Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets game preview

Week 4, and the final pre-season game kicks off Thursday night with the Philadelphia Eagles heading to New Jersey to face off against the Jets. Coming in at 2-1, the Eagles will want to build off a strong pre-season and finish this game healthy.

Philadelphia Eagles at the New York Jets

When: Thursday, August 31st @ 7 pm  

The Eagles will travel to New Jersey to face off against one of the weakest rosters in the NFL. The fourth, and final pre-season game will give the players battling for the final roster spots a chance to make some plays and make this team.

In last weeks dress-rehearsal game the Eagles looked good against the Miami Dolphins, a team that will have a good chance at fighting for a playoff spot. The first team offense looked crisp, a 50-yard bomb to deep-threat Torrey Smith and a 20 yard TD to Alshon Jeffery on a post route were the highlights of Carson Wentz’ night. The defense also made a splash-play on a Mychal Kendricks 31 yard pick-six. With no major injuries and the win, the Eagles starters should be happy with what they have accomplished this exhibition season and start to get ready for the Redskins, week 1.

If anyone is looking to watch some NFL football for less than the price of a coffee, check out the secondary market. The get-in price forThursday’ss game is 2 dollars and there are also lower level tickets for 5 bucks. I thought New York was supposed to be expensive?

What to watch on Offense

The theme of the Eagles training camp and pre-season; What is the running back situation going to look like? After 3 games, the backfield looks as clear as mud, the coaching staff hasn’t given the bulk of the carries to one specific back and there hasn’t been one running back who has made enough plays to deserve the #1 running back spot. There were rumors that the 4th running back spot on the roster could come down between Pumphrey and Clement and some have suggested keeping 5. Coach Pederson has stated that Blount’s roster spot is safe, Darren Sproles is still a lock as he is used on special teams and Wendell Smallwood will be kept after an impressive rookie season last year. With that said, Thursday could be Clements and Pumphreys last shot at winning a roster spot.

For what it’s worth, I think Corey Clement makes this Eagles team.

Who to watch on Offense

With the starters not likely to play Thursday, this will be the chance to keep an eye on the Eagles depth guys. Mack Hollins should be on the field quite a bit Thursday and will be looking to make plays. Hollins, who has caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a touch down this pre-season, will get a lot of looks Thursday.

What to watch on Defense

The defensive roster has looked like it has been shaken out, the Ronald Darby and Dexter McDougal trades plus the release of Ron Brooks has answered many questions about the defense. With most of the starters resting it will be up to the youth to make some plays. We will see if McDougal gets on the field Thursday and if any of the rotational pass rushers can get to the quarterback.

Who to watch on Defense

This week I am not looking for one specific player but will be keeping an eye on the secondary as a whole. There are plenty of new faces on the back-end and getting some chemistry down will be key for this unit to succeed. Rodney McLeod, Malcolm Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson will most likely not play thus leaving a bevy of safeties and corners fighting for roster spots. Jalen Mills, Ron Darby, Tre Sullivan, Corey Graham, Rasul Douglas, Aaron Grymes, Jaylen Watkins, CJ Smith, Mitchell White, Jomal Wiltz and Dexter McDougle will be fighting to keep their Eagles career going.

Laying Odds

Eagles +1 (-105)    0/U 36

Last week I went 1 for 2 on my picks making me 4-2 on the year as I correctly picked the over of 42. This week I will take the Eagles +1 and under the 36 total.

The Jets roster is terrible, even when the starters are playing. Christian Hackenberg, should get most of the reps for the Jets and he has shown he isn’t an NFL quarterback. The Eagles have some solid depth and Matt McGloin has looked decent this preseason. Although I don’t see a lot of scoring, I could see the Eagles getting up early and running the clock down to get this game over and keep everyone healthy.

Fantasy Spin

If you haven’t checked out my newest fantasy football article, click here. This post has in-depth rankings to get you set for your fantasy draft as well has a highlight on Eagles players.

For deeper leagues or dynasty leagues I will be keeping an eye on Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood, two running backs that could have value if the Blount experiment fails. Remember, when Blount was on the Bucs and Steelers he had a lot less value than he did on the Patriots.

If anyone is still drafting for their fantasy football draft, give a listen to my podcast. Thanks!