The NFL preseason finale is good for one thing and one thing only: trying to judge who will be around when the season starts and who won't.Judging by the first half of play in New Jersey on Thursday evening, Matt Barkley may find himself in the latter category when the Eagles craft their final 53 man roster.
That other guy, he just might make it after all.
Barkley's second pass attempt was intercepted and Matt Flynn authored two touchdown drives as the Jets lead the Eagles 17-12 following the first half of business in both team's last go-round before it counts in a week's time.
The major theme of the contest through its first thirty minutes was the inability of the Eagles' pass defense to contain both sides of the field effectively.
Flynn, the presumed No. 2 behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, took the Jets (2-1) down the remaining 54 yards over five minutes following Barkley's mistake, connecting with Chris Owusu for an 18 yard touchdown for the game's first points.
Barkley failed to sustain any possession when given a second chance, so Flynn led New York over 90 yards, connecting with Walt Powell for a 28 yard gain and Owusu on an 18 yard play before dumping off to Zac Stacy for the remaining five yards through a vacant midfield defense.
Tim Tebow would lead the Eagles' two-minute offense over 78 yards to close out the first half, finding Rasheed Bailey for an 18 yard touchdown with 23 seconds left.
New York receiver Walt Powell collected another 21 yard catch and run after the Eagles left the right side of their defense open and Zac Stacy added another 25 yarder on a well-designed screen play on a field goal drive late.
Flynn wasn't perfect on the night, eventually handing the Eagles their next three points after being victimized by Jaylen Watkins' interception at the Jets 4. But Philadelphia (3-0) wasn't to cross the goal line from even that far and Kip Smith kicked a second time.
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