FootballPreseason Review: Tanner McKee Leads Eagles to Victory Over Bengals
In a promising display of his potential as the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback, Tanner McKee delivered an impressive preseason performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. McKee completed 20 out of 25 passes for 252 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and added a rushing touchdown, finishing with a passer rating of 135.3.
The young quarterback showcased strong accuracy and efficiency, going 5 of 6 for 73 yards against the Bengals' starters. He accounted for three total touchdowns in under a half of playtime, providing a glimpse of his ability to execute both in the pocket and on designed runs.
Observers, including Eagles teammates like wide receiver Jahan Dotson, praised McKee’s ability to command the offense, make plays, and look comfortable in his role as a backup quarterback. The Eagles view him as a starting-caliber backup, evidenced by their unwillingness to trade him despite interest from other teams.
In the first half alone, McKee scored three touchdowns for the Eagles, helping the team take a commanding 27-17 lead. The team rested their Super Bowl MVP starter Jalen Hurts, entrusting McKee with leading the first-team offense, which he did effectively.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens' preseason opener saw Keaton Mitchell rush for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Rasheen Ali scored a 2-yard touchdown run in the first half. However, the Ravens struggled in the first half, failing to score, with Lamar Jackson not playing and Cooper Rush starting at quarterback. Rush completed 2 out of 4 passes for 16 yards with one interception, and the Ravens trailed the Indianapolis Colts 9-21 at halftime.
LaJohntay Wester scored an 87-yard punt return touchdown for Baltimore in the first half, providing a spark for the Ravens. Anthony Richardson started for Indianapolis but left the game with a dislocated pinkie, with Daniel Jones replacing him and completing 10 out of 21 passes for 144 yards. Khalil Herbert scored a 1-yard touchdown rush for Indianapolis, but the team's struggles in the first half were too much to overcome, resulting in a 21-9 halftime lead for the Ravens.
Overall, Tanner McKee’s preseason debut in 2025 highlighted his development into a reliable and efficient backup quarterback for the Eagles with the potential to start if needed. His stats, highlights, and analysis all point to a high level of readiness and confidence from both him and the team. The Baltimore Ravens, on the other hand, will need to address their struggles in the first half of their preseason opener as they prepare for the regular season.
Tanner McKee, the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback, showcased his readiness for the NFL during the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, scoring three touchdowns and accounting for three total touchdowns in a promising start to the 2025 season. His impressive performance radiated confidence, as evidenced by his passer rating of 135.3 and the team's commanding 27-17 lead in the first half. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens faced challenges in their preseason opener, with their first-half struggles resulting in a 9-21 halftime deficit against the Indianapolis Colts. However, Tanner McKee's promising performance in American football, the sport we all love, is a beacon of hope for Eagles fans and a testament to the depth of talent in NFL quarterbacks.
