Tanner McKee gave the Philadelphia Eagles chances to stay competitive Monday night, but the backup quarterback couldn't overcome another defensive collapse and an offense that struggled late. With Jalen Hurts unavailable, McKee completed 23 of 35 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Philadelphia's 38-21 loss to Dallas.

McKee's best stretch came after halftime.

Trailing 20-14, the Eagles opened the third quarter with a 17-play, 84-yard drive that consumed more than nine minutes and ended with McKee finding rookie Makai Lemon for his first NFL touchdown. The drive offered a glimpse of what Philadelphia's offense could look like with patience, execution, and reliable playmakers. McKee managed the possession effectively, helping the Eagles convert key situations and take a 21-20 lead.

Unfortunately, momentum faded as Dallas kept scoring and Philadelphia's injury issues mounted.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown intercepted McKee in the fourth quarter, ending another chance to cut into a 10-point deficit. The Eagles also failed to score in the fourth quarter. His final numbers reflected a quarterback who could move the offense in stretches but struggled to create the explosive plays needed to keep pace with Dallas.

Philadelphia finished with 321 total yards, while McKee averaged 6.0 yards per pass attempt. The offensive line also struggled against Dallas' defensive front, with the Cowboys recording two sacks and Quinnen Williams consistently creating disruption.

The larger question remains what McKee's performance means for Philadelphia's quarterback situation.

With the Eagles at 2-5 and on a five-game losing streak, Philadelphia should at least consider giving Joe Milton an opportunity if the offense keeps struggling under Tanner McKee. The Eagles managed just seven second-half points despite opening the third quarter with an impressive 17-play touchdown drive. Milton offers a different skill set, with a powerful arm, mobility, and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket, potentially adding another dimension to Sean Mannion's offense. The Eagles already have injuries to several offensive starters, and McKee has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays or sustain scoring drives. Philadelphia doesn't necessarily need an immediate quarterback change, but incorporating Milton into select packages or evaluating him if McKee continues to struggle would give the coaching staff another option to assess. With the season sinking away, the Eagles must balance their remaining playoff aspirations with the need to determine which players can contribute to the franchise's future.

McKee has shown enough to suggest he can execute portions of Sean Mannion's system, but the Eagles need more consistent production regardless of who starts. With Philadelphia now 2-5, the quarterback discussion will continue as the team prepares for Sunday's matchup against Washington.