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Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets betting odds were available at Bookmaker.com. The Jets were a -3 home favorite.
Last week, football bettors got their first look at Michael Vick since the embattled quarterback was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles this summer. While his preseason debut was brief, it is certainly the talk of the town in Philly.
Vick completed all four of his pass attempts, two of which were shovel passes, in the Eagles' 33-22 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Thursday. The versatile pivot was also used on the wing as a receiver, but the team did not throw to him. Following his performance, starting quarterback Donovan McNabb told the media he thought the play calling involving Vick disrupted the offense's rhythm. Those careless comments set a wildfire among beat reporters, who hopped on the McNabb vs. Vick angle.
While the overblown controversy makes for a good read, it won't put a hitch in McNabb's giddy up. He's been sharp this preseason, totaling 424 yards on over 60 percent passing. The Eagles' air attack remains one of the most potent in the NFL but has totaled only five passing touchdowns this preseason. Two of those TD passes belong to McNabb, who will not play in the final preseason game of the schedule.
That leaves the majority of snaps to backup Kevin Kolb, who missed time earlier this summer due to injury, and Vick. Kolb has played just one game this preseason, going 10-for-18 for 102 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia announced that Vick will get snaps in this preseason finale. It could be the last time Vick will see the field until Week 6 of the regular season, unless the NFL shortens his suspension.
Much of the Eagles' first-team offense and defense will sit out this week's game. There are still some starting spots at safety and middle linebacker not etched in stone heading into the regular season, leaving those players to fight for positions Thursday. Kevin Curtis is out with a knee injury, and rookie WR Jeremy Maclin was roughed up in practice this week.
The New York Jets are coming off a big preseason win over the rival New York Giants this weekend. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez solidified his recent selection as the team's No. 1 QB by throwing for 149 yards on 13-of-20 passing with a touchdown. His backup, Kellen Clemens, passed for just five yards in the third quarter on two attempts but should get more snaps in this preseason finale.
The Jets are currently dealing with contract disputes with their two running backs. But while Leon Washington has performed well in the preseason, Thomas Jones has struggled. Jones has just 61 yards on 29 carries this summer, while Washington has stepped up as a dual threat. He's totaled 119 rushing yards on 19 touches and has 40 yards receiving on six catches including a TD. Both could be held out of Thursday's game, and with third-stringer Shonn Green nursing sore ribs the rushing attack could be restricted to Danny Woodhead.
The biggest question that still is unanswered this preseason is New York's wide receiver corps. No. 1 Jerrico Cotchery has only three catches this summer for 60 yards but still holds the top spot on the depth chart. The search for No. 2 continues heading into Thursday. David Clowney is getting a longer look after catching five balls for 135 yards and two touchdowns this preseason. Also moving up the depth chart is Chansi Stuckey, who totaled 69 yards and a score in Saturday's win over the Giants.
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