NEW YORK JETS (8-5) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-8)
Sunday, 4:15 PM ET, CBS, Direct TV (715), Sirius (NYJ 85, Phi 132)
Why Watch
Although not the game that the NFL envisioned when scheduled, both the Eagles and Jets remain playoff contenders. The Jets, winners of three straight, want to keep their wild card momentum going. The Eagles have no shot at a wild card, but if they win out and the Giants and Cowboys finish 8-8, Philly can take the division. This could be one of the more entertaining games this weekend.
What To Watch
Two things conspired to tank Philadelphia’s march to the Super Bowl: the collapse of the passing game and the long learning curve for the Wide-9 defense. Injury and new O-line schemes unbalanced Michael Vick’s performance. DeSean Jackson’s terminal immaturity isn’t anything new, but the pouty behavior does nothing to help his team or his case for a new contract. With LeSean McCoy, the Eagles have become the Jaguars offense with better receivers. The Jags run game is really good. Ditto the Eagles’ run game.
The Eagles’ defense scored nine sacks against the Dolphins last week. They are not likely to do as well against the Jets, but it figures that the “D” would come on late season working in a new defensive alignment under a new coordinator. That unit should blossom in 2012, if the front office has the spine to keep the coaching staff in place.
The Jets defense has been good to marvelous in their last three games, but those wins were against the Bills, Redskins and Chiefs. The Jets are 0-8 against the Eagles.
Who Will Win
Feeling an upset. PHILADELPHIA
