Vick, Sanchez Share Spotlight Tonight

NFL News - September 3rd, 2009 - Written by John

So far the NFL has showcased a handful of must-see preseason games with headlining quarterbacks showing off their wares. But Thursday night will be the first time two of those quarterbacks will go head-to-head, when the New York Jets host the Philadelphia Eagles at the Meadowlands. One of the two teams with break from camp with a .500 record while the other will fall to 1-3.

Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez will play in his first game since beating out Kellen Clemens for the starting job in New York, and will go opposite the Eagles' Michael Vick, who is playing in his final game until his suspension is lifted by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Eagles signed Vick to a one-year deal, with an option for a second year, on August 14th, despite public outcry from the anti-dogfighting community. Amongst the chaos, Vick played well last week against Jacksonville, going 4-for-4 passing with one rushing yard, and his support has continued to grow. The NFL Shop reported Tuesday that his jersey is the 4th-most purchased so far, despite being in prison for the first 42 days of the sales window. This will probably be the last time we see him, however. Goodell will reportedly announce no later than Monday when Vick will be able to return and many are speculating it will be the sixth week of the season.

The Jets stirred up the rumor mill yesterday when they expressed interest in Broncos' troubled wide out Brandon Marshall, due to their depleted receiving corps. Outside of no. 1 wide out Jerricho Cotchery, new head coach Rex Ryan is looking for someone to step in and grab the second spot. Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney have been the most productive so far, catching 11 passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns combined.

The Jets' rushing attack gives them the edge, however. BetUS has the Eagles as three-point underdogs with a -125 payout. New York is running the ball for 125.2 yards a game so far, while the Eagles are barely breaking the century mark with 106.1

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