Eagles vs Jets: Top 5 fun facts

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (19) catches a pass during warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the Week 3 loss in the Eagles vs Jets game by Gang Green, there were some fun facts to take into consideration. Yes, the first half was a disaster and the Jets had plenty of opportunities to turn this game back into their favor but a win just wasn’t in their cards.

The Jets lost 24-17 and were clearly outplayed all throughout the course of the game. Regardless, the Jets are 2-1 so far this season and will have many takeaways from this loss to help tweak some aspects across the team. Of course the injuries to Eric Decker and not having what Chris Ivory brings to the table at their disposal as a premier rusher turned the Jets’ offense into a predictable one.

Despite everything, here are the top 5 fun facts from this Week 3 matchup!

Next: 5. He finally debuts

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Eric Rowe (32) intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (19) and rolls into the end zone for a touchback during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. He finally debuts

For quite some time now, fans of the Jets have been anxiously awaiting the NFL debut of one of their top 2015 NFL Draft picks in wide receiver Devin Smith. He had quite the collegiate career at Ohio State and will definitely bring a nice dimension on the Jets’ offense.

Against the Eagles, Smith finally made his first NFL career start due to the knee injury that sidelined Decker. Despite the interception in the third quarter of this matchup, Smith had a decent performance.

Smith totaled 39 yards on 3 receptions as he will now be able to make the transition from the college scene to the pros during regular season games. It won’t be easy but Smith has the potential to truly be an x-factor later on this season once he gets use to everything.

Next: 4. A milestone with receiving yards

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter under pressure from Philadelphia Eagles free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

4. A milestone with receiving yards

Despite his terrible decision to try and lateral the football that cost the Jets possession of the football, wide receiver Brandon Marshall had an incredible game. Against the Eagles, Marshall totaled 109 receiving yards on 10 receptions and a touchdown.

With his performance, Marshall became the 45th player in NFL history as well as the ninth active player to record 10,000 career receiving yards. Marshall also has a nice streak going in that every game so far this season, he has at least one touchdown reception.

Marshall now has 36 games in his career with at least over 100 yards and 18 games with at least 10 receptions.

Next: 3. No sacks allowed

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets guard Willie Colon (66) and center Nick Mangold (74) on the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. No sacks allowed

Despite the loss, the Jets’ offensive line has been protecting Fitzpatrick rather well so far this season. In the first three weeks of the regular season, the Jets have only allowed just two sacks. This is their lowest total of sacks allowed for the first three games of any season dating back to 2003.

It’s also the seventh time in franchise history that the Jets have allowed two or fewer sacks through the first three games of the regular season. If Ivory was able to play in this game, the outcome could have possibly been different considering how well the offensive line opened up gaps and rushing lanes for him.

Overall, it’s good to see the kind of pass protection the Jets’ offensive line has been giving Fitzpatrick. He needs all the protection he can get if he’s to endure a long season ahead under center without risking getting injured.

Next: 2. Career high in pass attempts

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Career high in pass attempts

Despite putting the Jets in a bad situation to try and leave this game victorious, Ryan Fitzpatrick matched a career-high when it came to pass attempts. He ended his game totaling 283 passing yards on 35 completions for 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

Fitzpatrick matched a career-high 58 pass attempts that he hasn’t done since 2013. That’s right, he matched his most pass attempts in a game in this matchup that dates back to when he played as a member of the Tennessee Titans back on December 15th, 2013.

Due to the lack of a committed run game, the Jets changed their game plan up to truly air it out and it didn’t go in their favor. Fitzpatrick just really isn’t meant to have so many pass attempts in a game without an establish running game to support him.

Next: 1. They always remember the first one

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams (62) during the pregame warmup for his game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

1. They always remember the first one

Rookie defensive end Leonard Williams registered his first career half-sack that he combined with Muhammad Wilkerson against quarterback Sam Bradford. Williams had a decent game against the Eagles that also saw him total 6 tackles.

Williams has potential to truly be a cornerstone on defense but he still has a few things to work on before he reaches his true potential. Once he masters how to come off the edge and use his speed wisely against offensive linemen, there is no telling the kind of major impact he’ll have down the road.

Overall, his future is definitely bright as he’s only going to get better with time and the experience that is presented before him to contribute on defense.

Next: Coffee with the New York Jets: Gang Green falls 24-17 to Eagles

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