It was too good to be true. Of course, the New York Jets couldn’t go too long without disaster striking. As Victory Monday began, the Jets had won four in a row. They went into enemy territory and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, and Denver Broncos. They steamrolled a division rival in MetLife. Yet, New York fans’ care for their 5-2 record left with running back Breece Hall as he was carted off.
Hall has torn his ACL and is out for the season. New York isn’t though.
How will Hall’s loss hurt the Jets?
It’s impossible to blame Jets fans for feeling deflated despite the win. Hall was on the fast track to Offensive Rookie of the Year. His explosive plays played a role in keeping New York’s offense afloat. His 681 scrimmage yards and five total touchdowns were impressive, especially for a back splitting carries.
Losing Hall means losing out on an athletic profile few teams have the privilege of weaponizing. The constant home run threat is absent from an offense allergic to stretching the field. They’ve been able to supplement the deep ball with their successful run game. There’s legitimate concern here that the offense can fall apart without the occasional explosive play.
New York Reacted Appropriately
In wake of the injury, general manager Joe Douglas acted swiftly, but did not overreact. He traded for Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson. Sent back was a conditional sixth-round selection that could become a fifth-rounder if Robinson reaches 600 rushing yards.
Robinson is a starting caliber running back, similar in many ways to Michael Carter. The two will share the committee responsibilities. I expect Robinson to see about 40-45% of the snaps and a good amount of third down work. Carter is a little better of a receiver and more athletic, especially after Robinson’s Achilles tear from last season. Robinson, however, is a better pass protector and a mechanically-sound runner.
Trading for running backs is a tricky game, as they play a low-value position. Ponying up legitimate draft capital for a back simply isn’t worth it. A late round pick for a decent committee option is fine, though. They intend on competing this year, and are selling the idea that they can win to the Jets locker room. If Douglas felt he was a substantial enough upgrade over New York’s stable of depth backs, it’s a deal that makes sense.
Subsequent to their Week 7 win and the Robinson trade, FanDuel has them at +140 to make the playoffs. Thus, an $100 bet could net $40 in profit. That is a decent increase from the average +485 odds from two weeks ago (SportsBettingDime). Vegas is beginning to change their tune on New York.
Losing Hall stinks, no one is arguing that. And while Robinson won’t mirror Hall’s explosiveness, he is a productive asset to a team that needs a win against the New England Patriots to solidify their playoff hopes. The Jets no more than anyone that making the playoffs is no small task. Good on them for going for it.
BASIC TIPS
This article refers to the Jets’ +140 playoff odds. This is considered a futures bet. It presents bettors the opportunity to place money down on an event multiple weeks away. If you’re willing to take the short-term loss, futures bets can provide lucrative opportunities. Just make sure the wager is well-timed. Too early, and you may not be operating with enough information. Too late, and you’ll miss out on enticing value.