In the Eagles’ preseason clash against the Patriots,
the spotlight was firmly on the battle for the backup quarterback position. Kenny Pickett, making his second consecutive preseason start, delivered a performance that looked solid on paper—completing 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards. However, a closer look reveals concerns. Most of Pickett’s completions were on short, well-designed plays, and he struggled when attempting to look downfield, showing hesitation in a collapsing pocket and taking four sacks. To be fair, Pickett faced a Patriots defense that played many of its starters, but his struggles are raising questions about his role moving forward.
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Meanwhile, Tanner McKee might be sparking a quarterback controversy in Philadelphia. The third-stringer stepped in during the fourth quarter and led two scoring drives, contributing 11 points and sealing the game with a sharp pass to Ainias Smith for a two-point conversion. McKee appeared calm and in control, finishing with an impressive 140 passing yards on 15 of 19 attempts. His standout performance is sure to keep the pressure on Pickett as the Eagles’ coaching staff evaluates their options. Despite head coach Nick Sirianni’s postgame comments, Pickett might need to start watching his back.
Patriots’ Pass Rush Shines Amid Changes
While much of the attention post-game was on the Eagles’ quarterback situation, the Patriots’ defense delivered a statement of their own, particularly in the pass-rush department. With star linebacker Matt Judon exiting New England, Thursday’s game was a test for the remaining defensive playmakers—and they did not disappoint.
Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise, and rookie Keion White each recorded a sack against the Eagles’ second-team offense, showcasing explosive speed off the edge. New England’s pass rush was relentless, holding the Eagles to just 65 total yards and three points in the first half. Wise, a seasoned starter, continued to be a dependable force, while Uche and White demonstrated they are ready for bigger roles in 2024.
Linebacker Raekwon McMillan also made a significant impact, leading the defense with eight tackles and one tackle for loss. He lined up off the edge frequently, adding another dimension to the Patriots’ pass rush. With Judon gone, Jerod Mayo’s defense proved on Thursday that it could still thrive, offering hope for Patriots fans as the team adapts to life without one of its key defensive players. [NFL]
