Chip Kelly (pictured here with Brian Baldinger) has some tough decisions to make shortly

EAST RUTHERFORD: If you are an aspiring NFL player, playing in the last preseason game for your team means – outside of quarterback and kicker – you are most likely still fighting for a spot on the final roster or a spot on the practice squad.

The Eagles played an entirely forgettable preseason game Thursday night against the New York Jets in front of a sparse crowd at MetLife Stadium.  The Birds lost 27-20 and finished the preseason 2-2.

Here are some observations of player s for the Eagles who either hurt or helped their odds on making it through to practice another day.

HELPED THEIR STOCK

Chris McCoy, Outside linebacker:  two sacks and recorded the first three tackles of the game before Brandon Graham sacked Matt Simms in the end zone for a safety. He was also credited with a forced fumble.

“I just wanted to come in and play to my level,” McCoy said when asked if he thought he had to make a statement to the coaches to make the roster. “That’s all I wanted to do.”

Brandon Boykin, cornerback:  Looked organized like he knew where he was supposed to be …recorded three first half tackles.

The Eagles pass rush. Yeah, I know these are not the regulars but when was the last time we saw seven sacks at halftime? The Birds also forced four fumbles, recovering two.

Matt Barkley, quarterback: The rookie out of USC took his team down the field on his first drive and put eight on the board. He looked sharp and in command. His pick six in the fourth quarter showed he is still a project.

Bryce Brown, running back: Brown had 11 touches (9 runs) for a total of 58 yards. Brown did not get in the end zone but certainly gained some trust from his teammates and coaches as he did not put the ball on the ground once.

Bennie Logan defensive lineman: The rookie recorded four tackles including two sacks.

Everett Brown, Linebacker: recorded two sacks.

Jeff Maehl , wide receiver: Caught eight passes for 61 yards…he was targeted nine times so he caught the ball consistently

Jake Knott, linebacker: the rookie may have landed his spot with his line … eight tackles (6 solo), a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.  He may have also put Casey Matthews on the waiver wire.

Emmanuel Acho, linebacker: Brought the house down against the Jets recording 11 tackles (7 solo), a sack, tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Knott and Acho give Eagles fans hope for a solid defense going forward.

Curt Coleman, safety, CB: Every team needs a heart player and a leader. Coleman is still that guy and showed it against the Jets. He registered nine tackles (7 solo) and pass defended.

“I’m happy with what I’ve done, what I’ve shown this team,” Coleman said in the Eagles locker room after the game. “Ultimately everything is going to take care of itself. I’ve proven I can play in the league”

HURT THEIR STOCK

Nate Allen, safety: Recorded a tackle and pass defense but had no real impact on the game. The fourth-year player out of South Florida is listed as a starter and should be more effective against second teamers. Allen will most likely land a spot on the roster opening day, but he will not be around for long if his body of work does not improve.

Danny Watkins, offensive lineman: Looks like he is just biding his time until he gets released. The Eagles take a huge cap hit if they release him which may be the only reason Watkins is on the roster.

Nick Foles, quarterback: Foles will be on the roster, but he is now the QB on this team with fumbler rep. In the first quarter Thursday night, Foles went 0 of 6, was sacked and turned the ball over on a fumble on the second play from scrimmage…all together now…”HELL, I COULD HAVE DONE THAT!” Looked lethargic during his half of play.

Vinny Curry, pass rusher: In a game where there was a clear path to the QB every play…to get a goose egg in the first half is not good. He finished with a one tackle for loss.

Brandon Graham, pass rusher: outside of the safety on the first series, the former first round pick was quiet.

Casey Matthews, linebacker: See Acho and Knott. Matthews is showing he may not be a NFL player.

Michael Bamiro, offensive lineman: Did nothing to impress anyone and raises the questions why the Eagles gave him guaranteed money.