Backup to Jalen Hurts secures role in Eagles' preseason victory over Bengals

It almost seems unfair that the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have upgraded the most important position in football.

But that appears to be what they've done with the emergence of quarterback Tanner McKee, who secured his role as Jalen Hurts' backup during last night's preseason game against the Bengals.

In a 34-27 Eagles victory, McKee was 20 for 25 passing for 252 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown on the controversial "Tush Push."

McKee served as the Eagles' third-string quarterback last year, behind Hurts and Kenny Pickett, who has since departed for the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles drafted Kyle McCord and traded for Dorian Thompson-Robinson during the offseason, but neither player seems likely to surpass McKee after Thursday night's showing.

According to Philly Voice Eagles insider Jimmy Kempski, McKee has already asserted himself as one of the top backup QBs in the NFL.

"McKee is already a good QB2, and I'm confident he'll be ready if the Eagles need him this season," Kempski wrote. "If someone called me offering a 2 for Tanner McKee, it would be an easy 'No thanks.'"

McKee's Eagles teammates have apparently been teasing him about his Madden rating of a 61. Perhaps that will be modified after a strong preseason performance.

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