Jets' Rookie Matches Jayden Daniels in Jets' Preseason Win Over Commanders

The rookie lived up to the hype in Saturday's preseason opener between the Washington Commanders and New York Jets . And, no, we're not talking about Jayden Daniels.

While the No. 2 overall draft pick did, in fact, shine in the Jets' 20-17 win at MetLife Stadium with a 42-yard pass and touchdown run, for New York it running back Braelon Allen who lived up to expectations.

The fourth-round came into training camp full of bravado, and in his first appearance he backed it up with 54 yards rushing on six carries. Allen also made two blitz pick-ups in pass protection.

"I'll speak for the entire team. We're all excited to see him run. Him and Isaiah Davis for that matter. Braelon didn't disappoint," said Jets' coach Robert Saleh.

Related: Adrian Martinez, 2024 Rookie Class Lead Jets to Preseason Win

The 20-year-old Allen, who is the youngest player on New York's 90-man roster, earned the start at running back with Breece Hall and many front-line players - such as Aaron Rodgers - not suiting up. He gained six yards on the first play of the game and had three consecutive positive runs on another drive including gains of 16 and 24 yards.

"When he got to the second level, it's painful to just touch the human," Saleh said. "He is a very heavy runner. It was really cool to see him out in the open field today."