Posted by ESPN.com’s Tim Graham

While everybody was concentrating on Michael Vick, did anybody expect little Danny Woodhead to overshadow him?

Woodhead put together one of the greatest preseason rushing performances since the NFL began keeping records, propelling the New York Jets past the Philadelphia Eagles 38-27 in the preseason finale for both clubs Thursday night.

Woodhead, the underdog from Division II Chadron State, ran 18 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns. His output was the second-highest since the league started compiling preseason stats in 1992. Woodhead added one catch for 10 yards.

“I think he wants us to know that he wants to be on this football team,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said.

Woodhead left Chadron State in 2008 as the NCAA’s career rushing leader with 7,962 yards. He suffered a season-ending leg injury days into his first training camp.

“I don’t know what more he is supposed to do,” Ryan said. “We’ll see. He had a heck of a game. He is tougher than nails. He works every day. For a guy that overcame the injury like he had, you certainly pull for him.”

Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez played the first series and marched the Jets for a touchdown. The drive went for seven plays and 83 yards, including three passes to tight end Dustin Keller for 44 yards and a 21-yard strike to Jerricho Cotchery for the score.

“I think that was exactly the sort of statement we wanted to make as an offense to ourselves and to the league,” Sanchez said. “We want to feel like a force to be reckoned with and that we can carry our weight on this team.”