2 TD Passes For Tebow, But Jets Beat Eagles 24-18
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former Jet Tim Tebow threw two touchdown passes and an interception in his final opportunity to make the Philadelphia Eagles' roster Thursday night, and the Jets beat the Eagles 24-18.
Tebow, competing with Matt Barkley for the No. 3 quarterback job, flashed some of the playmaking skills and maddening inconsistency that have made him such a polarizing player throughout his NFL career. Tebow, who last played in a regular-season game with the Jets in 2012, finished 11 of 17 for 189 yards and added 32 yards rushing on four carries.
Eagles Coach Chip Kelly must decide whether it's Barkley, who was 4 of 9 for 45 yards and an interception, or Tebow behind Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez for the Eagles (3-1).
Both teams rested most of their regulars, although linebacker Kiko Alonso made his debut for the Eagles and had two tackles in his one series. Alonso, acquired from Buffalo for LeSean McCoy, tore his anterior cruciate ligament last summer, dealt with a concussion during training camp and was scratched last week with tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee.
Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson each made their debuts for the Jets (3-1), trying to make a case for a backup job behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Flynn was 10 of 14 for 136 yards with two TDs and an interception, while Johnson was 7 of 12 for 82 yards and had 76 yards rushing on seven carries.
CBS2's Steve Overmyer reports Flynn has never lived up to expectations, but he is still expected to make the team as a backup quarterback to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Darrin Walls had the first of his two interceptions on Barkley's second pass of the game, intended for Josh Huff and setting up the Jets' first score, an 18-yard TD catch by Chris Owusu from Flynn.
After Kip Smith's 23-yard field goal on the Eagles' next possession, Stacy wiggled into the end zone with a screen pass for a 5-yard touchdown.
Tebow entered on the Eagles' next drive to some cheers at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets started their next possession at the 3 and Jaylen Watkins jumped the route for an interception, giving the Eagles the ball at the 4. But New York's backups on defense held Philadelphia to Smith's 20-yard field goal.
Tebow zipped a pass into the end zone for Rasheed Bailey 23 seconds before halftime and pumped his fists twice in celebration. He also had a 17-yard run and completions of 28 and 23 yards.
Johnson led the Jets on a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive capped by Daryl Richardson's 9-yard run that made it 24-12.
Tebow wasn't done, though, throwing a pretty 9-yard TD pass to Freddie Martino.
Smith missed two extra-point attempts for the Eagles.
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