Jets TakeOff! Week 15 Preview: New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Another week, another must win game for Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez and company.  The Jets are coming off 3 straight wins, and have gotten the help they need so far.  Coming into week 15, the Jets are the 6th seed at 8-5, and this would mark the 3rd straight playoff appearance under coach Ryan.  The Raiders, Titans, and Bengals, however, are right on the Jets’ heels at 7-6, waiting for them to slip.  So, the Jets control their playoff lives, and they need to keep control of it.

They head into Philadelphia to face the Eagles, a team that has not lived up to expectations, but is always dangerous.  Still on the edge of the playoff race with a 5-8 record, the Eagles will want this game as well.  The Jets have never beaten the Eagles in the history of the team, and they will have a daunting task to do so on Sunday.  Here’s how they can:

STOP BRENT CELEK

Eric Smith and the rest of the Jets’ safeties will have their hands full.  Eric Smith already will have his hands full, taking over the communication duties from the injured Jim Leonhard.  We all know the problems the Jets have had with the big, hybrid TE.  Antonio Gates, Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, the list goes on.  This week will be another test.  Brent Celek, at 6-4 255lbs, is just the type of TE that gives the Jets fits.  Brent is leading his team in receiving with 49 catches, for 517 yards and 2 TDs, and could spell trouble for the Jets.  He is big, he is quick, and he has good hands.

Expect him to be a big part of the Eagles’ game plan on Sunday, and look for this to be a major key to the Jets’ success.

STOP VICK AND MCCOY

It sounds like an inner city law firm , the office of Vick and McCoy, but it isn’t.  They are two very fast men, and could give the Jets a world of headaches on Sunday.

Start with LeSean McCoy.  The Jets have had their troubles with the speed running backs all season long.  The Darren McFadden types, that can get out on the edge, have given Jets fans nightmares all season long.  And this is the type of running back McCoy is.  He is breaking off runs in big chunks with 242 carries on the year for 1,172 yards, an outstanding average per carry of 4.8 yards and 14 TDs.

Along the same lines, Michael Vick returns from injury this week, and when he is in the game, he is always dangerous.  He’s an improved pocket passer, although having a modest season at 12 TDs and 12 INTs, 2,4021 yards passing and a 78.9 passer rating.  We all know he can get it done on the ground with 544 yards on the ground this season, an 8.1 yard per carry average.

Set the edges on these two and keep them contained.

JACKSON AND MACLIN VS REVIS AND CROMARTIE

This gets mention because it will be a big key to the game, and will be exciting to watch as a football fan.

DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin can break a game at any time.  Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie are as good of a tandem as you can muster up in this sport.

The winner of the matchup will go a long way to winning the ball game, and will be fun to watch.  Enjoy.

WIN THE BATTLE UP FRONT

Over the last 3 games, the Jets offense has been rolling.  3 straight wins, averaging 33 points per game.  Mark Sanchez has put up a QB rating of 98.5 in the last 2 games, and Shonn Greene has averaged 108.5 yards rushing per game.  The offensive line has been improving week by week, and that will need to continue this week.  The Jets will need to win the battle upfront.

To do this, they will need to keep Trent Cole and Jason Babin out of the backfield.  Jason Babin has recorded a team high 15 sacks, and Trent Cole has added 9 of his own.  Coming off the edge, D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Wayne Hunter will have their hands full with these two, and need to come out on top for the Jets to come out on top.

There you have it.  Your week 15 preview of the Jets vs the Eagles.  Enjoy the game, see you on the other side.