The Jets' locker room was nearly empty when Breece Hall stood before reporters, his eyes obscured by sunglasses but all emotion on display.
“I think this year has probably been the most trying year of my life,” the third-year running back said. “It's just that I had a lot of expectations and expectations for myself and I just wasn't on the side of succeeding at it. I work hard every day and I can't use that as an excuse. Ball If you can't handle it, you shouldn't play. You just have to get better.”
In the third quarter, when the Jets were strong, Hall committed a fumble.
Former Giant Julian Love forced a fumble and ran 11 yards to midfield, but it was recovered by Seattle linebacker Tyrice Knight.
The Seahawks then gained 34 yards in 10 plays, and Jason Myers kicked a 43-yard field goal to cut the Jets' lead to 21-19 with 13 minutes, 11 seconds left in the game. The Jets lost 26-21.
“I feel like we lost the game today,” said Hall, who gained 60 yards on 12 carries and didn't have a catch for the first time this season. “It's never a good feeling, especially if you're a competitive person. If you can't handle the ball, you shouldn't be playing.”
It was Hall's second fumble of the game, but the Jets recovered it in the first quarter. Hall has six fumbles this season, two of which were lost.
“It's been a long season,” Hall said.
Hall was playing with a knee injury Sunday, but said that's no excuse. He injured his knee against the Colts two weeks ago and missed Wednesday's practice.
But for Hall, it was his pride that hurt more than his knees after this game.
“I really haven't played enough,” Hall said of the past five weeks after consecutive games of more than 140 yards from scrimmage against the Bills and Steelers. “I'm not who I think I am, I'm not who I say I am. I start to lose confidence in myself. When I'm playing around with the ball, maybe my coaches and teammates start to lose faith in me. I hope not, but that's to be expected. I hope we keep our heads down and get on with our jobs and get out of this mess.”
