Jets rookie RB makes NFL history in Week 2 breakout performance

The New York Jets (1-1) found a way to edge out a 24-17 win on the road against the Tennessee Titans (0-2) in Week 2. They were able to do so thanks to their rookie running back, who made NFL history along the way.

Running back Braelon Allen, a fourth-round pick by the Jets in the 2024 NFL Draft, scored a pair of touchdowns on Sunday, and the first made history.

On a 12-yard score in the first half, Allen became the youngest player to score from scrimmage since 1930, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

"Allen is 20 years and 239 days old, which is the same exact age Arnie Hebner was when he scored a touchdown that season," Alper wrote .

While Allen's first touchdown made history and tied the game for New York, it was his second that put the game away. Allen ran for a 20-yard game-winning touchdown with just 4:31 left in the fourth quarter.

It was a big day for the rookie running back, but he credits the blockers in front of him.

"I can't say it gets much easier than the two touchdowns that I had — perfect blocking,” Allen said , via Brian Costello of the New York Post. "Obviously, being on the field with Breece (Hall) at the same time, he draws a ton of attention. That kind of took eyes off me and we had perfect blocking on the screen. So really easy. And, you know, kind of the same story on the touchdown run. So I can't thank those guys enough."

Hall is still clearly the Jets No. 1 running back after rushing for 62 yards and reeling in seven catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, but Allen has carved out a role for himself in the offense.

Head coach Robert Saleh noted how well Allen complements Hall.

"He's a load," Saleh said. "He's always finishing forward. He was big in a couple of short yardage situations, caught that screen pass on our left side and there was no doubt with that space he was going to run over whoever was standing in his way at the 1. He's a great complement to Breece and Breece's run style."

Things will get a little tougher for New York in Week 3 when it hosts the New England Patriots (1-1), who have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (58) in the league the past two weeks.

However, if Hall and Allen pick up where they left off, the Jets should be just fine.