Sirianni: Eagles will review 'every throw' from McKee and Dalton before backup QB call
With the preseason over, Philadelphia's No. 2 quarterback competition comes down to a full film review after a rocky final tuneup against Cincinnati
The Eagles' backup quarterback competition is going to the tape. Nick Sirianni said the staff will go back and look at every throw Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton made across the preseason, training camp and joint practices before deciding who backs up Jalen Hurts.
#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on the backup QB competition between Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton: Nick on QB play: "I’ve been pleased with both those guys through camp. I feel we’re in a good spot there. We’ll go back and look at every throw they made from preseason games to practices to joint practices to operation practices and we’ll make our decision.View on X →
Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane): #Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on the backup QB competition between Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton: Nick on QB play: "I’ve been pleased with both those guys through camp. I feel we’re in a good spot there. We’ll go back and look at every throw they made from preseason games to practices to joint practices to operation practices and we’ll make our decision.
It's a battle that took a turn in the finale. McLane's game grades had McKee struggling while Dalton improved, and Sirianni acknowledged "there were obviously always things you got to clean up at every position." The coach said he's been pleased with both through camp and feels "we're in a good spot there" — but the depth chart behind Hurts is one of the few unsettled spots left before Sunday's cuts.
The rookie receiver picture got a clearer read, too, and not a flattering one. Makai Lemon's lone preseason action drew a muted review — Sirianni said "there's gonna be ups and downs for every player" after Lemon let a third-down pass sail through his hands for an interception that led to Bengals points. Lemon insisted he'll be ready for the opener, but his debut did little to settle where he lands on the depth chart.