Brett Favre slung a few passes during pregame drills and called it a night. He put a green cap on and stood on the sideline, arms folded, jersey slightly untucked and safe from harm. With Favre sitting out, fourth-string quarterback Erik Ainge led the New York Jets to a 27-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason finale Thursday night.

Two of the biggest reasons the Eagles missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons in '07 was an offense that was terrific between the 20s but inept in the red zone, and a defense that had trouble coming up with quarterback sacks and turnovers.

While they think they will be better in those two areas in '08, they're still not sure. The offseason acquisition of opportunistic Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, who had 16 interceptions the last two years with New England, should help improve their takeaway total, which was a league-worst 19 last season.