Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2015 10:47:48 GMT -5
If we're just going by what's happened the first two weeks of this NFL season, the Eagles won't be able to run the ball against the Jets; won't be able to throw the ball against the Jets; and won't be able to block the Jets' front seven.
And defensively, Brandon Marshall will break every receiving record going against Byron Maxwell and the Eagles' secondary.
The only reason the Eagles are even going to show up at the Meadowlands Sunday is to get out of the city and out of the Pope's way.
Seriously, the Eagles face a tough challenge against a Jets team that rookie head coach Todd Bowles has playing at a high level.
Here are three things the Eagles need to have happen for them to win for the first time this year.
RELATED: 3 key matchups for Eagles vs. Jets
Special Teams Success: Dave Fipp's unit carried the Eagles early and often in the 2014 season. Through two games in 2015 they haven't done anything except get a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown against them. The Jets special teams aren't that great. They have allowed 10 yards per punt return and 25 yards per kickoff return. If the Eagles win the toss, maybe Josh Huff gets it started with a long kickoff return. Or maybe it's up to Darren Sproles to bring a back a punt for a touchdown. The Eagles need a boost to get going and its time for their best unit from last year to kick into gear.
Pass Rush: Linebacker Brandon Graham predicted he would get two sacks a game this year for a total of 32, breaking Michael Strahan's single-season record. Maybe he was talking about the team. The Eagles have managed just two sacks a game as a team thus far, which is not enough. If the secondary is going to get better it could use a little help from the guys up front. Vinny Curry, who will see a lot of time at defensive end Sunday, needs to get unleashed and find out what kind of cologne Ryan Fitzpatrick wears. Graham might want to get involved, as well. Connor Barwin, last year's sack leader, has one of the team's four this season, but also needs a big game this week. A heavy pass rush, which could create some turnovers, might be the defense's best hope.
Protect the Ball: The Jets two-game success has come largely from its defense creating 10 turnovers — four interceptions and an incredible six fumble recoveries. Those turnovers have not just stopped the opposition from scoring 10 times, but it's provided the offense with 10 more chances to score and at times a short field with which to work. The Eagles have five turnovers this season, two Sam Bradford interceptions against the Falcons; and two interceptions and a fumble against the Cowboys. If the Eagles can hold onto the ball, and actually win the turnover battle they'll have a chance.
by Mark Eckel
And defensively, Brandon Marshall will break every receiving record going against Byron Maxwell and the Eagles' secondary.
The only reason the Eagles are even going to show up at the Meadowlands Sunday is to get out of the city and out of the Pope's way.
Seriously, the Eagles face a tough challenge against a Jets team that rookie head coach Todd Bowles has playing at a high level.
Here are three things the Eagles need to have happen for them to win for the first time this year.
RELATED: 3 key matchups for Eagles vs. Jets
Special Teams Success: Dave Fipp's unit carried the Eagles early and often in the 2014 season. Through two games in 2015 they haven't done anything except get a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown against them. The Jets special teams aren't that great. They have allowed 10 yards per punt return and 25 yards per kickoff return. If the Eagles win the toss, maybe Josh Huff gets it started with a long kickoff return. Or maybe it's up to Darren Sproles to bring a back a punt for a touchdown. The Eagles need a boost to get going and its time for their best unit from last year to kick into gear.
Pass Rush: Linebacker Brandon Graham predicted he would get two sacks a game this year for a total of 32, breaking Michael Strahan's single-season record. Maybe he was talking about the team. The Eagles have managed just two sacks a game as a team thus far, which is not enough. If the secondary is going to get better it could use a little help from the guys up front. Vinny Curry, who will see a lot of time at defensive end Sunday, needs to get unleashed and find out what kind of cologne Ryan Fitzpatrick wears. Graham might want to get involved, as well. Connor Barwin, last year's sack leader, has one of the team's four this season, but also needs a big game this week. A heavy pass rush, which could create some turnovers, might be the defense's best hope.
Protect the Ball: The Jets two-game success has come largely from its defense creating 10 turnovers — four interceptions and an incredible six fumble recoveries. Those turnovers have not just stopped the opposition from scoring 10 times, but it's provided the offense with 10 more chances to score and at times a short field with which to work. The Eagles have five turnovers this season, two Sam Bradford interceptions against the Falcons; and two interceptions and a fumble against the Cowboys. If the Eagles can hold onto the ball, and actually win the turnover battle they'll have a chance.
by Mark Eckel
