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Tanner McKee provided the Philadelphia Eagles with opportunities to remain competitive on Monday night, but the backup quarterback was unable to compensate for another defensive breakdown and an offense that faded in the closing stages.
With Jalen Hurts sidelined, McKee finished 23-of-35 for 211 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Philadelphia's 38-21 defeat to Dallas.
The most encouraging stretch for McKee occurred after halftime. Trailing 20-14, the Eagles began the third quarter with a methodical 17-play, 84-yard march that chewed up over nine minutes and culminated in McKee connecting with rookie Makai Lemon for his first NFL touchdown.
That series illustrated the potential of Philadelphia's offense when operating with patience, precision, and dependable playmakers. McKee efficiently managed the possession, helping the Eagles convert crucial situations and seize a 21-20 advantage.
However, the momentum slipped away as Dallas continued to score and Philadelphia's injury concerns worsened. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown picked off McKee in the fourth quarter, snuffing out another opportunity to reduce a 10-point deficit. The Eagles also failed to put any points on the board in the final period.
McKee's final statistics painted the picture of a quarterback capable of moving the offense in spurts but lacking the explosive plays necessary to keep pace with Dallas. Philadelphia totaled 321 yards, and McKee averaged 6.0 yards per pass attempt.
The offensive line also had difficulty containing Dallas' defensive front, which registered two sacks, with Quinnen Williams consistently causing disruption.
The broader question is what McKee's performance means for Philadelphia's quarterback situation. With the Eagles at 2-5 and riding a five-game losing streak, the team should at least consider giving Joe Milton an opportunity if the offense continues to struggle under McKee.
Philadelphia managed just seven second-half points despite opening the third quarter with an impressive 17-play touchdown drive. Milton brings a different skill set, featuring a powerful arm, mobility, and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket, potentially adding another dimension to Sean Mannion's offense.
The Eagles are already dealing with injuries to several offensive starters, and McKee has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays or sustain scoring drives.
Philadelphia doesn't necessarily need an immediate quarterback change, but incorporating Milton into select packages or evaluating him if McKee continues to struggle would give the coaching staff another option to assess.
With the season slipping away, the Eagles must balance their remaining playoff aspirations with the need to determine which players can contribute to the franchise's future.
McKee has shown enough to suggest he can execute portions of Sean Mannion's system, but the Eagles need more consistent production regardless of who starts. With Philadelphia now 2-5, the quarterback discussion will continue as the team prepares for Sunday's matchup against Washington.
Key Analysis
McKee's performance offered both promise and limitations, highlighting the Eagles' ongoing uncertainty at quarterback. While he demonstrated the ability to guide long scoring drives, his inability to deliver explosive plays and the offense's second-half stagnation raise questions about whether a change could spark the team. The coaching staff faces a delicate balance between evaluating McKee and giving Milton a chance to showcase his dual-threat abilities, all while managing injuries and keeping faint playoff hopes alive.
Originally reported by yahoo.