Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) awaits a play call during the second quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets will clash in Week 4 of preseason action before both teams have to cut down from 75 to 53 players.
The game will act as a way to get one final look at players on the bubble. Philadelphia is still installing a new defense and offense, while the Jets are still attempting to figure out who the starting quarterback truly is going into the season.
Here’s a brief preview.
Where: MetLife Stadium
When: August 29, 2013, 7:00 PM ET
Watch: WPVI 6 (ABC – Philadelphia), WCBS 2 (CBS – New York)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Eagles Player to Watch:
Jun 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cary Williams (26) addresses the media during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
If Cary Williams takes the field for the Eagles defense, he is going to need to showcase some positive traits as one of the main defensive backs the unit is counting on next season.
Williams was brought on via free agency and has had an up and down preseason thus far, so it is important for him to solidify his status and also continue to adapt to the scheme.
Jets Player to Watch: Geno Smith
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) steps out of bounds to avoid a safety in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports
After throwing three interceptions as the starter last week, Smith did little to prove he is a capable NFL quarterback. The great news is Smith has plenty of career in front of him and the over-reactions can stop any time now.
Smith will see the field for a few drives as the team attempts to find a starter. Mark Sanchez is out with a shoulder injury so now would be a good time for Smith to redeem himself and place himself back in the conversation.
Matchup to Watch: Jets QBs vs. Eagles Defense
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) scrambles in his own end zone against the New York Giants during the second quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Another easy one here, but the Jets have to see something from Smith. Against a defensive unit still undergoing changes, Smith is going to have to keep the chains moving.
This really goes both ways as the new-look Eagles defense will have an opportunity to face a putrid offense and get some quality reps while continuing to gel.
Prediction
Aug 24, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Chris Polk (32) celebrates with guard Julian Vandervelde (61) after scoring the game-winning touchdown during the fourth quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Final score does not matter here. The play of individuals does in a big way as many are playing for jobs. If we had to guess, the depth of the Eagles is marginally better than the depth in New York.
Eagles 17, Jets 10.