Jets Upset Eagles as Defense Stands Tall

Coming into this game, nobody gave the Jets a chance to win, and reasonably so. Down two of their best Corners in All-Pro Sauce Gardner and quality starter DJ Reed, many thought last year's MVP runner-up QB Jalen Hurts would have a highlight reel game. However, Head Coach Robert Saleh and his squad had a different message for America's Game of the Week.

The Jets' defense played phenomenally without their two Corners. Despite a slower start, the Jet's defense ramped up in the second half, in which they didn't allow a point. They forced Jalen Hurts to throw three interceptions, one of which came with 1:50 left in the game and gave the Jets the ball at Philly's 8-yard line. That pick resulted in the Jets taking the lead 20-14 after completing a two-point conversion. The Jets forced four turnovers of this Philly offense, and they completely dominated the line of scrimmage.

Rushing the football was nonexistent for the Eagles yesterday. Running for only 80 yards on the ground set a season-low for the team. New York made it difficult for Deandre Swift (the league's 4th leading rusher coming in) and company to get anything positive going. Hurts was the team's leading rusher with 47 yards, more than half of the team's total. Lack of effectiveness rushing the football led the Eagles to become one-dimensional, something they are not accustomed to. They were forcing Hurts to pass, which led to multiple pass defenses by a plethora of players. Accumulating twelve pass deflections as a team, the Jet's front seven did a tremendous job getting their hands up and into passing lanes. Linebacker Quincey Williams has been outstanding this season, and it was much of the same on Sunday. Williams registered twelve total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection while also recovering a fumble. It was a dominant outing for the Backer, who should be on everyone's radar as one of the league's best.

Offensively, the Jets did just enough not to lose this game. Third-year QB Zach Wilson played adequately in his start, throwing for 180 yards and completing just shy of two-thirds of his passes. The key for Wilson is that he did not turn the ball over in this game. Doing so allowed the offense to get as much as possible with the pressure Philly was getting. It's a positive takeaway out of a very dull offensive showing.

If Wilson can continue to limit turnovers, the Jets should stay competitive thanks to their elite defense. Coach Saleh has this unit in prime form, and they should look to continue improving as their two starting Corners return soon.