Preseason Week 2: Eagles' Backup QB Battle Unresolved Heading Into Foxborough
The Philadelphia Eagles travel to New England on Saturday, August 22, after two days of joint practices at the Patriots' facility. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee remain co-listed as Philadelphia's backup quarterback behind Jalen Hurts, with rookie Cole Payton further behind after throwing back-to-back interceptions following an earlier strong stretch. New England reportedly got the better of the joint sessions, and receiver A.J. Brown practiced against his former team as part of the week's storylines.
Dalton-McKee competition still unsettled
Neither backup has clearly separated from the other, making this game a meaningful data point before Philadelphia finalizes its quarterback room.
Patriots edged the joint practices
New England reportedly had the better of the two joint sessions this week, a modest but real signal heading into the actual game.
Brown's return storyline adds intrigue
Facing his former team in practice was a notable subplot of the week, even if it doesn't directly affect Saturday's outcome.
Smith back after injury absence
Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith is reportedly back on the field, a positive sign for Philadelphia's passing game depth.
AI Prediction
Eagles 
Patriots Patriots' joint-practice edge is a modest but real signal
Coming out ahead in the joint sessions suggests New England's roster is executing a bit more sharply heading into the actual game.
Philadelphia's backup QB uncertainty adds inconsistency
With neither Dalton nor McKee clearly ahead, Philadelphia's offensive execution could be less steady than a team with a settled plan.
Smith's return is a mitigating factor for the Eagles
Getting a key receiver back tempers the downside from the unresolved QB competition.
This is a preseason exhibition. The joint-practice reports offer a light signal, but confidence stays low given how little separates two backup-driven rosters.
Patriots Leaders
Eagles Leaders
Team Stats
| Eagles | Stat | Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | Points Per Game | 13.0 |
| 168.0 | Total Yards | 287.0 |
| 92.0 | Yards Passing | 204.0 |
| 76.0 | Yards Rushing | 83.0 |
| 24.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 13.0 |
| 456.0 | Yards Allowed | 367.0 |
| 314.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 234.0 |
| 142.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 133.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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