Two of the NFL's most dynamic, electrifying running backs will appear in an off-Broadway matinee Sunday at MetLife Stadium when the New York Jets (2-9) host the Atlanta Falcons (4-7). The Green & White's offense continues to roll through Breece Hall while the Falcons have made Bijan Robinson their focal point.
"I hate to compare players, but I can see where that comparison really [comes from]," said Jets HC Aaron Glenn when asked about the similarities and differences between the backs. "Both of those guys are really good, they're three-down backs first off. Both of those guys are really good as far as being in the backfield, being able to run the ball. But then again you can split those guys out wide and allow those guys to be a receiver for you. So, man, it is a really good comparison, but there's also some differences between those guys, too. But I like our guy."
'Hold Your Head High'
Hall, whose 1,067 scrimmage yards lead the Jets, amassed a season-high 75 receiving yards on 4 receptions in last Sundays' 23-10 loss to the Ravens. With the Jets down 10 midway through the fourth quarter in Baltimore, Hall had a brilliant 40-yard catch and run to get the offense into scoring territory and accounted for 65 yards on 3 touches as the Jets moved to the Baltimore 2-yard line.
"He's very dynamic," said QB Tyrod Taylor. "And I've said this before, when you get [Hall] the ball in space, he can be very dangerous. You saw what he did with the check-down to the left. Being able to create explosive [plays], cutting back-field. He did it on the screen, too -- it's all part of the game. We always say when the defense gives depth, give it to our backs in space, and we like that matchup."
Hall is averaging a career-high 69.6 yards a game on the ground and is well on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. His herculean effort last week went for naught when his final touch -- a powerful 10-yard run -- resulted in misfortune as CB Marlon Humphrey forced a fumble that was recovered by the Ravens near the goal line.
"My mom always taught me that there was always going to be ups and downs but never let them see you sweat," Hall said. "So, hold your head high, keep coming back and getting better. Fortunately, we have more games to play and more opportunities to win."
'Brand That We Play With'
Beginning with the Falcons, Breece Hall and the Jets have six games left. While the Atlanta defense ranks No. 3 in sacks with 39, teams have had success moving the ball on the ground against a unit that has the league's 26th-ranked rush defensive (133.1 yds/g). Colts RB Jonathan Taylor gashed the Falcons to a tune of 244 yards on 32 carries (7.6 per) in Indy's 31-25 OT win on Nov. 8.
The Jets' improved rush defense will contend with Bijan Robinson, whose 126.9 scrimmage yards per game rank third in the league. With Atlanta breaking out of a five-game funk last Sunday in New Orleans, Robinson again led the way with 70 rush yards on 14 carries (5 per) and 37 yards on 2 receptions.
Over the last two games, the Jets held the Patriots to 65 yards on 27 carries (2.4 per) and then the Ravens to 98 yards on 34 attempts (2.9 per). Instead of falling off after trading one of the game's best run stuffers in Quinnen Williams, the defense has found its footing.
"There is a brand that we play with," said HC Aaron Glenn. "And I've said this before, but when you create a brand, it really doesn't matter who's in, who's out, because everybody understands exactly how we want to play. So that play style, in general, it really takes over, and our guys are really doing a good job of that."
Veteran DT Harrison Phillips, who leads all interior defensive linemen with 33 run stops, said the unit has been intentional in its approach.
"I think that we've really overemphasized from our coaching staff the importance of gap integrity and the importance of violence," he said. "And I think that those are two things that we've tried to take a step in the right direction towards."
There are a lot of similarities between the Jets and the Falcons treks entering Week 13. While Garrett Wilson (knee) remains on injured reserve, Atlanta's top target -- Drake London -- is doubtful and likely will miss his second consecutive game. Tyrod Taylor, 36, will start his second consecutive game for the Green & White while Kirk Cousins, 37, has taken over the offensive controls in the ATL with Michael Pennix Jr. (ACL) out for the remainder of the season.
'Breece Is a Problem'
As the Jets continue to implement talented wideouts John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell into packages, Breece Hall, who is averaging 18 touches a game, will continue to carry a heavy workload.
"Breece is an absolute monster," said Falcons HC Raheem Morris. "He's like one of those guys who's fast, he's dynamic, he runs hard and they're trying to get him involved. Obviously, you hear their coach talking about it a bunch, getting him the ball like we do with Bijon [Robinson] whether it be out of the backfield with catches or just handing him the ball in the backfield.
"Breece is a problem," he added. "He has been since he's been in the National Football League."
There have been multiple silver linings this season for the Jets and one of them has been a golden campaign from their workhorse RB. After tight tussles against the Pats and Ravens, the Jets will start a two-game homestand with the Dolphins (4-7) on deck. Then after a road date against the Jaguars (7-4), the Jets have a date with Saints (2-9) in New Orleans.
"Win, lose, or draw, you know, my job is to show up on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays," Hall said. "So, no matter what the record is, no matter what the score is, I'm going to come out, and I love to play football."
