This isn't the best week to have to face the Eagles. Jeremy Maclin is back. Michael Vick is healthy. If Miami is any indication, this team has no intention of letting up. I think when they perform at a level anywhere near their peak potential, the Eagles are one of the most formidable teams in the NFL.
It's not all bad. If anyone plays down to their opponents more than the Jets it's the Eagles. The Eagles have had a rough go of it this year, and they are beatable. The Jets have really gotten their feet underneath them against a few weaker opponents and are playing to their strengths. The loss of Leonhard is a concern, but some of the best Jets performances have been when they were forced to adapt with backup players. Rex might use favoritism or sometimes stick with the wrong guy too long, but few coaches compensate for a loss of a defensive player better than Rex Ryan.
Every Eagles power player is a player to watch this week. Keep an eye on Brent Celek. It's finals this following week for me, so use this preview as an open thread for your predictions, potential Jets MVP's and or X-factors.
The Rundown:
New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles -- Sunday, Dec. 18th, 4:15 p.m. EST
Location: Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia, PA.
Coverage: CBS. DirecTV 715. Sirius XM 132.
Record: Philadelphia holds an 8-0 all time series lead over the Jets, which is the largest in the entire league out of any series in which one team has not yet won a game.
What happened last time? Eagles beat the Jets 16-9 in 2007.
Injury report:
Jets Out: Marquice Cole (CB) Knee.
Eagles Doubtful: Darryl Tapp (DE) Ribs. Questionable: Todd Herremans (T) Ankle, Cullen Jenkins (DT) Groin, Jeremy Maclin (WR) Hamstring, Vince Young (QB) Ankle.
Rankings
Offense: The Jets are 25th in overall offense, 6th in points (nice), 21st in passing and 22nd in rushing. Philadelphia is 4th in yards, 15th in points, 11th in passing and 3rd in rushing.
Defense: The Jets are 12th in points allowed, 6th in overall yards allowed, 6th against the pass, and 14th against the rush (still goes up a little every week). Philadelphia is 20th in points allowed and 12th in passing yards allowed, 12th in total defense and 18th against the run.