Eagles vs Jets: Rookie Kyle McCord started every snap as the Eagles beat the Jets 19-17 in the preseason finale. Final cuts loom here’s who’s trending up and down.
Game Recap & Key Moments — Eagles vs Jets Preseason Finale
The Philadelphia Eagles squeaked out a 19-17 victory over the New York Jets in their final preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Rookie QB Kyle McCord played the entire game, engineering five scoring drives—but also showed growing pains with a recorded interception.
Highlight plays:
- McCord’s 19-yard clutch pass to Kylen Granson on 3rd-and-8.
- Jake Elliott drilled both a 51-yard and a 53-yard field goal, signaling renewed form.
- A gameling goal-line stand by LB Dallas Gant, stopping a two-point try and preserving the edge.
- Jets’ late surge: Donovan Edwards and Lawrance Toafili scored to make it tight—but the Eagles held on.
Pre-Game Stakes & Why It Mattered
- QB depth chart battle: McCord vs Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the QB3 gig behind Hurts and McKee. Tonight was McCord’s audition.
- Roster bubble spotlights:
- Winners included A.J. Brown (looked healthy), Jihaad Campbell, Sydney Brown, Byron Young—clearly trending toward Week 1 roles.
- Losers: McCord’s inconsistent performance, WRs Ainias Smith & Elijah Cooks, and OL Kendall Lamm/Trevor Keegan drew criticism.
- Roster moves: WR Johnny Wilson was placed on IR before the game, opening space on special teams. DL Jereme Robinson was signed to bolster depth for tonight’s evaluations.
- Jets’ identity in focus: New coach Aaron Glenn’s game plan leans smashmouth—ground game and physicality led by Breece Hall, Justin Fields’ mobility, and elite edge rush with Jermaine Johnson’s return from injury. Tonight gave a last look at that scheme.
Where to Watch & Broadcast Info
- Kickoff: Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m. ET (Preseason Week 3)
- Broadcast:
- NBC and NFL Network nationally, local affiliates in Philly & NY.
- Streaming: NFL+, fuboTV, team websites, plus trial options (e.g., DIRECTV) for cord-cutters.
Player Evaluations: Winners, Losers & “I Don’t Knows”
Based on Bleeding Green Nation’s postgame tally:
- Winners: Campbell (LB), Sydney Brown (S), A.J. Brown (WR healthy), Matt Pryor (OL), AJ Dillon (RB depth), Byron Young (DT)
- Losers: Kyle McCord (QB mistakes), WRs Ainias Smith & Elijah Cooks, OL Lamm & Keegan
- IDKs: John Metchie III, Brett Toth, Ogbo Okoronkwo, among uncertain rotational players.
Eagles vs. Jets preseason watching guide https://t.co/4tA7Z5I4dy
— Bleeding Green Nation (@BleedingGreen) August 22, 2025
Why Eagles Fans Should Care
- Preseason record: Eagles finish 2-1, heading into Week 1 against the Cowboys with momentum.
- McCord’s value: He earned all snaps but turns need cleaning—expect him to begin as QB3, but performances next weeks’ cutdown will decide.
- Kickers matter: Elliott’s long-range accuracy (51 & 53 yards) could be pivotal for long FG scenarios.
- Jets observations: As they shift to a bruising offense and healthier trenches, the Eagles gained valuable tape on AFC East strategies.
Eagles vs Jets—What’s Next?
After this final dress rehearsal:
- **Roster cutdown **: Eagles must trim from 90 to 53 by Tuesday, August 27. Expect decisions on McCord, WR depth, defensive backups.
- Regular season opener: Sunday, September 7 vs. Dallas Cowboys, big-name players returning.
- Jets shift aggressor: Their Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh could spotlight Fields and ground-game identity tested tonight against Eagles backups.