Preseason action might not have the same weight as regular season games, but for some players, it's a critical proving ground. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday night's matchup against the New England Patriots was more than just another practice run—it was a chance to see who could step up in the race for the backup quarterback position. And let's be honest, while Jalen Hurts is firmly entrenched as the Eagles' franchise QB, the battle for who gets to hold the clipboard behind him is heating up, with Tanner McKee making a serious case for himself.
Tanner McKee: The Night's Standout
Entering the game twice—first to start the third quarter and then again midway through the fourth—McKee didn’t just show up; he showed out. The rookie QB posted an impressive stat line, completing 15 of his 19 passes for 140 yards. That’s a solid 7.4 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 97.4. Not bad for a guy who’s fighting to earn a spot on the roster.
But what really makes McKee's performance stand out isn’t just the numbers; it's the context. He was poised, confident, and clearly in command of the offense. Whether it was a quick out to move the chains or a well-timed throw into tight coverage, McKee demonstrated the kind of accuracy and decision-making that you want in a backup quarterback. He looked like a guy who could step in and keep the offense rolling if something were to happen to Hurts.
The Comparison: McKee vs. Pickett
Now, let’s talk about the competition. Kenny Pickett, the former first-round pick for the Steelers, was also on the field Thursday night. While Pickett is no slouch, his performance paled in comparison to McKee's. Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes, which sounds good on paper, but those completions only netted 67 yards—an average of just 5.2 yards per attempt. His passer rating for the night was 88.1, and to make matters worse, he was sacked four times.
The contrast between the two quarterbacks couldn’t have been more stark. While McKee was pushing the ball down the field and showing he could be a playmaker, Pickett was more conservative, almost hesitant. And those four sacks? They weren’t all on the offensive line. A couple of them were the result of Pickett holding onto the ball too long, a classic sign of a young quarterback still struggling with his internal clock.
Eagles' Investment in Pickett
Here’s where it gets interesting: the Eagles didn’t just pick Pickett up off the street. They traded some serious draft capital to get him—giving up a 2024 third-round pick (No. 98 overall) and a pair of 2025 seventh-round picks. That’s a pretty hefty price tag for a backup QB, which means the Eagles have a vested interest in seeing Pickett succeed. Simply cutting him if he loses out to McKee would be a costly move, both in terms of the draft picks they gave up and the message it would send.
So, what are the Eagles' options? They could try to trade Pickett, although finding a willing partner might not be easy given his performance so far. Another possibility is keeping all three quarterbacks on the roster. This would allow the Eagles to foster daily competition, which could push both Pickett and McKee to improve. Plus, in a league where starting quarterbacks seem to get injured every week, having two capable backups isn’t the worst idea in the world. It’s a bit of a luxury, sure, but one that could pay off if Hurts ever misses time.
The Bigger Picture
When you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, the Eagles are in a pretty enviable position. They have their franchise quarterback in Jalen Hurts, who is coming off a breakout season and looks poised to be the face of the franchise for years to come. Behind him, they have two young quarterbacks—McKee and Pickett—both of whom have potential. While it’s clear McKee has the upper hand right now, the competition is far from over. Preseason games are one thing, but how these guys perform in practice, in the film room, and in any remaining preseason action will ultimately determine who gets the nod as QB2.
It’s also worth noting that the Eagles are a team with Super Bowl aspirations. They have one of the most talented rosters in the league, and they know that a backup quarterback can make or break a season. Just ask the 2017 team that rode Nick Foles to a Super Bowl victory after Carson Wentz went down. Having a reliable backup isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity if you want to be a true contender.
What’s Next for McKee and Pickett?
As we move closer to the regular season, all eyes will be on the Eagles' quarterback room. Will McKee continue to build on his strong performance, or will Pickett bounce back and remind everyone why he was a first-round pick? The coaching staff will be watching closely, weighing every throw, every decision, and every mistake. For McKee, the key will be consistency. He’s shown he has the talent, but can he do it week in and week out? For Pickett, it’s about finding that balance between being aggressive and being smart. He has the arm talent, but he needs to trust his reads and get the ball out quicker.
One thing’s for sure: this battle is far from over. And while it might not have the same stakes as a fight for the starting job, it’s still incredibly important. The Eagles know that their season could hinge on who wins this competition, and they’re going to make sure they get it right.
Final Thoughts
In the end, preseason football is all about opportunity. For Tanner McKee, Thursday night was a golden one, and he took full advantage. But the road to securing the backup job is long, and there will be more twists and turns along the way. As for Kenny Pickett, he’s not out of the race yet, but he’ll need to step up his game if he wants to keep pace with McKee.
So, as the preseason rolls on, keep an eye on the Eagles' quarterback situation. It might not be the most glamorous storyline, but it could be one of the most important. After all, in the NFL, the difference between a good team and a great one often comes down to depth. And when it comes to the most important position on the field, the Eagles are making sure they have plenty of it.
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