Friday Morning Quarterback: New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Michael Vick

(1) and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

Nick Foles

(9) meet on field after game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets, 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

It was a great night for Michael Vick in Philadelphia. He didn’t post anything in the boxscore, as he only played one play. However, that play allowed him to be treated to a nice ovation from the Eagles’ faithful, thanking him for his five years with the team. He may be a member of the Jets now, but that didn’t stop the crowd from treating him quite well. Great job by the Philly crowd, and classy move by Rex Ryan for letting him go out for one play.

Now let’s talk about the game last night. The Jets were crushed, 37-7, but that was far from the focus. The Jets had a lot of questions still left unanswered, and we will talk about some of them this morning.

First we will talk about the battle for the last Jets’ running back spot. It was Daryl Richardson vs. Alex Green. I agree with the telecast, Richardson was the winner. Why? His ability to protect the football, and execute in the screen game. In a game where your job is on the line, two fumbles by Alex Green (one lost) should spell the end of his 2014 with the Jets. It will be surprising to me if Green makes the team. The Jets turned it over enough last year, a running back that fumbles does not sit well.

The Jets should have at least one easy decision. It’s time to say goodbye to Stephen Hill. He had one more chance to impress the Jets’ coaches last night, and he did anything but. There are two reasons he needs to go. First of all, what part of catching the ball with your hands does he not understand? It’s been the same thing since he was drafted. He just doesn’t get it. I don’t care that he caught one pass. If you throw it to anyone enough times, they will catch it once in a while. He will never succeed with his technique, so say goodbye before the man with cymbals for hands ruins regular season games.

Here is the other problem. If a player is fighting for his position on the team, he needs to do whatever it takes to stay on the field and make his case. I understand that Stephen was battling an illness this week. You have to stay in the game and fight. He was holding his stomach while on the sidelines, but he didn’t really seem to be getting treatment, or even rehydrating himself. Hill was standing there looking angry. He looked like a guy who had no interest in being where he was, and that’s not a player I want on the New York Jets. It’s time for the Jets to say goodbye.

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets tight end

Chris Pantale

(83) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive back

Curtis Marsh

(31) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets may have three good tight ends in Jeff Cumberland, Jace Amaro, and Zach Sudfeld, but a case was made last night to keep a fourth. Chris Pantale had an excellent game last night, with three receptions for 74 yards. He ran excellent routes, has good hands, and is quick in space. Pantale looked excellent after the catch, which is a sought after skill in the Marty Mornhinweg offensive system. The Jets might have to think about keeping this young man around.

Saalim Hakim made a case to make this team as well. The play he made on special teams to down a punt inside the ten is a testament to an excellent motor. He plays like a Jet, so the Jets need to consider keeping him on the depth chart.

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The defense looked absolutely awful. Yes, they are the guys that are low on the depth chart, but you don’t want to see them look bad. The quarterbacks could have eaten dinner back there, the pass rush was so invisible. The Jets were torched for nearly 600 yards of total offense. Clearly, the depth chart needs some work.

The cornerback situation is still quite muddy for the Jets. The most consistent player at the position on the night was Ellis Lankster. His coverage was consistently better than the others. LeQuan Lewis had a flash with the interception, but also was beaten badly. If Dee Milliner is ready to go, look for the starters to be Milliner and Darrin Walls. If Milliner is not ready for week one, the Jets have a decision to make. If they hang onto him, they could go with Dimitri Patterson, but it makes more sense to me to roll with Lankster.

I am a fan of Jeremiah George. He is a high quality tackler, and is another guy with an excellent motor. Unfortunately for him, the linebacker group for the Jets is deep, and hard to break into. As good as he has looked, the best we can hope for him is the practice squad.

Finally, the Jets have to make a decision at quarterback. Did Tajh Boyd earn a spot, or will the third quarterback continue to be Matt Simms? Dan Leberfeld from Jets Confidential makes an interesting argument to keep two only, but I don’t see it playing out that way. Tajh Boyd did play well last night, but I believe it will be too little, too late, and Matt Simms will be back for another clip holding role.

How did you guys feel about the game?

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