Commanders Urged to Make Blockbuster Move for Former 2nd-Round RB
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Pro Football Network's Josh Weil named New York Jets running back Breece Hall a blockbuster trade target for Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the Washington Commanders.
The Washington Commanders already made a somewhat surprising running back trade to begin this season. This week, the Commanders received encouragement to make another even bigger move — acquire New York Jets running back Breece Hall.
Pro Football Network’s Josh Weil named Hall a blockbuster trade candidate for the Commanders on October 6. Weil proposed Washington trade a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Jets for Hall and a 2026 seventh-rounder.
“The Washington Commanders have found a gem in Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With Austin Ekeler out for the season, they don’t have much experience behind him, so they should consider a move,” Weil wrote. Along with his knowledge, bringing in Breece Hall from the Jets brings a whole new dynamic to the offense, as Croskey-Merritt isn’t used in the passing game much, whereas Hall can be strong in all facets of the game.
“Having a two-headed monster like this will both lower the workload of Croskey-Merritt and bring a hungry player with free agency looming to get his first taste of playoff football. Hall takes this offense to a level that can help them execute even more consistently, and make them a real threat to the Eagles’ hold on the division crown.”
As Weil explained, adding Hall would give the Commanders a 1-2 punch again in their backfield. Washington opened the season with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler as their top two running backs.
However, the team lost Ekeler to a season-ending torn Achilles during Week 2.
Without Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt has led the league with a 6.6 yards per carry average. Crosky-Merritt has posted 283 rushing yards and four touchdowns along with five catches for 54 yards.
Hall, who the Jets drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has 351 rushing yards. He’s averaged 5.3 yards per carry this season.
What Breece Hall Could Bring to Commanders
Hall is becoming an afterthought with the winless Jets. After the team drafted him at No. 34 overall in 2022, he quickly burst onto the scene with a 5.8 yards per carry average in his rookie season.
But a torn ACL and meniscus cut the running back’s first NFL season short. Hall was solid while remaining healthy in 2023 and 2024, but he failed to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark in either campaign while playing in a struggling Jets offense.
Hall, though, could be a terrific complement to Croskey-Merritt. Not only would he give the Commanders more depth, Hall’s a better pass-catcher than the seventh-round rookie.
In 2023, Hall had 76 catches for 591 receiving yards. Thanks to his pass-catching ability, he has reached at least 1,350 yards from scrimmage each of the past two years.
Having another back such as Hall will also help Croskey-Merritt avoid hitting the rookie wall. Croskey-Merritt is on pace for 163 touches this season. He only had one such season at the top level in college.
Commanders RB Depth Entering Week 6
Without Ekeler, the Commanders have used veteran Jeremy McNichols and 2023 sixth-rounder Chris Rodriguez as their depth running backs. Both backs have been efficient when carrying the ball.
But neither has a lot of touches. In fact, quarterback Jayden Daniels is second to Croskey-Merritt for Washington in rushing yards.
Adding Hall would give the Commanders another dimension to their ground attack and important depth. Acquiring Hall would be an aggressive move, but it would be an appropriate one since Washington advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season.
It is worth wondering, though, how much better could the Commanders really get on the ground with any running back addition through a trade. Entering Week 6, Washington sits ranked first in rushing yards and yards per carry.
The Commanders are also eighth in points scored and 13th in total yards.
Aaron Judge Delivers Historic Clutch Home Run to Keep Yankees’ Postseason Dreams Alive
New York, NY – In a game where the New York Yankees faced the specter of elimination, Aaron Judge once again proved why he’s considered one of the most clutch players in MLB history. The Yankees were trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning when Judge stepped up to the plate, ready to change the course of the game. What happened next was nothing short of spectacular.
The Power of the Moment
With the count in his favor, Judge squared up a 99.7 mph fastball, sending it soaring over the left-field fence for a three-run home run that tied the game at 6-6. The swing was as powerful as it was timely, keeping the Yankees alive in what had already been a back-and-forth battle. It was not just a home run—it was a historic moment.
Judge’s blast came on a pitch that was 1.2 feet inside the strike zone, a rare location that had not been hit for a home run in the pitch-tracking era since its inception in 2008. It was a testament to Judge’s unparalleled ability to handle high-velocity pitches, especially in clutch situations. The power hitter’s performance continues to solidify his legacy as one of the best in the postseason.
A Milestone for Judge
This home run wasn’t just another notch in Judge’s incredible postseason resume; it also marked a personal milestone. According to Stathead's Katie Sharp, this was the fastest pitch Judge had ever hit for a home run in his career. The pitch and the moment were a perfect storm—an instant in which Judge’s concentration, power, and timing came together for a game-changing result.
“I knew this was a must-win game for us,” Judge said after the game. “When the pressure was on, I wasn’t going to let the moment slip by. This is what October baseball is all about. You live for these kinds of moments.”
The Comeback and a Historic Rally
Judge’s clutch home run served as the catalyst for a remarkable comeback. The Yankees, down 6-1, rallied for five runs in the inning, eventually securing a 9-6 victory over the Blue Jays. It was the second-largest comeback in Yankees’ postseason history, a dramatic shift in momentum that gave the team a fighting chance in the ALDS.
Judge’s home run was more than just a swing of the bat; it was a statement to the Blue Jays, the fans, and anyone watching—this Yankees team would not go down easily. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure were on full display, with his teammates feeding off his energy.
Looking Toward the Future
The Yankees now trail the Blue Jays 2-1 in the ALDS, but they remain alive thanks to Judge’s heroics. The series will shift to Game 4, with the Yankees hoping to tie things up and send the series to a decisive Game 5. While there is still work to do, one thing is clear: as long as Judge is in the lineup, the Yankees’ postseason dreams are far from over.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Judge’s unforgettable moment in Game 3 could very well be the turning point the Yankees needed to fuel a deeper playoff run. The question remains—will he continue to deliver when his team needs him most? With Judge, anything is possible.
