Alright, so get this: Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion just came out and said the backup quarterback competition is *still* not settled. This is after Tanner McKee went off for 173 yards and two touchdowns against the New England Patriots in their second preseason game. Like, seriously? McKee played lights out, and the offense actually looked better than it did during that rough 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens back on August 15. You gotta wonder what more the dude needs to do to earn that spot.
The QB Battle Is Far From Over, And It’s Getting Spicy
The numbers from the Patriots game are wild when you stack them up. McKee threw for 173 yards and notched two TDs, making a real case for himself. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton, the other guy in the mix, completed just 3 of 10 passes for 44 yards. Yeah, he led one touchdown drive, but come on, the contrast is pretty stark, right? Mannion is saying they’re looking at “overall body of work” and that there’s still time to make the decision. But if you’re watching the film, it feels like McKee is grabbing this by the horns. The team just dropped a 24-21 loss to the Patriots, and that backup spot is crucial for depth. You need someone ready to step in, and McKee just showed he can move the ball.
Health Updates Are Rolling In From Camp
It’s not all about the QBs, though. There’s some actual good news on the injury front. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon are finally expected back for team drills. They’ve been sidelined with hamstring injuries since August 3, only returning on a limited basis last week. Getting those guys back fully into the fold is a huge boost for the offense and will give everyone a clearer picture of what the receiving corps can do. On the flip side, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is still not activated from the PUP list. That’s a bit of a bummer and something to keep an eye on, especially with training camp practices in full swing after those joint sessions with the Patriots.
So, what’s next? Everything points to the Eagles needing to make a call on this backup QB sooner rather than later. With Mannion stressing “overall body of work,” every snap from here on out is under the microscope for both McKee and Dalton. This decision is huge for the team’s depth and preparedness heading into the regular season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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