Questions concerning the QB

    Against the Browns in their second preseason game, the Eagles played only two quarterbacks: Tanner McKee and Marcus Mariota. Mariota took the first half, and McKee took the second. 

   McKee is a rookie with no experience as a starter and fresh out if college. Mariota is an eight year veteran, with playoff victories and 92 total passing touchdowns under his belt. On paper the clear better QB2 would be Mariota. Mariota should do better in preseason games, keeping rookie McKee in his rookie place. 

    Not so fast. 

   McKee already made an obvious push past Ian Book for the third string spot, and now is edging out Mariota for the second. McKee's best argument is yesterday's game against the Browns.  

The QB2 decision may be harder than you think

 Photo Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer 

   Mariota struggled with pressure and finding available receivers. He threw a rough interception, overthrowing his wide open target. Under him, the Eagles managed just one field goal, commuted a safety, and earned zero touchdowns. Mariota was struggling with sacks, pressures and just wasn't leading the team.

   Enter McKee, who inherited an 8-3 score. He quickly turned things around. McKee led the Eagles to a touchdown, handing the ball off to Trey Sermon who scrambled in from 33 yards out. McKee also threw a 22 yard touchdown pass. 

  Let's do a clearer quarterback comparison: Mariota passed for 86 passing yards, no touchdowns, a pick, and five yards rushing. Mariota finished 9/17 passing. McKee passed for 147 yards, a touchdown, no picks, and zero yards rushing. He finished with 10/18 passing,and also threw a two point conversion. McKee struggled with sacks on his last drive which prevented a win. 

   The game proved a lot about two hungry quarterbacks. It is hard to place Mariota as a third stringer, or even replace him, because if his much promise he's shown over the years. But McKee is really making Nick Sirrani and us fans think about the possibilities. Would having a rookie QB 2 be that bad? 

The above photo was taken from a Philadelphia Inquirer article. Photo was taken by Heather Khalifa/Staff photographer. Image used for commentary.