The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets are two teams that couldn't be going in more different directions. The undefeated Jets are coming off a convincing Monday night win on the road against the Colts, whereas the winless Eagles fell to the depleted Cowboys last week. If those trends continue, this one could get ugly.
Eagles vs. Jets 2015 picks and predictions: New York expected to remain undefeated
The suffocating Jets defense could make life very difficult for the struggling Eagles offense Sunday.
The Eagles haven’t been able to get out of their own way offensively, as they’ve turned the ball over five times this season. That plays right into the Jets’ hands; the Gang Green have forced 10 turnovers through the first two weeks.
The defensive line was dominant for the Jets in Week 2, creating pressure on Andrew Luck all night. That doesn't bode well for the Eagles' offensive line, which is one of the weakest in the league. The Eagles are dead last in the league in rushing, and DeMarco Murray has seemingly been stuffed more times behind the line of scrimmage through two weeks this season than he was all of last year. In fact, Murray is having the worst rushing start in NFL history. Since 1960, no player who's carried the ball more than 20 times in his club's first two games has averaged fewer yards per carry than Murray's 1.7.
Plus, Murray tweaked his hamstring in practice this week, so there's a chance he might not even play. All of that means the Eagles may have to throw if they're going to find offensive success Sunday, but quarterback Sam Bradford has to minimize his mistakes. He's looked overwhelmed at times through the first two weeks, and is facing a suffocating Jets defense.
But for all of the Jets’ defensive prowess, their offense has been mediocre at best so far. They failed to put the game away Monday night until late -- the Colts were still within three points midway through the fourth quarter.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a game manager, and looks to limit his mistakes. It doesn't appear as if the Eagles will force the issue Sunday, considering an already mediocre unit will likely be without star linebacker Kiko Alonso, who suffered a knee injury last week.
Given how well the Jets’ defense is playing, this seems to be a tough spot for the Eagles to right themselves offensively. Most of the experts agree. Only one of 13 men on the ESPN panel is going with the Eagles, while at CBS Sports, the home team is picked to win by a 6-2 margin.
It’s the same here at SB Nation, where six experts think the Jets will be victorious Sunday.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| PHI @ NYJ | NYJ | NYJ | PHI | NYJ | NYJ | NYJ | PHI | NYJ |
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