Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

A New QB

Posted November 5th, 2026 | No Comments »

The Eagles are making a change at QB, with Joe Milton now taking over as the starter. This move isn’t a major surprise. The Eagles were 0-3 in his starts and averaged just 15 points per game. He was dealt some tough circumstances to be sure, but McKee just wasn’t getting the job done.

Let’s talk about Milton. The Eagles signed him on October 16th so he’s not been with the team very long. Why go to him? Milton is more physically gifted. He is more mobile than McKee. He has a stronger arm. Milton also had a better preseason. I was shocked that Dallas put him on their practice squad, which left him available to other teams.

This move will seem desperate to some, and that is a fair criticism. But I’m okay with it. McKee needs the right circumstances to be successful. He showed potential in 2024 when playing with a great OL, dynamic receivers, and an elite RB. This offense is world’s different. McKee had to do more of the heavy lifting and his limitations showed. He’s just not a guy who can carry an offense.

Milton might not be that guy either, but his physical tools give him a better chance of handling that role. If protection breaks down, he can use his legs to make a play. If he’s got a clean pocket, Milton can use his arm strength to get the ball downfield on intermediate or deep routes. The offense has struggled all season so I don’t see the harm in trying a new QB. McKee threw 2 TDs and 2 INTs in his three starts. It isn’t like you’re walking away from much.

The other part of this is something I touched on in the previous post. The Eagles need to use the remaining games to evaluate their roster. They have a pretty idea of what McKee is after 4 years and 5 starts. Milton is an unknown commodity. Give him a chance to start a few games and show what he can do. Maybe he could prove worthy of being the primary backup next season. Or you find out he was on the Cowboys practice squad for a reason.

It would help Milton if he had DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks back in the lineup. Unfortunately they weren’t at practice on Wednesday. Nor was Saquon Barkley. Maybe the Eagles will sit them this week, with the bye coming up after that. The three could then return to action after that with rested legs.

Some might wonder why Cole Payton isn’t getting a look. Milton is more experienced. Payton only started one season at NDSU and is a rookie in the NFL. You don’t want to rush him onto the field and have him get overwhelmed. Payton might get his chance later in the season. Let him learn for now.

This is Milton’s time to shine.

Or struggle like everyone else.

*****

If only the Eagles could turn to this guy as QB.

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