New York Jets: Can they stop the Eagles?

Can the New York Jets do enough to stop the incoming Philadelphia Eagles? Stopping the Eagles would be a legitimate question if they were actually moving, but in the first two weeks Philadelphia has struggled to find its wings. They’ll have a tough time finding their offensive spark against the soaring Jets’ defense.

With 10 takeaways through two weeks, including three interceptions on Andrew Luck, the Jets are a tall task for the struggling Eagles. Sam Bradford seems clueless in the backfield, with the exception of the second half against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 when he went 21 for 25 and three touchdowns. Those two quarters so far look like a fluke.

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Before the season, Philadelphia’s early Week 3 trip to MetLife Stadium looked to be a marquee matchup between the Jets’ defense and last year’s Offensive Player of the Year, DeMarco Murray.

Murray has struggled significantly through his first two games and looks nothing like the player who bulldozed his way through the league with the Dallas Cowboys. In reality, this shouldn’t be surprising.

Murray’s 2014 season ranks seventh most in carries by a running back in a single season. Taking a look at the top 10 in this list reveals a troubling trend; running backs with over 370 carries in a season typically see a significant decline in production immediately following that season. Murray has had the worst two game start at RB in NFL history this season. Yikes!

With one of the worst performing offenses this season, the Eagles have a huge task ahead of them against a tough Jets’ defense. The secondary is playing at an almost unstoppable level, and proved Week 1 was no fluke as they completely dominated the Luck-led Colts’ offense.

Granted, the Colts offense has some major holes and T.Y. Hilton was less than 100%, but limiting Luck to only seven points and forcing him into four turnovers is a telling accomplishment for their defense.

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) is congratulated by his teammates after making an interception against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. New York Jets defeat the Indianapolis Colts 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side of the ball, the Jets have looked remarkably efficient considering all the questions and drama surrounding the offense in the off-season. After assuming the starting role at QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick has looked comfortable, especially with Brandon Marshall who has two touchdowns so far, including a strong effort in Week 2 pulling two defenders into the end zone with him for a 15-yard score. The offense has remained simple, with lots of quick slants and passes underneath and of course lots of running from Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell.

The Eagles will be without three starters on defense when Fitzpatrick and the rest of the offense takes the field. The Jets are sure to come home to a raucous crowd which hasn’t seen this good a start from the Jets since 2011. Chances are Philadelphia stays grounded with a 0-3 record when this one is said and done.

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