I don't have Breece Hall anywhere; I was nervous with him coming off a torn ACL, and the Jets were too (given the ridiculous contract they gave Dalvin Cook). But if I did have him, I would be starting him with enthusiasm this week, facing the Giants.
New York's defense has maybe gotten things together a little bit the last two weeks, nearly upsetting the Bills and then beating Washington. But they still gave up some production to running backs in those games, and they've given up a ton against other, better ground games. Hall is a top talent, and he should be very good in this game.
Table shows how opposing running backs have fared against the Giants this season.
| RUNNING BACKS VERSUS THE GIANTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Run | Rec | TD |
| Pollard, Dal. | 70 | 12 | 2 |
| Conner, Ariz. | 106 | 0 | 1 |
| McCaffrey, S.F. | 85 | 34 | 1 |
| Walker, Sea. | 79 | 0 | 1 |
| Achane, Mia. | 151 | 14 | 1 |
| Mostert, Mia. | 65 | 13 | 1 |
| Cook/Murray, Buf. | 116 | 0 | 0 |
| Washington RBs | 61 | 24 | 1 |
Only one team didn't put at least one running back in the end zone, but Buffalo's backs still combined for 116 rushing yards. Washington's struggles have been a multi-week issue.
The Jets have a quarterback problem, creating the concern that the Giants will load up against Hall. But I think if they do he'll be involved as a receiver, and he'll likely break a longer run and/or get in the end zone at some point. Thumbs up on Hall.
--Andy Richardson