Former Jets rival makes bold prediction about NFL's best RB duo

The New York Jets are hoping their running game looks nothing like it did a year ago. In 2024, the Jets ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing attempts and never established any sort of ground identity.

Breece Hall dealt with a lingering knee injury and struggled through a highly disappointing season. The offensive line had its moments, but still failed to open up holes consistently in the ground game. The entire offense often felt disjointed as a result.

This offseason has brought a total reset. The Jets revamped their offensive line, added Justin Fields at quarterback, and made it clear that the run game will be the foundation of their new identity under head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.

With Hall finally healthy and second-year backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis competing for reps behind him, the pieces are in place for a turnaround. That optimism was echoed this week by a surprising voice, that being former division rival Terron Armstead.

Breece Hall and Braelon Allen could be the NFL's best RB duo

The five-time Pro Bowl tackle, who just retired after spending the last three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, made a bold prediction on Good Morning Football, and it had everything to do with the Jets’ backfield.

Armstead called Hall a “top-five running back” and highlighted Allen’s role as a “bruiser” in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He also emphasized how Fields’ mobility could open things up through RPO looks, making defenses hesitate just long enough for Hall and Allen to exploit gaps.

The 2025 season will be a chance at redemption for the former Iowa State star. After a dominant 2023 campaign where he racked up over 1,500 scrimmage yards, fourth-most in the NFL, his production and efficiency cratered in 2024.

His yards per carry fell, his overall explosiveness seemingly disappeared, and the Jets simply didn’t trust the run game enough to lean on it, finishing dead last in the league in rushing attempts. You can partially thank Aaron Rodgers for that as well.

Meanwhile, Allen showed glimpses of his potential in a limited role. The 2024 fourth-round pick didn’t post gaudy box score numbers, but he was reliable in short-yardage situations and proved capable enough as a pass catcher.

He also quietly made NFL history, racking up the most rushing yards of any player before the age of 21. Still, Allen’s role isn’t set in stone. Fellow 2024 rookie Isaiah Davis saw his snaps increase late last season, and the two are expected to battle for the RB2 job behind Hall during training camp.

Armstead's prediction is a bold one for sure, but there is a world in which Hall bounces back and Allen proves that his early-season success in 2024 wasn't a fluke. The Jets have a talented backfield — now, it's about putting all of the pieces together.

Everything the Jets did this offseason points to one thing. They plan to let their running backs lead the way.

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