Eagles-Jets: Battling until the end
It would be incorrect to call Thursday night’s preseason finale (7 p.m.) between the Eagles and Jets a dress rehearsal. That would imply a resemblance to a real game between these teams.
Instead, starters will be few and far between when the Eagles (3-0) and Jets square off at Lincoln Financial Field.
That means the Eagles’ first-team offense will finish the preseason without a point. It means quarterback Nick Foles hasn’t had a half-decent game yet – and I’m being kind. It means Carson Wentz, Jason Peters, Darren Sproles, Brandon Graham and Nelson Agholor won’t take a snap during preseason.
As has been stressed throughout the preseason, that doesn’t mean that Thursday’s game is meaningless. Here are 10 questions to consider before and during Thursday night’s preseason finale.
Are the Eagles ready for the regular season?
Ultimately, this is the most important question. And we won’t receive an answer this Thursday. The Eagles only have one week between the Jets game and their season opener against the Falcons. The Falcons game is when we’ll find out the answer to this question.
Does it matter if the Eagles lose to the Jets?
No team wants to finish the preseason without a victory, but, coming off a Super Bowl victory, it’s not exactly as if the Eagles need a victory to confirm that they’re a good team.
Who will play quarterback for the Eagles?
We know it won’t be Nick Foles or Carson Wentz. The question is whether third-stringer Nate Sudfeld will play at all. If Wentz isn’t sufficiently recovered from his knee injury to start the season, Sudfeld will be Foles’ backup. We should see Joe Callahan and Christian Hackenberg at quarterback.
Can Christian Hackenberg make the team?
No. Not unless they can move him to the practice squad without any team claiming him. But Thursday’s game is a huge opportunity for Hackenberg to demonstrate that he belongs in the NFL. He may have a little extra inspiration against the Jets, the team that traded him to the Raiders two years after drafting him out of Penn State in the second round.
Who will claim the final running back spot on the roster?
Head coach Doug Pederson said that undrafted rookie Josh Adams will receive plenty of playing time on Thursday. Adams, who has looked good in the two preseason games in which he’s played, is competing with former draft picks Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey to be the final running back on the roster. Thursday will be Pumphrey’s first game this preseason. Jay Ajayi, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement fill the first three roster spots at running back.
Who will earn a roster spot at wide receiver?
This situation is complicated by the uncertainty over the health of Alshon Jeffery and Mack Hollins. An ESPN report says that Jeffery, who had offseason shoulder surgery, will mist the first game or two of the regular season. The fact that Hollins hasn’t played during the preseason raise questions about his availability at the start of the season. Nelson Agholor just started practicing this week and is expected to be ready for the Falcons game, but nothing is certain. Veteran Mike Wallace, signed as a free agent, will make the roster despite doing very little during the preseason. On the other hand, second-year receiver Shelton Gibson has had an outstanding preseason. The injury situation creates the possibility of one or two other receivers making the team – at least for the first few weeks. DeAndre Carter has been playing very well. Also keep an eye on Rashard Davis and Kamar Aiken. Greg Ward hasn’t taken advantage of his opportunities, and Bryce Treggs and Markus Wheaton have had difficulty getting on the field.
Who won’t play at linebacker?
Yes, you read that correctly. The starter likely won’t play, so if we don’t see either Kamu Grugier-Hill or Nathan Gerry, you’ll know that player has earned a starting role.
Who will make the team as a backup defensive tackle?
This battle is between Destiny Vaeao, who likely will make the team, former 6th-round draft choice Elijah Smalls and unheralded Bruce Hector. Winston Craig and Aziz Shittue are also in the mix, but there might only be two spots available behind Fletcher Cox and Haloti Ngata.
Which offensive linemen will make a good impression?
It will be interesting to see if Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who has had a terrible preseason filling in at left tackle for Jason Peters, will play against the Jets. But Vaitai’s position on the roster is secure. Less secure is Isaac Seumalo and guard Chance Warmack. Draft picks Matt Pryor and Jordan Mailata are pushing for spots on the roster, as is Toby Weathersby. Taylor Hart could be playing for his job on Thursday.
Is this the last preseason preview of the year?
Yes. Thank goodness.