Eagles v. Jets: Who to Watch in Final Preseason Game

While many regard the fourth and final preseason game as a waste, it’s the complete opposite for an overwhelming majority of players. Every NFL team is required to trim down its roster from 75 to 53 this weekend, putting over 700 players out of the job. While some of those may make a practice squad, the majority will be left with shattered dreams and the need to find work.

Damon Harrison reminded everyone how crucial this game is to those 700 players who’ll be out of a job within the next 48 hours.

Now, looking towards tonights Eagles versus Jets game there are still multiple position battles and key names to watch out for. Here are a couple of those situations to watch out for this evening.

Tim Tebow v. Matt Barkley

No, unfortunately for one quarterback the Eagles can’t have both. Perhaps the biggest storyline of this game is the competition between former USC quarterback Matt Barkley and the beloved Tim Tebow. Eagles beat writers were quick to point out that the quarterbacks have nearly identical preseason completion percentages heading into this game, which might be a good sign for Tim Tebow. The expectations for Tebow are to be able to make the defense think and get Sam Bradford out of the redzone where he’s closer to defenders and prevent any chance of injury.

In the case of Barkley, some argue that he’s more prepared to step in if (God forbid) Bradford and Mark Sanchez go down. While Barkley hasn’t proven himself in the past, this is (possibly) his last chance with the Eagles. He will get the start tonight, so we will have to wait and see how long he is out there.

Jets Running Backs

The fate of guys like Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson will soon be known. Over their respective careers, Stacy showed more promise while with the Rams, but has abruptly fallen off the face of the football earth. Tonight’s game will surely be a big one for both backs’ future.

Kiko Alonso’s Play/Health

Acquired for running back LeSean McCoy, there are high expectations for linebacker Kiko Alonso this season. He’s dealt with not just rehab from a torn ACL, but a concussion and tendonitis in his repaired knee during camp. Fans thought he would play in the third game, but the tendonitis prevented him from doing so. Its most likely Chip Kelly being overly cautious, but its something to watch for tonight. Along with Alonso, the Eagles have arguably the best front seven in the NFL, not to mention the best linebacker depth. They carry 2014 NFC sack leader Connor Barwin, recently resigned draft picks Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Graham, veteran DeMeco Ryans, and the developing Marcus Smith II.

Jets Own QB Battle

The team is advertising the battle between Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson, who was recently cut by the Bengals. The two are fighting for the third quarterback job, one which some believe Flynn has the upper hand in winning. Johnson was just added to the roster and saw little playing time while with Cincinnati. Never the less, the team’s decision on what to do with either of them could impact what happens to the depth chart quarterback needy teams like Buffalo.

Which Rookies Will Step-Up?

Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (62) reacts after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback T.J. Yates (13) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

While the Jets top two picks Leonard Williams and Devin Smith won’t be playing tonight due to injury, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t young players to watch out for tonight. Deion Barnes is expected to get a lot of looks at the outside linebacker position, and Barnes is currently sitting on the roster bubble. The former Penn State standout will have to show his improved pass rushing abilities and maybe some special teams play to break camp with the Jets. Offensively, tight end Wes Saxton needs to show improvement after Jace Amaro went down with a shoulder injury. While Saxton isn’t the starter in camp, he could get some decent playing time if he performs well tonight.

As for the Eagles, nearly their entire draft class is healthy and ready to go. Sixth round pick JaCorey Sheppard is the only exception after tearing his ACL early in camp. First round pick Nelson Agholor has performed well so far, but is expected to see a lot more playing time tonight as the starters get rest. Eric Rowe out of Utah will have to show better coverage skills from the corner position, but his overall playmaking has impressed. While I saw Rowe as a safety when I initially scouted him, Chip Kelly is dead set on him playing corner across from Byron Maxwell.

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