The most difficult part of Braelon Allen’s rookie season with the Jets is the same challenge that veterans are facing on the team — how poorly they have played.
“I’ve never been through a patch like what we’re going through right now,” Allen said of his rookie season. “I’m just learning how to be a pro and how to handle all of it. I’m just showing up to work each and every day no matter how things are going. I’m trying to get better and contribute to the team.”
Allen is one of the only Jets rookies contributing this season. He has 49 rushes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin has become the Jets’ short-yardage back since Todd Downing took over play-calling duties. He had a season-high 12 carries last week against the Patriots and scored a touchdown.
For Allen and the Jets, finding answers in the running game has not come easy this year. But the Jets looked more comfortable running the ball against the Patriots, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich has emphasized the running game.
“We’ve definitely made some strides,” Allen said. “We’re getting it going. It’s a process. I think the guys are doing well up front. Me and Breece [Hall] have to just take advantage of the opportunities and make the most of them.”
Allen, who is the youngest player in the NFL at 20 years old, lamented how the team has played. The Jets came into Thursday’s game with the Texans in the midst of a five-game losing streak.
“It sucks,” Allen said. “It’s disappointing. We all know that we should be playing better. We’re all striving to grow and play better. It’s not over. We have a lot of games left. We have a great team and great leaders and a group of guys that can pull this out.”
Allen said the offense was trying to get things moving faster against the Texans after burning three timeouts in the first quarter against the Patriots and taking a delay of game penalty on a 2-point conversion try.
“It’s a big emphasis,” Allen said. “That hurts us, having to burn timeouts and taking penalties. We have to be better.”
While Allen has been a contributor on offense, the Jets have not gotten much else from this rookie class. Here is a look at how the other rookies have fared at the halfway point of the season:
Offensive tackle, first round
Fashanu started two games when right tackle Morgan Moses was out with a knee injury. Fashanu, who played left tackle at Penn State, struggled in his starts. He has played in every game this season, mainly on special teams. He has been a third tackle sometimes.
Wide receiver, third round
The Jets have barely used Corley this season, which is a little surprising. They have a lot of wide receivers, but Corley has a unique skill set that you would think the Jets would want to take advantage of. He is very raw and he may still have to earn the coaches’ trust. Corley has been inactive for four games and has just one catch this season. Corley should have a bigger role with Allen Lazard now heading to injured reserve for at least four games.
Quarterback, fifth round
This is a redshirt season for Travis, who suffered a gruesome leg injury last year at Florida State. He is getting to learn from Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor this season and then he can compete for a role next year.
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Running back, fifth round
Davis has played in every game, mainly as a kick returner. He has played sparingly on offense with just four carries.
Cornerback, fifth round
Stiggers has played special teams in every game and has shown promise on the coverage teams. He has only played one defensive snap.
Safety, seventh round
Mr. Irrelevant has bounced between the practice squad and off the roster. He is currently off the roster but it would not be surprising to see the Jets bring him back to the practice squad at some point.