Jets Star to Quietly Fade From Justin Fields’ Offense as Aaron Glenn Faces Major Concerns, Per Insider

The New York Jets are heading into 2025 with one of the boldest offensive overhauls under new HC Aaron Glenn. At the center of that transition is quarterback Justin Fields, whose dual-threat ability gives New York the chance to play a unique brand of football. But that same shift may also result in one of the team’s brightest stars quietly fading from the spotlight.

Running back Breece Hall has long been considered the focal point of the Jets’ offense, yet reports from The Athletic suggest that Braelon Allen has looked like the stronger, more explosive runner throughout training camp and preseason. If Allen seizes the lead role early, Hall’s days as the Jets’ workhorse may be over. Instead, Hall could become more of a complementary weapon. A passing-game outlet behind Garrett Wilson and a change-of-pace runner rather than the bell cow.

This is not necessarily a knock on Hall’s ability. In fact, as Locked on Jets host John B explained on his August 30 episode, “Running the ball is really about going against the opponent, blocking guys up, hitting the right hole hard, running with authority. A great running team has to be able to run the ball effectively even when the other team knows it’s coming, even when the other team is selling out against the run.”

That description fits Allen’s downhill style more than Hall’s slashing approach. Allen can handle 20 carries into a stacked box and still wear down defenses, while Hall thrives in space and as a receiver. Justin Fields’ presence also changes the calculation. Fields brings an option element that most teams don’t have. The ability to read an unblocked defender and either hand off or keep the ball himself.

“Justin Fields is actually a rushing threat,” John B. noted on the same podcast. “The quarterback’s ability to run means you can put in option plays where the quarterback reads one unblocked defender, and Fields is the type of guy who can make plays with his legs.” That skill set favors a punishing back like Allen. For Hall, it means fewer traditional carries and more schemed touches.

In short, the Jets’ offensive pivot under Fields may quietly turn their most recognizable offensive star into a role player.

Aaron Glenn’s biggest concern: offensive line

While Hall’s shifting role will draw headlines, head coach Aaron Glenn’s attention is fixed elsewhere: the offensive line. For New York’s run-first plan to work, the trenches have to perform at a level the franchise hasn’t seen in years. Glenn has repeatedly stressed that the line needs to perform at their best level. And for now, that remains an open question.

The interior trio is relatively stable, but the two tackles are the concern. Olu Fashanu made a name for his pass protection. And the Jets hope he develops into a functional run blocker, much like former Jet D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who was solid but never dominant in the ground game. On the right side, Armand Membou is the designated road grader. But as John B pointed out, “Membou is the guy that’s supposed to be the road grader, the guy who moves people. So, the hope is that he starts playing at a high level sooner rather than later.” So far, Membou hasn’t delivered.

He committed penalties in back-to-back preseason games against the Giants and Eagles, even while facing backup defenders. That kind of inconsistency could derail a run-heavy offense. “We saw in the preseason that he’s got some work to do,” John B said. “There is some development that needs to happen.”

Tight ends are also critical to the scheme. Jelani Woods, acquired from Indianapolis, is a complete tight end who can block as well as contribute in the passing game. Andrew Beck has looked capable as a hybrid fullback-tight end. But after that, the depth chart raises questions. Mason Taylor is still developing as a blocker, and Stone Smartt is more of a receiver. That leaves Woods and Beck carrying most of the early-season burden.

Aaron Glenn can take comfort in the fact that Fields’ mobility creates natural advantages. His ability to hold backside defenders makes it harder for defenses to crash down on running backs. And his size means the Jets can use designed quarterback runs without exposing him to the same injury risk smaller quarterbacks might face.

Still, as John B emphasized on the Locked on Jets podcast, “The offensive line needs to be as good as advertised. The young tackles were the real question marks on this offensive line.” If Fashanu and Membou falter, the scheme collapses before it has a chance to build momentum.

For now, New York’s offense looks like it has all the right pieces. But none of it will matter unless the offensive line delivers. That’s why Aaron Glenn’s optimism is laced with concern, because until the Jets prove they can run, this new identity is still just a theory.