The Philadelphia Eagles are making a desperate play to stop their freefall, announcing that Joe Milton III will get the start at quarterback this Sunday against the New York Giants. Head coach Nick Sirianni spilled the beans to reporters Friday, explaining the shift from Tanner McKee, who’s been holding down the fort. Sirianni tried to soften the blow for McKee, saying, “Obviously, that’s always a difficult thing to think through, because it isn’t ever just on one person. And matter of fact, I think Tanner played solid. But this is just what I felt like we needed to do right at this particular moment to give ourselves the best chance to win this weekend.” But let’s be real, when your team is 2-6 and on a four-game losing streak, “solid” just isn’t cutting it anymore.
The McKee Era: Tough Breaks and Tougher Losses
Tanner McKee got thrown into the fire after three-time Pro Bowler Jalen Hurts was sidelined for the season with multiple blood clots in his lungs. That’s a brutal break for Hurts, and a monster challenge for McKee, a fourth-year guy and a former sixth-round pick from Stanford. In his three starts, McKee completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 638 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The numbers aren’t terrible on their own, but the team’s offensive output? Yikes. Philadelphia has been absolutely stuck in neutral, averaging a paltry 15.0 points per game across those three losses. The Eagles are now sitting at a dismal 2-6, and that four-game skid is screaming for a change.
It’s fair to say McKee got a raw deal, though. This Philadelphia offense has been absolutely ravaged by injuries. Running back Saquon Barkley missed two games, star wide receiver DeVonta Smith was out for four, and tight end Dallas Goedert sat for two. On the offensive line, stalwart tackle Lane Johnson shockingly retired after just three games, and guard Landon Dickerson has only played three contests. How do you expect any quarterback to succeed when the guys around him are dropping like flies or not even there? It’s a tough spot for sure, but the results are what matter, and the results are a whole lot of L’s.
Milton’s Moment: A Shot at Redemption and QB1 Status
Now, the spotlight swings to Joe Milton III. This dude, a former Tennessee star and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, doesn’t have a ton of pro experience. He’s essentially played one full game in his career. That was the final regular season game of the 2024 campaign, where he stepped in for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after Maye suffered a right hand injury. Milton balled out that day, completing 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, plus a rushing score, in a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, who were playing backups. He also saw some action in four games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 after being traded there that April, completing 15-of-24 passes for 183 yards (7.6 yards per attempt), one touchdown, and two picks. Philadelphia snatched him off the Cowboys’ practice squad back in October, and now, here we are. This is Milton’s big shot, a chance to firmly entrench himself as a QB1 and really showcase his talents to the entire league.
Can Milton be the spark the Eagles desperately need? Their season is on the brink. This Sunday’s game against the visiting New York Giants, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET, isn’t just another game. It’s a chance to stop a four-game losing streak, to find *some* offensive rhythm, and for Joe Milton III, it’s the biggest opportunity of his young career. The pressure is on, big time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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