The Eagles will travel to New England on Tuesday afternoon, hoping to learn more about their backup quarterback competition this week during two joint practice sessions than they did during Saturday’s preseason opener.
Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee enter a critical stretch after neither separated himself in Philadelphia’s 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Dalton completed 3 of 6 passes for 25 yards, while McKee finished 6 of 10 for 35 yards. Their eight combined possessions produced 77 net yards, two first downs, seven punts and no points. Penalties and a basic game plan didn't help, but neither quarterback created any rhythm, sustained a possession or elevated an offense filled with backups. Rookie Cole Payton then directed Philadelphia’s only touchdown drive, giving both veterans another reason to respond this week.
Patriots practices offer a better measuring stick
The Eagles will practice against New England on Wednesday and Thursday before Saturday’s preseason game. Those sessions should give Dalton and McKee competitive work, stronger personnel, and defensive looks that require quicker decisions. Dalton brings 15 years of NFL experience and the steady presence Philadelphia values behind Jalen Hurts. McKee provides youth, familiarity and evidence that he can win games when called upon. What neither has provided is separation.
One poor preseason game will not decide the competition, but another quiet week could affect how the Eagles distribute their remaining repetitions. Most importantly, Nick Sirianni and Sean Mannion must determine which quarterback gives the offense its best chance if Hurts is unavailable in critical regular-season games.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee enter critical week in Eagles backup QB battle