Run-heavy Eagles can be do-over for Jets after Colts disaster

The Jets hope their terrible experience on Thursday Night Football last month benefits them against the Eagles on Sunday.

In a 45-30 loss to the Colts, the Jets allowed Indy to run wild to a tune of 260 yards. The running backs were barely getting their jersey dirty as they ran for seven yards per carry before contact.

Now the Jets get a do-over. Well kind of.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was the offensive coordinator in Indianapolis from 2018-2020 under Frank Reich, and Reich was the offensive coordinator in Philly from 2016-17.

Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich alerted his defense about the coaching tree on Wednesday to educate them of what to expect.

“The first meeting that we had, it was, ‘Fellas, this coaching family comes from Indianapolis.’ They’re sharing gameplan ideas,” Ulbrich said. “They’re sharing what was successful, and then ultimately, they’re going to go back and watch the tape and see what worked.”

The Eagles are averaging 158 yards rushing per game, using the same running scheme as the Colts. They’ve been rolling over the past three games, with an NFL-best 222 yards per game.

And that’s the weakest part of the Jets defense: stopping the run.

The Jets are one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. They allow 128.7 yards on the ground, which is the 27th worst. In nine of their 11 games, the unit allowed over 100 yards rushing.

Ulbrich called the performance against Indianapolis “embarrassing” and believes the Jets are “coming,” and are relishing the chance to get a redo against a similar scheme.

“A quick challenge from the standpoint of obviously we didn’t defend it very well, so it’s going to be a great challenge in that way,” Ulbrich said. “But at the same time, to prove to the fans, but probably more importantly to ourselves, that that was a fluke. That’s not who we are.”

Robert Saleh doesn’t see it a redo because of the similarities between the Colts and Eagles.

“Every week is redemption week in terms of proving that you belong in this league. And this week without exception,” Saleh said. “Philadelphia is a very, very powerful offense, very strong running game and it’s gonna be a tremendous challenge.”

The Jets’ defensive line must win the battle in the trenches against the offensive line that drives the Eagles’ dominant run game. It’s led by three-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce, three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson, and emerging star left tackle Jordan Mailata.

Folorunso Fatukasi has 11 run stuffs, which is second most for an interior lineman. Quinnen Williams has played like a Pro Bowler this season and has 33 run stops, eight most.

The Jets may be without Sheldon Rankins, though as he deals with a knee injury. Saleh said Friday “It doesn’t look good,” for Rankins’ chances on Sunday. That’s a blow, but Saleh believes sixth-round pick Jonathan Marshall can step up and fill the void.

If the Jets win the trenches, then linebackers C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams can penetrate running lanes and limit the run game.

“For us we’re gonna have to do a great job of stopping the vertical separation in our defense,” Mosley said. “That’s what hurt us a lot in the Indy game. I felt that we’ve grown and gotten a lot better since then, especially in the run game.”

Saleh may not see this opportunity as a redo, but the Jets can’t let what happened on TNF to recur on Sunday.