Jets vs. Eagles: 4 Things We Learned from New York's 45-19 Loss

The New York Jets put on an embarrassing display on Sunday, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 45-19. 

The Jets were plagued by mistakes all game long and didn't get any help in the luck department. On their opening drive, Santonio Holmes fumbled after being tackled, only for the Eagles to return it for a touchdown. Two drives later with the Jets in the red zone, a pass bounced right off Holmes' hands and into the arms of an Eagles defender. 

Those two plays summed up how the day went for the Jets. 

Despite the loss, the Jets are still right in the thick of things in the playoff hunt. However, it doesn't get easier as they take on the New York Giants next week. 

Before moving onto next week, let's take a look at what we learned from this week.

The Jets Control Their Own Destiny

Even after losing in pathetic fashion to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Jets control their playoff destiny. 

If they defeat their next two opponents, they will make the playoffs because they hold the tiebreaker edge over the Cincinnati Bengals. 

So as bad as things seem right now, the season is far from over. 

The Jets Miss Jim Leonhard

The New York Jets lost their quarterback on defense, Jim Leonhard, last week to injury, and it sorely showed on Sunday. 

Eric Smith was forced into single coverage and was burned repeatedly by Brent Celek to the tune of 154 yards. 

The Jets defense was a mess last season the first game after Leonhard went down (the Patriots debacle), but adjusted after. Let's hope that's the case again this season. 

Santonio Holmes Shouldn't Be a Captain

All players make mistakes. We will still be upset when their made, but we understand that no player is perfect.

Santonio Holmes' two gaffes in the first quarter were costly, but ultimately forgivable. 

However, when Holmes was flagged for excessive celebration following his touchdown in the second quarter, that was unforgivable.

First off, when your losing 28-9, there's no reason to be celebrating. Second, that's a terrible example to be setting for the team. 

That's not the behavior you want to see out of your captain. 

Saturday's Game vs. the Giants Is an Elimination Game

The New York Jets and New York Giants square off at MetLife Stadium on Christmas Eve in the biggest game of the season for each team. 

Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses and another loss will likely end any chance of making the playoffs for either team. 

The stakes couldn't be bigger. Two teams will enter, but only one will come out on top. Get your popcorn ready, this should be a good one.