Jets' veteran compares real deal rookie to All-Pro after two-touchdown day

Ralph Ventre

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Jets' veteran compares real deal rookie to All-Pro after two-touchdown day image

New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen took a fourth-quarter handoff 20 yards to the end zone for his second touchdown on the day.

The 20-yard burst off right tackle broke a 17-17 tie in the Jets' 24-17 road win over the Tennessee Titans. Allen, a fourth-round draft pick from Wisconsin, totaled 56 yards from scrimmage on nine touches and resembled an accomplished NFL veteran while doing so, according to tight end Tyler Conklin.

"He's a heck of a player. On that last run, it kind of looked a little Derrick Henry-ish," said Conklin.

Like the 30-year-old Henry, who won the NFL rushing title in 2019 and 2020, Allen has a massive physical frame for a running back. He stands at 6'1" and weighs 235 pounds.

In addition to making an impression on his teammate, Allen made history with his fourth-quarter TD rush. At 20 years, 239 days old, the Jets' rookie the youngest player in league history to score multiple touchdowns in a game.

"That's huge. What, the youngest player to score a touchdown since like 1950 or something? Got to be the youngest player to have two, that's for sure," said Conklin.

Allen, the youngest player in the 2024 NFL Draft class, was also responsible for the Jets' first touchdown on Sunday in Nashville. Scoring on a 12-yard pass play in the second quarter, Allen "the youngest NFL player to score a scrimmage touchdown since Arnie Herber in 1930 at the exact same age" (Stats Perform).

After a somewhat underwhelming performance on opening night, New York's rushing attack was noticeably more effective against the Titans. Starter Breece Hall and Allen combined for 95 yards on 21 carries.

"The run game just keeps coming more and more alive," said Conklin.

Hall, a third-year pro, was also impressed with Allen. He posted a message on X, proclaiming that the rookie "really him dawg" and has no limit on his potential.

 

More New York Jets News:

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• Confident All-Pro takes exception being compared to Jets' WR1 Garrett Wilson

• Allen Lazard's two-word response on difference from first season with Jets

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Ralph Ventre

Ralph Ventre Photo

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Ventre remains an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and he also covers the Buffalo Bills on SI. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.