The Tanner McKee era is finally over for the Philadelphia Eagles. They are now rolling with Joe Milton III as the new starting quarterback.
NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Mike Garafolo reported that the Eagles are handing the keys to Milton as the starter at QB for their Week 9 game against the New York Giants. This will be the first game that Milton has started in his NFL career.
McKee had started the last three games, going 0-3 in that span. In that span, he completed 63.2% of his passes for 638 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
What Joe Milton brings to the table for the Eagles at QB
This is a drastic change for the Eagles to bring in now their fourth different quarterback to take the field this year and their third different starter. It's clearly a desperation attempt at trying to salvage the season in any way.
Milton has played in six career games in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. He has completed 69.8% of his passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Milton added 66 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown on the ground.
There are two clear reasons why Milton just makes sense for the Eagles right now.
His arm strength is incredible. McKee's longest pass of the year is 34 yards, and that was a 10- to 15-yard throw to rookie Eli Stowers at the end of the Week 8 Washington Commanders game, which required the young tight end to pick up the extra yards on his own. Milton will be able to push the ball downfield.
This should open up the offense more for the Eagles with weapons like Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, and Hollywood Brown who can be deep threats if given the chance. Obviously, if DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are healthy enough, they will be at the top of the list and will benefit most from Milton's arrival.
The second part of this is that Milton has athletic ability. His mobility will be key for an Eagles offensive line that allowed five sacks in their 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8. This will also help the running game of the Eagles that is inconsistent with Saquon Barkley in and out of games too often with his hamstring and back injuries.
What Eagles fans can expect from Joe Milton in Week 9 against the Giants
Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion won't be restricted as much by keeping the quarterback in the pocket. Philly can finally run the offense they wanted with Jalen Hurts on the field.
Milton might be used more in RPO plays to get him moving. Their play-action game should improve, with Milton able to roll out of the pocket and make throws on the run.
The Eagles need more creativity in the offense. Get the ball out more, let Milton use his legs, and that should lead to more explosive plays.
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Sitting at 2-6, there's no point in being conservative against the Giants with the season pretty much over already. This win might bring some hope back to Philly, so they might as well play Milton and see what he can do.
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