(Sports Network) - There's little time to rest for the New York Jets, who'll be taking the field at MetLife Stadium for Thursday's preseason closer with the Philadelphia Eagles just three days after the team's most recent game.
The Jets were initially slated to face their in-stadium rivals, the New York Giants, this past Saturday before the arrival and impact of Hurricane Irene on the local area pushed the contest back to Monday. The delay had little effect on the Jets' defense, however, as Rex Ryan's group put on a stifling display in Gang Green's 14-3 victory.
Safety Jim Leonhard and linebacker David Harris each had first-half interceptions of Giants quarterback Eli Manning to lead the defensive charge, while the unit later came with a blocked field goal and a goal-line stand to protect what was then a 7-3 lead.
The Jets weren't as proficient on the other side of the ball, with the offense mustering just 223 total yards on the evening. Starting quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for just 64 yards with a touchdown on 8-of-16 passing in about 2 1/2 quarters worth of action.
New wide receiver Plaxico Burress, a member of the Giants from 2005-08, failed to record a catch against his former team despite being targeted four times by Sanchez. It was the veteran's second game since joining the Jets as a free agent after missing the entire 2009 and 2010 campaigns while imprisoned on a well-publicized weapons violation.
With the starters having played into the third quarter of Monday's win, Ryan plans to rest the majority of his first-teamers in preparation for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener against Dallas.
With Sanchez slated to sit out and backup Mark Brunell still hobbled with a calf injury, rookie Greg McElroy seems likely to be under center for all or most of Thursday's tilt.
Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid figures to take the same course of action with his regulars, though the Eagles come in with a more of a respite than their opponent. The team was last in action this past Thursday, scoring a 24-14 win over Cleveland at Lincoln Financial Field.
It wouldn't be surprising if Reid trots out his top offensive line for this one, however, especially after the crew underwent some reshuffling following the last game. With projected right tackle Ryan Harris sidelined indefinitely after undergoing recent back surgery, usual left guard Todd Herremans will slide into that spot with Evan Mathis taking over Herremans' old post.
The front wall will also have two rookie starters in place for Philadelphia's Sept. 11 lid-lifter at St. Louis, with sixth-round draftee Jason Kelce overtaking incumbent Jamaal Jackson at center. He'll be situated next to right guard Danny Watkins, the Eagles' first-round choice in April's draft.
The Eagles made some additional news during the week, agreeing to terms with franchise quarterback Michael Vick on a six-year, $100-million contract on Monday. Fans in attendance likely won't have a chance to see the reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year show off his skills, however, as it's doubtful he'll play on Thursday.
Backup Vince Young and second-year pro Mike Kafka are expected to split reps at quarterback for Philadelphia. Young is coming off an impressive outing against the Browns, hitting on 9-of-12 attempts for 58 yards and adding a 10- yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
These teams will also square off in Philadelphia during Week 15 of the upcoming regular season.