Week 5 Preview: Eagles vs Jets
4 October 2019 Uncategorized
With a quarter of the season in the books, the Philadelphia Eagles are sitting at 2-2 and 1-0 in the division. After a 10-day rest, we are back home and looking to start a run. On Sunday, we are playing the 0-3 Jets… folks, this is the definition of a trap game. We just went into Lambeau Field and took out the 3-0 Green Bay Packers in a game where we were counted out. Now, we are playing a bad team, who is most likely without their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, who apparently is more interested in spin the bottle than spinning footballs to Robby Anderson and LeVeon Bell. Nevertheless, this is a must win game for both teams. Yes, it is a must win for the Eagles. We can no longer continue this trend of losing to inferior opponents. Championship caliber teams understand that no matter the opponent, you need to dominate every phase of the game for 4 quarters and assert your dominance. More importantly, we are about to embark on a 3-game road trip against Minnesota, Dallas, and Buffalo, so we need to grab this win.
Key Match Ups:
WR vs Corner Matchups:
The Eagles will be rolling out a combination of Rasul Douglas, Craig James, Orlando Scandrick, and hopefully Sidney Jones (who is dealing with a hamstring injury) for Sunday’s matchup. James and Scandrick were not even on the Eagles as of week 3 and Douglas will still the 3rd on the depth chart and that is with injuries to LeBlanc and Mills. If Darnold is playing, they could have their hands full with Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder. In week 1, Crowder caught 14 of 17 targets for 99 yards from Darnold. Anderson was held in check by who I believe is one of the best corners in the NFL Tre’Davious White; however, Anderson and Darnold have a connection. In the last 4 games with Darnold in 2018, Anderson had 23 catches, 336 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Even if Luke Falk plays, the Eagles need to make sure Anderson is not deeper than the deepest defensive back. For our sake, Chris Herdon IV is till serving a suspension and will not be playing
The Jets secondary has been suspect at best in 2019. In week 1, they allowed the Bills John Brown to go for 7-123-1 and the Bills team to finish with 254 total receiving yards. In week 2, the Browns Odell Beckham Jr. went for 6-161-1 and the Browns finished with 325 total receiving yards. In week 3, the Patriots Josh Gordon went for 6-83, Edelman went for 7-62-1, and Dorsett went for 6-53-1, and the Pats finished with 320 total receiving yards. However, the Jets do have talent on their defense. Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye are one of the more talented duos in the league. In my opinion, Jamal Adams is the most versatile players in the league next to Chargers safety Derwin James. He can be a game wrecker. It is crucial that we do not allow Adams to come free on a safety blitz and get free shots on Carson.
RB vs Run Defense Matchups:
The Eagles are currently ranked the 4th best run defense in the NFL allowing only 62 rushing yards per game and only 2 rushing scores. The Jets are currently ranked the 8th best run defense in the NFL allowing only 88.7 rushing yards per game and 4 rushing scores. Both teams know that their opponent’s secondary is their weaknesses; however, both backfields are talented and establishing the run will be crucial for both teams. The Eagles are coming off a dominating rushing performance and look to build from that on Sunday. The Jets have one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL with Le’Veon Bell. People have mixed opinions on Bell after he skipped the entire 2018 season in Pittsburg, but there is no denying his talent. Look for Bell to be utilized as a pass catcher more than a rusher in week 5; he is extremely dangerous out of the backfield and can even play slot receiver.
Overview:
The Jets have talent on their team, but they are in disarray. Regardless if Darnold plays or not, you can’t lose to an 0-3 team at home. It’s time. It’s time to lock in and lock it down. I expect this to be like the Denver Broncos game in 2017 where we came out on top 51-23 at home. Carson will be on point all day and having his way with these corners. I expect Miles Sanders to continue to grow into his role and find the endzone in this one. Overall, expect the Eagles offense to get things clicking and run up the score. I am predicting a 41-20 win for the Birds where Carson throws for 3 touchdowns and the duo of Howard and Sanders account for the other offensive 2 touchdowns and lets add in a defensive score. Let’s see a 3-2 record heading into Minnesota week. As Always, Fly Eagles Fly!
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles