Philadelphia Eagles take a closer look at their backup QBs in 14-13 preseason win over New England Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WPVI) — The Eagles are 2-0 in the preseason, and after Thursday night's win over the New England Patriots, it was clear that there was tough competition for the backup quarterback spot behind Jalen Hurts.

The Birds won away in Foxboro, Massachusetts with 14:13.

Two days after the Eagles participated in a joint practice against the Patriots, they decided to bench Hurts for the second consecutive preseason game.

QB Kenny Pickett played the entire first half and completed 11 of 13 passes, but only for 67 yards.

“Just take advantage of the finishes that are out there and try to drive the offense,” Pickett said. “Those big plays are going to come sooner rather than later.”

The Eagles' only points in two quarters came on a 42-yard run by Jake Elliott. He added a 38-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots sacked Pickett four times in the first half.

But Tanner McKee argued he should be Hurts' replacement.

McKee started the second half for the Eagles and completed 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards. Sirianni brought McKee back into the game in the fourth.

He led two attacks in the fourth quarter that resulted in victory.

“Coach told us before the game that was going to be the game plan, and the coaches communicated it well,” McKee said. “I was just ready to go whenever they called me.”

The Patriots led 13-6 when the Eagles caught up. Rookie running back Kendall Milton ran for a 1-yard touchdown and McKee connected with Ainias Smith for the 2-point conversion that gave them the lead.

Head coach Nick Sirianni declined to comment on whether we will see any of the regulars play in the team's final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, August 24 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Meanwhile, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye ran for a touchdown and led the New England Patriots on two of the team's three touchdown drives.

The No. 3 overall pick out of North Carolina only appeared in one series in the Patriots' season opener, but played in the second and third quarters of that game. He finished the game 6 of 11 passing for 47 yards.