The New York Jets kicked off a challenging season marred by the untimely loss of their seasoned starter, Aaron Rodgers, to a season-ending injury. The team has shuffled with adversity, enduring a disheartening five-game losing streak that has deepened the wounds of their offensive struggles, yearning for Rodgers’ return to bolster Breece Hall’s lineup.
Meanwhile, their recent setback against the Atlanta Falcons delivered a double blow as the running back found himself entangled in the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This not only cost him a substantial amount of money but also fueled palpable frustration, leaving him compelled to express his sentiments.
Why was Breece Hall slapped with $43K fine?
Breece Hall is imposed to face a hefty fine of $43,709 from the NFL for unnecessary roughness in a collision with Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.
The NFL fined #Jets RB Breece Hall $43,709 for unnecessary roughness last week — lowering the head to initiate contact with #Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, who ended up in concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/R4gNMFImiT
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2023
The incident occurred during the first quarter of the Jets’ recent 13-8 loss to the Falcons. The Jet’s running back, catching a short pass from quarterback Tim Boyle, who was waived recently, raced towards the left sideline in an attempt to reach the first down marker.
At that time, it seemed like a routine football play as Hall lowered his shoulder to initiate contact with Terrell, who tackled him short of the sticks, per NBC Sports. Although no penalty was called during the game, the NFL levied a fine on Hall for unnecessary roughness, citing his use of the head during the collision.
The play resulted in more than just a financial penalty. Terrell sustained a concussion in the collision. Despite the absence of malicious intent in Breece Hall’s hit, the NFL is keen on minimizing head contact in the game.
Breece Hall reacts to $43K
After finding himself at the center of controversy as the NFL handed down a debatable fine, Breece Hall expressed his frustration. Hall took to X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing a video of the play in question and posing a pointed question: “I’m supposed to just let him hit me?”
I’m Supposed to just let him hit me? https://t.co/hth9IbpxPE
— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) December 9, 2023
The fine added insult to injury for Hall, who faced the weight of disappointment after the Jets’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons. His individual performance mirrored the team’s struggles, gaining only 16 yards on 13 carries and averaging a mere 1.2 yards per attempt against the Falcons.
Hall’s predicament highlights a broader trend in the NFL this season, where the league has exhibited zero tolerance for on-field roughness. Nevertheless, the decisions surrounding the NFL’s fines have often been contentious this season, as exemplified by the controversy surrounding the fines imposed on Buffalo Bills starter Josh Allen. Meanwhile, former NFL player J.J. Watt sees these fines wholly as the league’s way of “stealing money.”.
Nonetheless, as the Jets endure a challenging season marked by a five-game losing streak, they are poised to make a quarterback change, starting Zach Wilson amid rumors of his reluctance to take the field. The upcoming clash with the Houston Texans presents a crucial opportunity for the Jets to break their losing streak and turn their fortunes around.
Will the Texans’ showdown bring a change of luck for the 4-8 Jets? Share your opinion in the comment section
