Tanner McKee reveals how he can help elevate Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense
It's hard to remember now when it first became apparent that Tanner McKee had something. It didn't take very long, though. His early Philadelphia Eagles camp practices often felt like more of a showcase than a lesson.
He never seemed uncomfortable during preseason games. He just felt like the second-best passer on the roster, but it wasn't his time yet. Philadelphia had given Marcus Mariota $5 million for a single season and penciled him in as Jalen Hurts' backup.
The Mariota experiment was over after a single season. Surely, McKee would back up Hurts now, right? Nope! The Eagles again brought in their backup from outside the organization.
This time, they banked on Kenny Pickett, but again, they moved on following one year. Pickett was dealt for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and draft compensation.
Philadelphia drafted Kyle McCord this past April. The backup quarterback role, however, clearly belonged to McKee now. It's year three, and year two gave us some on-field tape to grade him on.
He started in the regular-season finale and filled in admirably during another game. The results speak for themselves: a 66.7% completion percentage, 323 passing yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions, a QB rating of 117.2, and a QBR of 68.5. It seems that the former Stanford Cardinal star is on his way to success.
Tanner McKee details his expected role as Jalen Hurts' backup in the Eagles' offense.
Another Eagles training camp practice has come and gone. Vic Fangio spoke early. Players spoke after the session. Tanner McKee was among those interviewed.
McKee spoke on his new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He discussed his camp so far and, of course, what role he plays in the relationship between him and the starter, Jalen Hurts.
Don't expect to see McKee much unless Hurts is injured, Philadelphia is comfortably ahead, or the starters are done. This has been Jalen Hurts' team for a while now and will continue to be so.
McKee's presence is a calming influence for Hurts and everyone else. He's the best backup Philadelphia has had since Nick Foles. That doesn't mean he's ready to take on a dynasty in the Super Bowl, but he is better than everything the Eagles have had for a while.
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