The New York Jets' early season success can be attributed to two rookies on track to collect some serious hardware after the season.
The favorites for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year are both Jets
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) October 19, 2022
Future is looking bright in New York ✈️ pic.twitter.com/ssoJfI4X9V
Running back Breece Hall and cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner have been game-changers for the Jets, reviving an organization that was desperate for a spark. In 2021, the team ranked No. 26 in total offense and last in total defense. This year, the team ranks 17th in offense and No. 9 in defense.
Breece Hall leads the NFL in yards per touch at 6.4 (min. 80 touches, entering Sunday late games). The #Jets rookie RB now has back-to-back games with 100+ scrimmage yds (1st two 100+ yard games). pic.twitter.com/UeA2WjptW4
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 17, 2022
Jets rookie CB Sauce Gardner has allowed a 19.0 passer rating in single coverage this season. Best in the NFL.
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) October 17, 2022
Cincy Proud. pic.twitter.com/aQPBvBXVGX
Gardner was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati. He has one interception and eight passes defended. He is ranked as the 15th-best coverage cornerback of 108, per Pro Football Focus. Hall was drafted No. 36 overall in the NFL Draft out of Iowa State. He is averaging 5.1 yards per attempt on 76 carries and has three touchdowns.
Even with the accolades, don't expect either to get a big head. A cheesehead? That's a different story.
Sauce Gardner rocked a cheesehead after the Jets win pic.twitter.com/4tDOCIyTr5
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) October 16, 2022
One play, in particular, during Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers was emblematic of the role the rookies have taken on within the team.
Hall helped ice the game with this fourth-quarter touchdown.
Breece Hall: RB1 pic.twitter.com/0mMmFkGWK8
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) October 16, 2022
After the game, Hall revealed he called an audible mid-play.
Breece Hall's touchdown run was supposed to be a double reverse, with Braxton Berrios making a throw after Hall was supposed to pitch it to him. Instead, Hall decided to keep it and run.
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 16, 2022
"I just saw daylight and let my natural ability take over." pic.twitter.com/Us17mtsF9m
The Jets (4-2) put a lot of responsibility on their two rookies' shoulders. Hall's play shows good things happen when they take matters into their own hands.
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