The Eagles’ backup quarterbacks have a chance to reset the conversation Saturday against the Patriots, because Week 1 of the preseason did them no favors.
Jalen Hurts watched the 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens from the sideline, and the quarterbacks who followed him never really found a rhythm. Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee and Cole Payton finished 13-of-25 for 83 yards and one touchdown, with Payton accounting for the score on a late drive with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
That kind of output won’t inspire much confidence heading into New England, especially with Hurts most likely sitting again. The Eagles usually manage his preseason workload carefully, and because Dalton got the start last week, McKee could be the first man up this time.
For the offense, the priority is simple: start faster and identify the targets early. Darius Cooper, Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore are the top receivers on the roster who are most likely to play, so the quarterbacks need to get them involved right away.
A cleaner passing game would also help the run game get unstuck. Against the Ravens, the Eagles’ rushing attack never really got going.
If Payton’s 45 rushing yards from that final offensive line weren’t included, the team had 11 carries for 31 yards, a 2.8-yard average. The run game needs the pass game to do its part.
Payton, in particular, gives the offense something different. When he’s on the field, Sean Mannion should lean into that and open things up with more creativity, including more play-action and more chances for Payton to use his legs. He’s athletic, and the quarterback knows it, so the Eagles should keep trusting that part of his game.
McKee and Dalton are the bigger question marks because neither one brings much mobility, and last week’s offense stayed extremely basic with them behind center. It would help to see more aggression there, even if that means taking some shots downfield and living with the risk that comes with it. At least then there would be some signs of life.
Right now, Philadelphia still doesn’t have a clear answer at backup quarterback. This game should help narrow things down, but Dalton and McKee need to play better if they want to make the decision easier for the coaches.
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Scary Injury Briefly Stopped The Patriots Game And Drew An Update
The opening kickoff of the Eagles preseason game against the Patriots turned unnerving almost immediately when rookie running back JaQuinden Jackson went down after taking a knee to the head. The injury briefly stopped the game and led to Jackson being removed from the field by ambulance, turning an otherwise routine exhibition into a tense sideline scene before most fans had settled in.
Philadelphia later provided a reassuring initial update, saying Jackson had strength and movement in all extremities and was headed to a local hospital for further evaluation. For a team trying to sort out its backfield and get through August healthy, the focus quickly shifted from the snap of the game to Jacksons condition and what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Carson Steele Just Forced A Tough Eagles Backfield Decision
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For a Philadelphia team that already has plenty of bodies competing for snaps in the backfield, Steeles value may be tied to more than just carries. His ability to contribute on offense and special teams gives him a real case to keep pressing for a spot, but with final decisions still ahead, his performance has at least made the conversation more interesting than it was before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Roster Debate Now Hinges On One More Veteran WR Move
With roster cuts and the opener approaching, the Eagles are still sorting through the kind of depth move that can shape the bottom of the depth chart and the back end of the passing game. A suggestion from Philly Voice has added another wrinkle, with the idea of sending backup quarterback Andy Dalton to the Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Mack Hollins, a familiar name for Philadelphia fans who remember his earlier stint with the team.
Hollins spent last season with New England and turned in a productive year there, which is part of why the idea has traction as Philadelphia weighs whether to add one more veteran receiver. For now, it remains only a proposal, and it is unclear whether the Eagles will actually pursue it before the season begins. [Read more 🡒]