Jets Eyeing 2-0 Start Behind Breece Hall Amidst Packers' Backfield Woes
New York looks to build on a strong opening win, while Green Bay faces challenges with key running back Josh Jacobs sidelined.
The New York Jets are aiming for their first 2-0 start since 2015 as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. This goal is bolstered by the strong performance of running back Breece Hall, who carried a significant load in their season-opening victory.
Hall rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the Jets' 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. The team utilized the run game heavily, tying for the most rushing attempts in Week 1. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich praised Hall's versatility and football IQ, stating, "Breece is an incredible football player... Breece is a guy we can use in a lot of different ways."
Despite a mid-August groin injury that sidelined him for two preseason games, Hall showed no lingering effects. Last season, he amassed a career-best 1,065 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards, earning him a three-year, $43.5 million contract in the offseason. Hall expressed confidence in the team's winning mentality, saying, "I think all of us are very much not expecting to lose... If you’re not going out there trying to win every game, then you don’t need to be in this league."
Meanwhile, the Packers are facing significant questions in their backfield. Three-time Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List following an offseason arrest and subsequent no-contest plea to two misdemeanor charges. In their Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay's rushing attack struggled without Jacobs, producing only 66 yards, the third-lowest total in the league.
The team was forced to rely on the inexperienced duo of MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. The Packers have not lost their first two games of a season in 20 years.
In other injury news for the Jets, defensive back D'Angelo Ponds is on track to make his NFL debut. The second-round pick, who missed most of training camp with a calf strain, participated fully in practice. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood also practiced fully, but defensive end Will McDonald was added to the injury report as limited.
Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo voiced his support for kicker Jason Sanders, who missed a 54-yard field goal in Week 1 but made his other three attempts, including two over 50 yards. "Honestly, I think he had a great outing overall," Banjo said. "Obviously, the long attempt wasn’t up to our standards... But what was awesome to see is the resilience..."