“Tanner McKee Sends NFL a Message in Preseason Debut: ‘I’m Not Just Here to Hold a Clipboard’”

 Tanner McKee delivered a standout performance as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their preseason with a 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 7.

McKee, stepping in as the starting quarterback with Jalen Hurts resting, completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing score on a 1-yard sneak, showcasing poise against Cincinnati’s starting defense early in the game.

The Eagles’ offense surged under McKee’s command, putting up 27 points on the board while he was in quarterback for the Eagles. McKee directed four scoring drives in the first half alone, helping Philadelphia build a 24-14 lead at intermission.

McKee entered the game after Cincinnati’s opening touchdown drive, where Joe Burrow connected with tight end Tanner Hudson for a 12-yard score. The Eagles responded immediately. McKee orchestrated a 75-yard march in nine plays, converting key passes to Jahan Dotson for 27 yards total. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 1, McKee powered in on the team’s signature tush push play to tie the game at 7-7.

Cincinnati regained the lead at 14-7 on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase. The Eagles countered with a field goal, as Jake Elliott drilled a 44-yard kick after McKee found Johnny Wilson for a 27-yard gain on a contested catch.

McKee heated up late in the second quarter. He led a 72-yard drive, hitting Wilson for an 18-yard back-shoulder throw and Darius Cooper for 16 yards. Rookie Ainias Smith capped it with a 6-yard touchdown reception, giving Philadelphia a 17-14 edge.

Moments later, Smith sparked the offense again with a 46-yard punt return. McKee capitalized, delivering a precise 20-yard touchdown strike to Cooper in the end zone for a 24-14 halftime advantage. McKee finished the half 14 of 17 for 193 yards, two touchdowns and a perfect 153.2 passer rating.

In the third quarter, McKee extended the lead to 27-14 with a drive that set up Elliott’s 23-yard field goal. Cooper emerged as McKee’s top target, hauling in six catches for 82 yards, including the touchdown.

The Eagles’ defense contributed with an interception by Patrick Johnson, who tipped a pass to himself and returned it 16 yards. That turnover led to a 2-yard rushing touchdown by ShunDerrick Powell, pushing the score to 34-17.

Cincinnati mounted a late rally, closing to 34-27 on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Desmond Ridder to Hudson. But Philadelphia held on, sealing the win in the final minutes.

McKee’s efficiency highlighted his growth as the Eagles’ backup quarterback. The third-year pro, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in 2023, demonstrated accuracy and decision-making, completing passes to seven different receivers. Wilson added three catches for 73 yards, using his 6-foot-6 frame for contested grabs, while Smith contributed offensively and on special teams.

Running backs Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon bolstered the ground game, with Shipley breaking a 38-yard run early. The Eagles’ depth shone through, providing optimism as they defend their Super Bowl title from last season.

Philadelphia next faces Cleveland in preseason action, aiming to build momentum before the regular season opener. McKee’s display reinforced his role as a reliable option behind Hurts, offering the team insurance at the position.