Jets vs. Eagles: Top Storylines to Watch for in Final Preseason Matchup

Of all the teams in the NFL, the Jets have had one of the least-promising preseasons possible.

Even the Eagles—who have been without quarterback Michael Vick for the majority of the preseason—have fared better in exhibition play. In fact, these two teams have been on completely opposite trajectories for the last month. 

When the Jets and the Eagles face off on Thursday night, there will be more at stake than what can usually be expected from the final exhibition game on the schedule. Even though few of the premiere players will be taking part—that includes Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez—there are still plenty of storylines to follow.

Here's a look at a few.

Who's Behind Sanchez and/or Tebow?

Jets head coach Rex Ryan made some waves earlier this week when he indicated, according to the Associated Press (via the Wall Street Journal), that if Mark Sanchez went down with a serious injury, it would be Tebow—not Greg McElroy or Matt Simms—who would take his place.

That also effectively quashed any ridiculous rumors that Tebow could be moved to the backfield.

The New York Times' Dave Caldwell also reports that McElroy and Simms will both play on Thursday against Philly, meaning that this game will be particularly important to McElroy, who has gotten little opportunity to show what he can do ever since dislocating his right thumb in last year's preseason finale.

According to the Times, you may also recall that McElroy was the renegade who made headlines last season "for saying the Jets had a 'corrupt mindset' and were populated by 'extremely selfish individuals.'"

The Jets have a lot of quarterbacks right now, and they all need to earn their keep. This could be McElroy's last opportunity to do so. 

Should We Have Confidence in Nick Foles?

Unclear. But he'll give us one more glimpse of what he can do when he plays the first quarter on Thursday night, according to CBS Philly. 

Vick is still expected to return for the regular season, but in the event that he goes down again—which, given his track record, is a near certainty—the Eagles will need to know that whoever is waiting in the wings is capable of taking over with success.

So far, it's been pretty good for Foles, who helped lead the Eagles to a 27-10 win over the Browns last time out, throwing for 146 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. A week earlier, against New England, he went 18-of-28 for 217 yards, two more touchdowns and another pick. By comparison, Tebow and Sanchez have thrown zero touchdown passes. Combined.

By all indications, Foles looks good. But Eagles fans are likely in a perpetual state of waiting for the other shoe to drop, so one last solid outing against the Jets defense would be nice.

 

Will Jason Smith Fare Better Than Wayne Hunter?

Earlier this week, the Jets moved demoted right tackle Wayne Hunter to St. Louis in exchange for the Rams' right tackle, Jason Smith. Was it an upgrade or a lateral move? 

According to Metro's Kristian Dyer, Hunter was demoted to jumbo tight end, and now, Smith—though technically also a guard—will fulfill the same role.

By all indications, it seems like the Jets couldn't have shipped Hunter out any faster. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN NewYork, Hunter—far from a fan favorite in New York—was benched in favor of Austin Howard last weekend, shortly after allowing 2.5 sacks to the Giants in an exhibition game.

Then there's Smith. Though he was once a first-round draft pick, his career has constantly been derailed by injuries and possible concussions, according to Dyer.

If he does play on Thursday (which he "might," according to NFL.com), he can consider it his first opportunity to prove he can make an impact in New York—or at least a better impact than Hunter.