New York Jets emergent running back Breece Hall has his heart set on a goal that, if achieved, could see him ascend into elite territory next season.
Per Coral Smith of NFL.com, Hall admitted that he looks at San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey as the gold standard at his position. Not only does Hall want to out-gain him in their Week 1 matchup, but he is also set on seeing where he stands next to the Colorado native once the season concludes:
“I feel like right now McCaffrey’s the best in the league. To me, he sets the standard,” Hall said. “We’re going to see him in Week 1 and we’re playing against some of the best linebackers. For me, it’s exciting just to see where I stand and really let everyone see my full talent now that I’m healthy.”
How far is Jets running back Breece Hall from 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey?
McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing in 2023, earning him last year’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. The 28-year-old gained 1,459 rush yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. McCaffrey took the league by storm and helped the 49ers advance to the Super Bowl and their fourth NFC championship game in the last five seasons.
Hall, like the rest of the league, was put on high alert by that showing. He put in work of his own in 2023 behind 994 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Yet, he acknowledges that there are levels to the running battle, and that he needs to climb up at least one level in order to give McCaffrey a reason to look over his shoulder next year.
His first opportunity will come in Week 1. It won’t be easy for Hall, though. The Niners’ run defense was nothing to play with in 2023. They conceded a mere 1,525 rushing yards, good for third-fewest in the league.
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Jets have a versatile offense that will take pressure off of Hall in 2025
Thankfully to counteract that, Hall will be the benefactor of a strengthened offensive line behind 2023 Second Team All-Pro OT Tyron Smith and the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft LT Olu Fashanu.
In addition to the holes the offensive line will give him, Hall will reap further benefits from having quarterback Aaron Rodgers back under center and a dynamic pass-catching unit to keep opposing defenses on their toes all game, every game. Plus, Rodgers’ prowess in play-action will keep their running attack unpredictable, which will enable the Nebraska native to explode for big gains when defensive lines guess wrong.
Hall is the Jets’ featured back heading into the upcoming campaign. He will have ample touches to try and contend with McCaffrey in the battle for the rushing title. It’s worth mentioning that many mouths need to be fed on New York’s roster. Even Rodgers will command some running opportunities. Despite that, if Hall’s career trajectory continues in the way it’s been heading, he’ll be a prime candidate to achieve his first 1,000-yard season and burst onto the scene as a running back who can’t escape the news cycle.