Tanner McKee returned DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert to the lineup, but the Eagles still managed only 222 total yards in Sunday’s 25-14 loss to the Panthers. McKee needed 45 attempts to throw for 215 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt as Philadelphia suffered its fourth consecutive defeat. With Jalen Hurts out for the season, the Eagles must decide whether McKee gives their depleted offense its best chance against Dallas—or whether Joe Milton deserves a closer look for a team that could benefit from an athletic signal-caller going forward.
After another uneven and inefficient offensive performance, the Eagles should give Milton meaningful preparation before facing Dallas. Sunday's 25-14 loss justifies evaluating every available answer at quarterback, even if Tanner McKee remains the best immediate choice to start.
McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against Carolina. His 4.8 yards per attempt and Philadelphia's 222 total yards reflected how little consistent offense the Eagles generated. There were positive moments. McKee led two touchdown drives and found DeVonta Smith for a 19-yard score that cut Carolina's fourth-quarter lead to five. Those possessions give Sean Mannion something to build on.
Milton deserves preparation, and McKee still needs help
Milton arrived Friday from the Cowboys' practice squad and served as Philadelphia's emergency third quarterback Sunday. A full week of preparation would give the coaching staff a better basis for judging his readiness.
His arm strength offers an intriguing alternative for an offense that produced no completion longer than 19 yards against Carolina. The Eagles still need to evaluate whether he can execute their protections, timing, and reads before handing him the offense.
McKee also faced problems a quarterback change would not automatically solve. Philadelphia rushed for 35 yards, allowed three sacks and committed 11 penalties. Injuries kept removing players from an already depleted lineup.
The Dallas decision should follow the practice work
McKee should begin the week with the chance to correct Sunday's mistakes. In the meantime, Milton should get enough work to become a prepared alternative if the offense keeps stalling.
With Jalen Hurts on injured reserve, Philadelphia needs more than an emergency option behind its starter. The Eagles have three more games to navigate before the bye week and could reach Week 10 in first place in the division despite everything that has happened. Getting Milton ready creates a real choice as the team tries to stop a four-game slide.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles need more at quarterback. Is Joe Milton worth a look?