The Philadelphia Eagles defeated a hard-fought 23-17 decision the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night in a hard-fought preseason game that gave a preview of rookie quarterback Tanner McKee’s poise and command. The victory at Lincoln Financial Field not only placed the Eagles at 2-0 in the preseason but also gave the crowd a glimpse into McKee’s potential as a future franchise quarterback.
McKee’s Rising Star
Tanner McKee, the Eagles’ sixth-round Stanford selection, did not receive the opening-game start but took quarterbacking duties with little more than six minutes remaining in the second quarter. McKee remained relatively untested throughout the preseason but moved smoothly and calmly under center, finishing the night having gone 15-for-22 for 180 yards and a touchdown. His 68.2% rate of completion led all Eagles quarterbacks on the night and impressed fans as well as the coaches with his play-extending skills and acuity in decision-making.
Lagging 17-13 early in the fourth quarter, McKee orchestrated a decisive 10-play, 75-yard drive, which ultimately reversed the game for Philadelphia. It culminated with a 12-yard scoring pass to speedster receiver Devon Allen, who pulled the ball in amidst congested coverage to put the Eagles ahead, 20-17. McKee’s calm sense of poise on the field was evident as he methodically read the defense and delivered accurate passes downfield during the drive.
It was a group effort there in that drive,” McKee said in the postgame press conference. “The offensive line covered for me, the receivers did a great job hitting the open area, and we just remained focused down the stretch.”
Defensive Heroics Seal the Win
While McKee’s offense put points on the board, the Eagles’ defense played a vital role in preserving the victory. Rookie cornerback Kelee Ringo made a game-changing interception with less than two minutes remaining, snatching a pass intended for Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst. The turnover effectively ended Cincinnati’s chance to mount a late comeback and set the stage for kicker Jake Elliott’s insurance field goal.
Elliott, who kicked two field goals in the evening, kicked a 42-yarder to put the margin at 23-17 with a minute remaining on the clock. The Bengals were unable to register a response at the end of the game, and the Eagles managed to hold on for the win.
“We’re getting production from a lot of young guys,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “That interception by Ringo was a big momentum swing. It’s the kind of play we need to get from our defense.”
Bengals Search for Rhythm Without Burrow
For the Bengals, star quarterback Joe Burrow was certainly missed. Burrow remained out with a calf injury he sustained in training camp, and Cincinnati was forced to turn to backup quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning. The two quarterbacks combined for 187 yards passing and one touchdown, but were unable to find a way to regularly move the chains against a suffocating Eagles defense.
Siemian showed flashes of experience and composure, completing several key passes to receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, Cincinnati’s offense struggled to maintain sustained drives, frequently stalling in critical moments. Browning also showed some promise but was pressured into two costly sacks that stalled drives late in the game.
Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the difficulties of playing without their starting quarterback but remained optimistic about the team’s depth.
“We’re focused on getting Joe back as soon as possible,” Taylor said. “In the meantime, we’re seeing growth from our backups, and the preseason is a time for everyone to step up and prove themselves.”
Looking Ahead
This win gives the Eagles momentum heading into their final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins next week. The coaching staff will also take more stock of their quarterback situation, wide receiver depth, and overall offensive cohesion as they are set to face the opening game of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Bengals will attempt to get back on track against the Indianapolis Colts at home. Burrow’s status is still the Bengals’ biggest question mark, and the team will be monitoring closely as he recuperates.
Thursday night’s contest provided lots of energy for Eagles fans looking to see future talent shine. Tanner McKee’s efficient effort lends credibility to the notion that Philadelphia may have found a quarterback who could lead the team deep into the future. Defensive playmakers like Kelee Ringo indicate that the Eagles’ youth wave is being felt on and off offense.
As the preseason draws to a close, the focus now is on deciding final roster options and fine-tuning game plans for the highly anticipated 2025 NFL regular season.
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