Braelon Allens rookie contributions a Jets rarity in trying season

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 ...