Eagles’ Tanner McKee fails to move offense again, says unit’s issues are fixable: ‘We need to execute’
"There’s nothing that defenses have done to stop us," McKee argued of the offense's inefficiency.
LANDOVER, Md. — Tanner McKee was able to find one positive takeaway from the Eagles’ 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football.
The problem? McKee’s assessment is still troubling news for the reeling Eagles.
“It’s encouraging knowing that it is on us,” McKee said. “There’s nothing that defenses have done to stop us. We have the ability to go down and score and we need to execute. … I need to hone in on that and we need to be better.”
The 26-year-old quarterback has played a major role in their execution woes. McKee, making his third start in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, struggled mightily against Washington, going 23-for-34 for 212 yards and an interception. Washington sacked McKee five times, which included a crucial third-quarter strip sack as the Eagles were attempting to mount a comeback.
“I’ve got to have a better time clock,” McKee said of the strip sack. “Possibly better pocket presence as well, either tucking it earlier or sliding. I’ll see it on film and I’ll get it fixed.”
The McKee-led Eagles offense went 5-of-15 on third down vs. the Commanders. The porous play of the offensive line didn’t help (Washington finished the night with eight quarterback hits). Plus, the Eagles were playing without DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, their Nos. 1 and 2 wide receivers, for a second straight week. But it’s clear McKee is struggling independent of these factors.
This was evident again in the fourth quarter, when McKee launched a deep ball to Darius Cooper with four defenders covering him on what, to be fair, was a low-probability fourth-and-25 play. Commanders corner Rasul Douglas intercepted the heave and then Jayden Daniels and Co. proceeded to stretch their lead to 27-10.
Asked about these errors after the game, McKee repeatedly said the Eagles have been lacking in “details and execution.”
“I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but that goes under the funnel of details and execution,” he said. “I’ve got to get the guys in the right spot, we’ve got to get the calls out, I’ve got to know when we’re hot, if we’re hot. Film will show that and we’ll get better for it.”
The Eagles might have a decision to make regarding McKee if the season continues to unravel. Do they stick with him and his 638 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on the season? Or pivot to Joe Milton III, whom they signed off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad two weeks ago. Milton, 26, has played in five games since entering the league in 2024 and shined with Dallas this preseason.
Rookie fifth-rounder Cole Payton, who has participated on special teams this season, was also active in Sunday night’s loss.
