Ground and Pound Jets Offense Shows Shades of 2009

“There are only three things that can happen on a pass, and two of them are bad.” Woody Hayes’ words come from a different era of football, but the sentiment still rings true. The Jets took that sentiment to heart in week one, rushing the ball 39 times in their win over the Titans. The Jets didn’t just run the ball a lot; they ran it well. New York started the game committed to the run. Five of their first eight plays on the opening drive that resulted in a touchdown were runs. That trend continued throughout the game. The 39 rushing attempts were the highest amount the Jets have had in a season opener since 2009.

Breece Hall and Braelon Allen Make Up a Two-Headed Monster

Breece Hall played the Thomas Jones role. He carried the ball 22 times for 102 yards and a score. This was only the seventh time in Hall’s career that he has had over 20 carries. Frank Reich clearly wants to grow that number throughout the season. Hall dominated the run game coming off a preseason groin injury, which should have fans and the organization very excited.

However, Hall wasn’t the only one to chip in with the run game. Braelon Allen may not look like Leon Washington, but he was the perfect change of pace while Hall was resting. The former Wisconsin Badger had 10 carries of his own for 40 yards. Not to mention a 23-yard score that was brought back by a holding penalty.

Hall and Allen’s performance set the tone for the Jets not only for the game but for the season. The Jets have a plan, and that plan is to run through the defense’s face for 60 minutes every Sunday. Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan — the original Ground and Pound connoisseur —was not hesitant to give flowers to Aaron Glenn’s team.