Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback battle between Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee remains wide open heading toward the regular season, according to head coach Nick Sirianni.
How Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee Split Preseason Snaps
During the matchup against New England, veteran Andy Dalton secured the start and logged 22 snaps, completing three of 10 passes for 44 yards. Tanner McKee entered afterward, playing 38 snaps while connecting on 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, according to game statistics.
Despite Dalton drawing the initial snaps in preseason games, Sirianni clarified that practice reps are rotated evenly. According to Sirianni, Dalton plays first simply because he requires less on-field work due to his extensive experience within the team’s offensive system. Meanwhile, McKee receives extended playing time to continue his development, following visible improvements noted by the coaching staff.
Contrasting Career Paths in the Eagles Quarterback Room
The competition pits vast veteran experience against an ascending young passer. Dalton enters his age-38 season holding 169 career regular-season starts. After beginning his career as a rookie starter for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, Dalton spent nine seasons in Cincinnati before stints with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and a three-year tenure with the Carolina Panthers prior to joining Philadelphia.
In contrast, McKee has accumulated just two starts across three seasons with the Eagles. Although McKee has generated consistent preseason buzz throughout his brief career, the organization has not yet named him the primary backup behind starter Jalen Hurts.
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Evaluating McKee’s Preseason Performance
Sirianni praised McKee’s overall output against New England while noting areas that require refinement. According to the head coach, McKee executed several positive plays and capitalized on his opportunities statistically, though the offense must clean up execution issues, including missed conversions on fourth downs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is competing for the Eagles QB2 spot?
Veteran Andy Dalton and third-year quarterback Tanner McKee are competing for the primary backup role behind starter Jalen Hurts, according to head coach Nick Sirianni.
How many years has Andy Dalton played in the NFL?
Andy Dalton entered the NFL in 2011 as a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals and has amassed 169 career regular-season starts over 14 seasons.
What were Tanner McKee’s stats in the preseason game against New England?
Tanner McKee completed 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns across 38 snaps.
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