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Struggling teams meet as Eagles visit Jets

Oct 14, 2007 - 10:36 AM Philadelphia (1-3) at Ny Jets (1-4) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - The Philadelphia Eagles would like to continue a pair of impressive marks Sunday when they visit the New York Jets.

Under coach Andy Reid, the Eagles are 8-0 all-time following their bye week. They also are 7-0 all-time against the Jets.

But building on those marks will be tough if the Eagles fail to get some players back from injury.

Running back Brian Westbrook (abdomen), free safety Brian Dawkins (neck stinger), cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee) and left tackle William Thomas (knee) all were on the sidelines two weeks ago in 16-3 loss here to the New York Giants.

Of all the injuries, the biggest against the Giants was Thomas - the club' starting left tackle. He was replaced by second-year player Winston Justice, who was beaten for four sacks as the Eagles gave up 12 overall to tie a league record.

Against the Giants, the Eagles managed a mere 190 total yards. Having to run for his life, Donovan McNabb completed 15-of-31 passes for 138 yards.

The quartet of injured players all returned to practice Monday in limited fashion but their status remains uncertain.

Westbrook, who accounted for 514 total yards (291 rushing, 223 receiving) and three touchdowns in the first four games, is hoping to return.

"I'm doing everything I can to get ready and get out there on the field," Westbrook said. "For me, that's the most important thing - do everything I can and when we get to that game on Sunday make a decision."

Westbrook could be salivating at the chance of getting on the field to face the Jets, who rank 28th in total defense, allowing 367.2 yards per game. In two homes games, the Jets have surrendered 66 total points.

Last week, the Jets surrendered 188 rushing yards in a 35-24 loss to the New York Giants.

Jets coach Eric Mangini also had to deal with questions surrounding his club's quarterback situation after Chad Pennington was intercepted three times against the Giants. But for now, Mangini is expected to stick with Pennington over Kellen Clemens.

Like the Eagles, the Jets are a playoff team from last season fighting an uphill climb. They already are four games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East.

"There's only so many more times that we can say, `Well, we have time,'" Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma said. "We have to start really getting after it and figure out what's going on."