After last week's demonstrative 26-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, the Eagles remain alive with a glimmer of playoff hope with three games remaining. At 5-8, the Eagles need to win their final three games and hope that both the New York Giants (7-6) and Dallas Cowboys (7-6) win no more than one of their remaining three games (the Eagles and Cowboys square off in Dallas on Christmas Eve). But some would warn that looking ahead may have contribute to the Eagles' current record in the first place, so the focus remains locked on the New York Jets, who will arrive in Philadelphia as a team in playoff position at 7-5.
For the Eagles, last week's win over the Dolphins was encouraging in several facets. First, the defense dominated, thanks to a ferocious pass rush that accounted for nine sacks. The defense also produced turnovers, something that has been a missing component at times as the Eagles rank tied for 30th in turnover differential on the season. Offensively, the Eagles took advantage of opportunities afforded to them by the defense. Most encouraging on that side of the ball though, was simply the return of quarterback Michael Vick, who had missed three games with broken ribs. Vick was unspectacular by effective as he shook off the rust in his return, but he'll have to step up his game this week against the formidable Jets defense that ranks sixth in the league in overall defense.
The Jets, meanwhile, are coming off a 37-10 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, both opponents of the Eagles and Jets parted ways with their respective head coaches the day following their losses when the Dolphins followed suit and relieved Tony Sparano of his duties. Under Rex Ryan, of course the son of former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan, the Jets have won their last three games. That turnaround can be attributed in part to the Mark Sanchez's improved ball security – he's thrown seven touchdowns to only one interception over the last three games after throwing 10 interceptions over the team's first 10 games. The Eagles' resolve is sure to be tested once again Sunday afternoon, as the possibility remains that they could be eliminated from the playoff race if both the Cowboys (playing at Tampa Bay Saturday night) and the Giants (hosting the Redskins at 1 PM) emerge victorious before the Eagles' 4:15 PM kickoff.
Key Matchups
DT Mike Patterson vs. C Nick Mangold
One of the unsung heroes of the Eagles defensive line, Mike Patterson has 2.5 sacks and over 20 quarterback hurries on the season, the most for him in either category since 2007. The run game, however, is where Patterson makes his mark. He's the only starter on the team without a missed tackle on the season. Listed frugally at 300 pounds, the USC-alum is a load inside. He'll go up against one of the league's best, though, in center Nick Mangold. A two-time All-Pro selection, the Ohio State Buckeye started 82 straight games since being drafted in 2006, but missed two games earlier this season with an injured ankle. Mangold is one of the top run-blockers in the league and will be looking to shut down Patterson in the run game.
TE Brent Celek vs. Jets' Defense
Brent Celek has put together a great second-half of the season. In the last eight games, the five-year veteran has 40 catches for 444 yards and two touchdowns. The team's leader in receptions, Celek will look to take advantage of a defense that ranks 27th against opposing tight ends according to Football Outsiders, allowing 65.4 yards per game. With one of the key figures in the middle of the Jets' defense, safety Jim Leonhard, out for the season with a knee injury, Celek and quarterback Michael Vick will look to take advantage. This weakness in the middle of the field will be especially tempting for the Eagles' offense because the Jets rank first in the NFL in defending their opponents' starting wide receivers and rank fourth against the run. Look for head coach, and defensive mind, Rex Ryan to make adjustments to contain Celek Sunday.
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