Jets HC Robert Saleh: Braelon Allen's NFL debut 'did not disappoint'

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was excited to watch former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen make his NFL debut.

That day came on Saturday, Aug. 10 in the Jets’ preseason-opening contest against the Washington Commanders. Allen, the Jets’ primary backup running back entering the year, was one of the first to touch the football when the Jets offense took the field.

His most explosive touch was a second-quarter handoff from quarterback Andrew Peasley. Allen took the ball, exploded up the middle of the field and finished the 17-yard run by trucking a Washington defender. It was a flashback to his party-crashing debut with the Badgers in 2021 — an impressive opening act to his NFL career.

Saleh spoke about his initial impression of the Wisconsin great after the contest:

“I think I speak for the entire team: we were all excited to see [Braelon Allen] run,” Saleh said. “Braelon didn’t disappoint. When he got to the second level, it’s painful to just touch the human. He is a very heavy runner. And it was really cool to see him out in the open field.”

Allen finished his debut performance with six carries for 54 yards, a 9.0 yards-per-carry average.

If his first NFL carries are any sign of things to come, Allen may soon become a force to be reckoned with in the league.

For now, Allen enters the season as the backup to Jets star RB Breece Hall. He will see a share of carries in relief of Hall, many of which should come in short yardage scenarios. That role should only increase as he continues to put impressive runs on tape.

The Jets are back in action on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Week 2 of the NFL preseason against the Carolina Panthers.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.