The Philadelphia Eagles officially kicked off the Tanner McKee era in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers in 2026, and it was... okay at best.
Philly fell to the Panthers 25-14, marking the Eagles' fourth straight loss. McKee took over as starter after Jalen Hurts was ruled out and placed on IR with a blood clot from his calf injury before the game.
In the game, McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. He also had one rush for zero yards. Overall, looking at the numbers and the play owhat we saw, based on the field, it was not his best performance.
Evaluating Tanner McKee's performance as Eagles' QB in Week 6 loss to the Panthers
McKee had a slow start in the game. He finished the first half with 13 of 23 passes for 94 yards and one sack.
To McKee's credit, his best throw of the game was in the fourth quarter when he connected with DeVonta Smith for a 19-yard touchdown. McKee threw a great pass to Smith's back shoulder, and Smith made a great catch.
Throughout the game, McKee made it clear he was comfortable throwing only to Smith and Goedert. Smith and Goedert combined for 22 targets and 13 receptions in the loss.
Not everything can be put on McKee, though, because offensive coordinator Sean Mannion had some play-calling issues, and head coach Nick Sirianni has to take some of that. They were mostly running-back swing passes or short passes, which is somewhat understandable with McKee starting. A lot of the plays called, though, weren't designed to get the receivers open. That showed with the McKeepsacks in the air; they were deflected.
McKee's offensive line didn't help much either. He was hit 11 times and sacked three times. The rushing attack was also limited, with 35 rushing yards on 13 carries in the loss.
Now, to criticize McKee a bit, he struggled to take shots and throw to open receivers. There were too many times when he had thrown to an open receiver and made the play, but he hesitated and didn't finish it.
To give McKee more credit, he didn't turn the ball over. That is a massive positive for the young quarterback, so he deserves some praise for it.
Read more: Eagles placing Jalen Hurts on IR might be the final nail in 2026 coffin
Understandably, McKee struggled because four of his running backs were hurt and the offensive line was down three Week 1 starters. It was bound to happen that he and the offense would struggle, but expectations for an NFL quarterback have to be high. This loss isn't entirely on McKee, but he didn't play the way they needed him to.
Grade: C
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