The New York Jets have a big test on Sunday, as they'll be hosting the undefeated Philadephia Eagles. Through the first five weeks, the defending NFC champs have been fifth in points, second in total yards, and first in third-down conversion percentage.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense have been unstoppable, but the Jets have one of the league's better defenses. In the last three weeks, star cornerback Sauce Gardner has only allowed seven catches for 59 yards. Robert Saleh's defense going up against Nick Sirianni's offense is going to be a fun one in Week 7.
While many don't expect Zach Wilson to lead New York to victory, he might be able to pull it off. Even though he's regarded as one of the worst quarterbacks in football, he has played well over his last two games.
Running back Breece Hall is also coming off a career game, as he rushed for 177 yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 5. If the second-year RB can replicate that performance, New York will be in the game.
With that being said, the Eagles are one of the most dominant teams in football. They allow 61.2 rushing yards per game, which is the best in the NFL. Their loaded offense will certainly be a challenge for Saleh's defense as well. If Hall, Wilson, and the pass defense can stay hot, then New York might just be able to pull off a victory.
3. The Jets rushing attack is on fire
After his best game of the season in Denver, Hall looks like he's fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered a year ago. In the two wins the Jets have this season, the Iowa State stud rushed for over 100 yards.
Last season before his injury, New York was 5-2. Afterward, their season went downhill, which showed how vital he is to the offense. Against the league's best-rushing defense, it's going to be a challenge for Hall on Sunday.
Philadelphia hasn't allowed a single running back to rush for more than 53 yards this season... They haven't faced a back like Hall this season, as he's starting to emerge as one of the most dangerous threats in football.
Through five games this season, the 22-year-old rising star has averaged 7.2 yards per carry, which is second in the NFL this season. Hall is also sixth in rushing yards this season, with 387.
When New York has their star RB on the field, they have a dangerous offense. Since they've drafted him, the Jets are undefeated when Hall rushes for over 75 yards in a game.
Even though the Eagles rushing defense is next-level, Hall is still going to cause havoc. If New York is going to pull off an upset against one of the best teams in the NFL, then they're going to need another big game out of the rising star.
2. The Eagles defense hasn't looked as good as last year
The Eagles defense has allowed the sixth most passing yards in the NFL this season, as they've given up 1,388. Mac Jones, Sam Howell, and Kirk Cousins have all thrown for 300+ yards against Philadelphia's defense, and the Jets are hoping their young QB can continue the trend.
In his last two games, Wilson has a passer rating of 94.6, and he also completed 72.3% of his passes. Going up against Hurts and the Eagles will be one of Wilson's most pressure-packed games. A few weeks ago many fans would have had zero hope, but against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Primetime the Jets QB threw for 245 yards, two touchdowns, and completed 71.8% of his throws.
Wilson has given people a reason to believe in him, as he is starting to turn some heads. The Jets have opened up the playbook for him, and it's certainly paying off. Hopefully, New York sees this recent version of their QB, as he has a chance to have a big game against Philadelphia's struggling pass defense.
The 24-year-old QB has weapons, and he has been finding them as of late. Garrett Wilson has been getting the ball frequently recently, which is a great sign. The former Ohio State receiver is a game-changer, and as long as the QB gets him the ball good things will happen.
With his recent performances, you can be confident that the Jets won't just roll over to the powerhouse Eagles. Even though his stats are ugly, his potential has been showcased over the last two weeks. If Wilson can make high-level throws consistently in Week 6, he might be able to lead New York to victory.
1. New York's defense is starting to come together
Last season the Jets defense was top-five in points allowed and yards allowed. This season, they have been facing tougher opponents than last, as they've gone up against Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes already. Against those two top-tier QBs, New York forced a total of five interceptions and allowed 439 yards. This week facing Hurts, they're going to need their defense to step up again.
New York has one of the best secondaries in football, and a big part of that is second-year corner Gardner. In the early part of the season, he showed some rust. During his last three games, he's been on top of his game. He will need to continue his hot streak, as the Eagles have two of the game's best receivers in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown.
Luckily, it's not just Gardner that the only stud on the Jets defense. Quincy Williams has the second most tackles in the NFL right now, with 38. Jermaine Johnson is also starting to turn into a threat on the defensive line, which will give Quinnen Willams some help.
With the talent Saleh has on his defense, he might just be able to scheme a game plan to stop Sirianni's high-powered offense. Hurts is one of the game's very best QBs, as he was the MVP runner-up just a season ago. New York's defense has forced bad games from two MVP-caliber QBs already, so they could be the ones to stop the former Heisman Trophy winner.
If the Jets can defeat the Eagles in Week 6, then the playoff conversations surrounding them will initiate. New York has a defense that is built to win and a young offense with loads of potential. Even as bizarre as it sounds, the Jets might be able to hand the Eagles their first loss of the season.
