The Eagles present a discipline test for the Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—Perhaps it’ll be lucky No. 13 for the New York Jets.
The Philadelphia Eagles represent the lone NFL franchise the Jets have never defeated. Twelve times these two teams have squared off against one another, and 12 times the team from Pennsylvania has reigned supreme.
Of course, most don’t believe this one bodes well for the Jets, as the undefeated (5-0) and defending NFC champion Eagles are still one of the best teams in the league.
Jets vs. Eagles game info
- New York Jets (2-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (5-0)
- NFL, Week 6, Oct. 15, 2023, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
- MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
The Jets and Eagles will meet for the 13th time this Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at 4:25 p.m. ET. Kickoff coming in the late window—as opposed to the 1 p.m. ET timeslot—is a rarity for a Jets home game.
Also rare is a Jets game broadcasted on FOX, which usually handles the NFC vs. NFC game and NFC road occasions. It most likely dealt directly with the Aaron Rodgers effect, as FOX looked towards this one as a national spot.
Instead, it’ll be Kevin Kugler and old friend Mark Sanchez on the call.
The Jets are set to wear their primary green-on-white uniforms.
.@T_Conk1 reppin' our Week 6 fit pic.twitter.com/cpJvu4wfQD
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2023
Jets vs. Eagles history
- The Eagles lead the all-time series 12-0.
As previously mentioned, the Jets have never beaten the Eagles—the only team they have never defeated.
The first meeting happened all the way back in 1973—after the AFC-NFC merger that Joe Namath and the Super Bowl 3 winning team had a huge hand in establishing. Philly edged New York by a single point, 24-23.
The most recent meeting, in December of 2021, was a 33-18 final in Robert Saleh’s first season as head coach. Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew went for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Jets vs. Eagles odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Spread: Jets +6.5 (-110), Eagles -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Jets +240, Eagles -295
- Over/Under: 41.5 (O: -115, U: -105)
The FanDuel Sportsbook line for the Jets-Eagles currently sits at 6.5 points. Perhaps Sauce Gardner’s absence changes that line once more prior to kickoff.
Jets vs. Eagles injury report
The New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles Week 6 injury report is loaded with familiar and quality names. And, late Saturday afternoon, the Jets received a crushing loss that hadn’t yet hit the official injury report.
New York Jets
- Sauce Gardner (CB): Concussion (Out)
- Brandin Echols (CB): Hamstring (Out)
- D.J. Reed (CB): Concussion (Out)
- Justin Hardee (CB): Hamstring (Out)
- Nick Bawden (FB): Calf (Questionable)
- Micheal Clemons (DL): Ankle (Questionable)
- Xavier Gipson (WR): Ankle (Questionable)
- Mekhi Becton (OL): Knee (Will Play)
- Joe Tippmann (OL): Knee (Will Play)
- Billy Turner (OL): Toe (Will Play)
The major blow was Sauce Gardner being downgraded to out late Saturday afternoon. In spite of a tweet that featured Sauce telling the world that he feels “fine,” the Jets’ second-year stud cornerback will be out with a concussion.
This means the Jets will be without their top two corners and three of their top four—as D.J. Reed and Brandin Echols will also be out. Expect Bryce Hall and Michael Carter II to get the start in base, with safety Tony Adams playing slot cornerback in the nickel.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Jalen Carter (IDL): Ankle (Out)
- Justin Evans (S): Knee (Out)
- Darius Slay (CB): Knee (Out)
- Quez Watkins (WR): Hamstring (Out)
- Sydney Brown (S): Hamstring (Questionable)
- Marlon Tuipulotu (DT): Triceps (Questionable)
- Fletcher Cox (IDL): Back (Will Play)
- Nakobe Dean (LB): Foot (Will Play)
- Rashaad Penny (RB): Illness (Will Play)
- Jack Stoll (TE): Shoulder (Will Play
Speaking of injuries, the Eagles are dealing with their fair share as well. Much like the Jets, they’ll be without their No. 1 cornerback, Darius Slay.
Rookie sensation Jalen Carter will also be out with a knee injury.
Jets’ keys to victory
Offense: Attack, attack, and attack some more
Throw out the Denver Broncos game plan totally, and think back to the 17-0 deficit against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hopping all over a team that rushes the ball early is the key. Allow Zach Wilson a chance to get hot on early downs through play-action, and live or die with the results.
Defense: Be disciplined
Without Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, Jeff Ulbrich’s defense will have to be as disciplined as ever. It’ll be a tough matchup against A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, but, interestingly, the game plan doesn’t change much.
Jalen Hurts needs the rushing attack to do damage through the air. So, if the Jets can stop the Eagles’ run, they’ll have a shot.
Look for the Jets’ EDGE play to remain disciplined against the Eagles’ zone reads and RPOs. That’ll be the early test to see how well New York is handling Philly’s excellent rushing attack.
Jets vs. Eagles prediction
- New York Jets 20, Philadelphia Eagles 23
In a stunner, especially without Sauce Gardner, I think the New York Jets keep this one competitive and actually cover the spread.
Unless the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass rush is too much for the makeshift offensive line, Zach Wilson can indeed have early-down success.
In the end, however, the NFC champs will get it done yet again.
