he also showed some good speed and elusiveness to go along with his size. Similar traits to what he showed in college in the Big Ten at Wisconsin.
On Saturday, following the Jets getting a 20-17 win over the Commanders in their preseason opener, Allen talked about his first game in the NFL.
“I thought it was good. Obviously, got to watch the film and evaluate it, but it felt good. It always takes me a little bit to get into the flow of the game,” Allen told reporters after the game.
“My first few caries were slipping around a little bit and stuff like that, but I thought the o-line did a great job. Every carry I had there was space, so they made it really easy. Like I said, just got to get back into the film room and
evaluate and get better.”
Allen and the Jets play at the Carolina Panthers this upcoming weekend.
In all likelihood, Allen will be behind incumbent starter Breece Hall this season. But it was still a very strong debut that showed his potential to be a potential game-changer – even as a rookie.
Allen grew into the game, finishing as the leading rusher for the Jets.
“My first few carries I always feel like my legs aren’t really working the
way they are supposed to be,” Allen said.“I kind of feel like I’m stumbling over myself a little bit. Today was more me just kind of slipping and sliding around, but definitely the more carries I get, the stronger I get. I think my last few carries I was able to impose my will a little bit and start to get into the flow of things.”
