Locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Eagles have opted to rest both starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and backup Kenny Pickett for their Week 18 finale against the New York Giants.
As a result, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee will make his first NFL start. In last week’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys, McKee demonstrated his abilities by completing 75% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns.
Before stepping onto the field for his inaugural start, the 24-year-old addressed the Philadelphia media on Friday. For McKee, this moment could prove to be a milestone in his second-year career after graduating from Stanford.
Playing on a team poised for a Super Bowl run alongside a star quarterback like Hurts, opportunities for game reps have been limited. This game presents a chance for McKee to shine and make a statement about his potential to the league.
NFL fans have good reason to feel enthusiastic about McKee’s opportunity to showcase his talent. It will be fascinating to see how the Eagles perform with many starters absent from the field.
With the first round of the playoffs approaching, the Eagles will not benefit from a bye week, making this game crucial for their preparation.
Consequently, head coach Nick Sirianni faces pressure to ensure his team is primed and ready for the playoff challenge in two weekends.
