Birds finish up preseason by strafing Jets

Philadelphia, PA -- Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez sat against his old team, his new role as a high-profile backup settled.

The same was true for former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, except for what amounted to a ceremonial snap and handoff at the beginning of the game to give the Philly crowd a chance to cheer him if they wished.

So forgive this preseason finale for producing a storyline no more interesting than a kicking competition between teammates.

Rookie Cody Parkey showed a strong foot with three field goals, including two over 50 yards as Philadelphia beat New York 37-7 on Thursday night.

Acquired by the Eagles from the Colts last week to compete with Alex Henery, Parkey took every field goal attempt for his new team and two of the four extra-point attempts.

He was good from 54, 53 and 25 yards and added some booming kickoffs to give the competition some heat. Henery, who has made just two of his five attempts over 50 yards in three NFL seasons, was called on for one extra point and a few kickoffs.

Matt Barkley, taking most of the snaps with starter Nick Foles and Sanchez both sitting out, passed for 253 yards with a 43-yard touchdown to Arrelious Benn. He threw one interception, in the end zone, and also rushed for a score.

The Eagles scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away -- on Barkley's 7-yard run, Trey Burton's 21-yard catch from G.J. Kinne and Damaris Johnson's 46-yard run. They won their last two games to finish the preseason 2-2 and will open the regular season against Jacksonville at home on Sept. 7.

Starters LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper also sat so the Eagles were led by Henry Josey's 121 yards rushing on 22 carries and Jeff Maehl's 84 yards receiving on four catches.

New York named Geno Smith their starting quarterback last week, leaving Vick as the backup. Matt Simms took most of the snaps, passing for 121 yards on 7- of-17 completions. Rookie Tajh Boyd was 7-of-12 for 92 yards and a 42-yard touchdown pass to Clyde Gates.

The Jets lost their last two preseason games to end 2-2 and will play Oakland at home on Sept. 7.

Eagles running backs Kenjon Barner (ankle) and Matthew Tucker (shoulder) were banged up during the game. X-rays on Barner's ankle were negative.