Eagles Backup Tanner McKee makes QB2 Battle Interesting after game winning drive vs Patriots via NFL

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#Eagles Backup QB Kenny Pickett played the entire first half and completed 11 of 13 passes but for only 67 yards

Tanner McGee led Philadelphia on a game winning drive and finished 15/19 for 140 yards

@JeffSkverskyYouTube

Eagles Rally Late to Edge Patriots 14-13 in Preseason Thriller

In a gritty preseason matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 14-13 on Thursday night, improving their preseason record to 2-0.

The Eagles’ comeback was led by rookie running back Kendall Milton, who powered into the end zone from 1 yard out, and quarterback Tanner McGee, who connected with Ainias Smith for the decisive 2-point conversion. Jake Elliott, steady as always, contributed two field goals to keep the Eagles in the game, including a crucial 38-yarder in the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia’s starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was once again given the night off, leaving backup Kenny Pickett to manage the first half. Pickett completed an efficient 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards, but the Eagles’ offense struggled to find the end zone, settling for a single 42-yard field goal by Elliott in the first half. The Patriots’ defense, anchored by a formidable pass rush, sacked Pickett four times, forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs late in the second quarter.

For New England, the spotlight was on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was selected third overall in this year’s draft. Maye, who played the second and third quarters, showcased his dual-threat ability by running for a 4-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving the Patriots a 10-3 lead. He completed 6 of 11 passes for 47 yards and led two of the Patriots' three scoring drives.

However, Maye’s performance wasn’t enough to stave off the Eagles’ late surge. New England’s starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, projected to start in Week 1, had a rough outing, going 3 for 7 for just 17 yards and throwing an interception to Philadelphia’s Avonte Maddox in the end zone. The Patriots’ offense faltered in the second half, managing just four first downs.

After Milton’s go-ahead touchdown and McGee’s successful 2-point conversion, the Patriots had one last chance to reclaim the lead. Rookie Joe Milton III struggled in his limited time, and backup Bailey Zappe’s comeback attempt was thwarted by a bad snap recovered by the Eagles, who ran out the clock to seal the victory.

McGee shined in the second half for the Eagles, completing 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards, while Will Grier, who had a brief stint with New England last season, went 3 for 5 for 35 yards.

The game also saw a key absence for the Patriots, as they took the field without pass rusher Matthew Judon for the first time since 2020 following his trade to Atlanta. New England’s defense still managed to put up a strong showing, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Injuries

The Eagles suffered a couple of injury setbacks, with offensive lineman Tyler Steen being carted off in the first quarter due to an ankle injury, and wide receiver John Ross, who was evaluated for a concussion and subsequently ruled out.

For the Patriots, undrafted rookie wide receiver JaQuae Jackson was carted off in the fourth quarter with a leg injury, adding to the team’s growing injury list.

Up Next

The Eagles will host the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason finale on August 25, while the Patriots travel to Washington for their final preseason game on the same day.

#FlyEaglesFly #EaglesNation #EaglesFootball #NFLPreseason #EaglesVsPatriots #KendallMilton #TannerMcGee #DrakeMaye #PatriotsNation #NFLRookies #JakeElliott #EaglesWin

[BR-mslj]

Awesome
Professional qb hits a 10 yard out that was wide open

[texasaggie]

As a Dallas Cowboy fan, I would LOVE to have Anias Smith 'cause I know what he's capable of.