Preseason NFL Summary: Tanner McKee's Performance Propels Philadelphia Eagles over Cincinnati Bengals
In the 2025 preseason opener, Tanner McKee delivered a standout performance for the Philadelphia Eagles in their 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Facing a Bengals team that fielded starters such as Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, McKee showcased his ability to run the Eagles offense efficiently and maintain composure under pressure. He completed 20 out of 25 passes for 252 yards, throwing two touchdowns and executing key plays like the "tush push" short-yardage touchdown early in the game.
McKee's strong performance was a boost for the Eagles, who are confident in their backup quarterback behind Jalen Hurts. The team's bullishness on McKee was evident as he was positioned firmly as the backup to Hurts.
Cooper Rush started at quarterback for the Ravens, completing 2 out of 4 passes for 16 yards with one interception. Keaton Mitchell rushed for 68 yards and scored a touchdown, while Rasheen Ali added a 2-yard touchdown run. However, Lamar Jackson did not play for the Ravens in the preseason opener.
The Colts saw Anthony Richardson start but he left the game due to a dislocated pinkie. Khalil Herbert scored the Colts' lone touchdown on a 1-yard rush. Daniel Jones replaced Richardson, completing 10 out of 21 passes for 144 yards.
For the Eagles, Johnny Wilson had 73 receiving yards, while Darius Cooper led the team with 82 receiving yards. LaJohntay Wester scored an 87-yard punt return touchdown for the Ravens, and Tanner McKee accounted for three first-half touchdowns, including a 1-yard touchdown run on the Eagles' first drive. ShunDerrick Powell added a 2-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter for the Eagles.
The preseason opener provided a glimpse into the potential of both teams, with McKee's performance reinforcing the Eagles' confidence in him as their backup quarterback. As the preseason continues, both teams will look to build on their performances and prepare for the upcoming regular season.
- Tanner McKee, the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated his proficiency in American football during the preseason opener, completing 20 out of 25 passes for 252 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and scoring one himself.
- In the NFL's 2025 preseason opener, Tanner McKee led the Eagles to a 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that fielded starters like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
- Despite a strong performance from the quarterback position, the Baltimore Ravens fell short against the Eagles, with Cooper Rush completing only 2 out of 4 passes and Lamar Jackson sitting out the preseason opener.
- In the realm of sports, Tanner McKee's standout performance in the preseason opener has reaffirmed the Philadelphia Eagles' confidence in him as their backup quarterback, setting the stage for an intriguing regular season ahead.