The Jets haven’t started a season with back-to-back wins since 2015. The Packers haven’t lost their first two games in 20 years.
Their backfields could be the reason history is made.
Without three-time Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs — who remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List after an offseason arrest that resulted in him pleading no-contest to two misdemeanor charges last week — Green Bay was forced to rely on the inexperienced duo of MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks in a 39-22 loss in Minnesota, where the Packers produced the third-fewest rushing yards (66) of any team in Week 1.
In Tennessee, the Jets tied for the most rushing attempts (39) of any team, with Breece Hall running for 102 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries en route to a 23-10 win.
“Breece is an incredible football player,” offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. “He understands the game at such a high level. It’s hard to explain. I honestly feel like he could play any position on the field. Combined with being a super-talented runner, that makes us want him on the field every play.
“Breece is a guy we can use in a lot of different ways.”
Despite hurting his groin in mid-August, Hall showed no lingering effects from the injury that sidelined him for two preseason games.
Last season, Hall had a career-best 1,065 rushing yards — plus 350 yards receiving — helping him land a three-year, $43.5 million contract during the offseason. Now, he wants so much more.
“I think all of us are very much not expecting to lose,” Hall said Thursday. “That’s not the mentality that we have. If you’re not going out there trying to win every game, then you don’t need to be in this league.”
D’Angelo Ponds appears on track to make his NFL debut Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets’ second-round pick — who missed nearly all of training camp after suffering a calf strain in late July — participated fully in practice Thursday after being limited the previous day, providing optimism that the 21-year-old defensive back could suit up against the Packers.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood (knee) also practiced fully after being limited Wednesday, though Will McDonald (ankle) was a surprising addition to the injury report after being limited Thursday.
No official decision has been announced regarding the Week 2 kicker, but special teams coordinator Chris Banjo gave Jason Sanders his vote of confidence.
Despite badly missing a 54-yard field goal against the Titans, the first-year Jet hit his other three attempts — including two of more than 50 yards — along with both extra-point attempts.
“Honestly, I think he had a great outing overall,” Banjo said. “Obviously, the long attempt wasn’t up to our standards, wasn’t up to his standards either … But what was awesome to see is the resilience we talk about all the time in our room.”
