f.Jason Kelce Suggests Eagles Consider Tanner McKee Start to Diagnose Offensive Issues.f

PHILADELPHIA, PA · November 18, 2025

The debate surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles offense reached a new level this week when franchise icon Jason Kelce publicly suggested that the team should consider giving Tanner McKee a temporary start. Kelce did not present the idea as a quarterback controversy. Instead, he framed it as a potential diagnostic tool to uncover the real source of the team’s offensive struggles.

Philadelphia has spent several weeks searching for answers as the rhythm and explosiveness that once defined the Eagles attack have faded. Jalen Hurts remains the face of the franchise and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league, yet the offense has struggled to find cohesion. Kelce, who spent his entire career commanding the center of the huddle, said the question is not about Hurts’ talent. It is about understanding why the unit is failing to play with the efficiency expected of a playoff contender.

Kelce said the idea of starting McKee should not be interpreted as a move against Hurts. He described it as a chance to separate scheme issues from execution issues. He noted that evaluating the rookie in a live game could provide the coaching staff with clarity. If the offense improves with McKee, it points toward adjustments needed in decision making and timing. If the struggles remain, it confirms deeper structural problems.

McKee has impressed quietly throughout preseason work and developmental snaps. His size, timing and calm pocket presence have caught the attention of coaches. Analysts believe he represents a surprising but potentially valuable spark if the Eagles want a fresh look to regain their footing. Kelce’s comments amplified that idea, giving it legitimacy from a voice that carries immense respect inside and outside the building.

The suggestion also reflects the growing urgency in Philadelphia. Hurts has not played to the MVP standard he previously reached and the offense has produced more questions than answers. Protection breakdowns, route spacing issues and stalled red zone drives have all contributed to the problem. Kelce said that no single player should shoulder the blame. Still, he acknowledged that the quarterback position naturally becomes the focal point when momentum disappears.

Inside the Eagles locker room, the reaction to Kelce’s comments has been measured. Coaches continue to emphasize their confidence in Hurts, who remains a captain and a core leader. At the same time, they are aware that the offense has not delivered the level of execution required in crucial stretches of the season. Kelce’s viewpoint adds pressure because it comes from someone who lived through the highest and lowest moments of Philadelphia’s offensive evolution.

McKee continues to prepare as the backup but the growing interest around his potential has shifted the tone of conversations in Philadelphia. Analysts are now openly asking whether keeping Hurts on the field without exploring alternatives is helping or hurting the team’s progress. Others believe any move away from Hurts, even briefly, could disrupt the trust and continuity the coaching staff has built.

For now, Philadelphia has made no indication of changing its depth chart. The urgency, however, is undeniable. Kelce’s words have brought the situation into sharper focus. He offered the perspective of someone who understands both the technical demands of the offense and the emotional pulse of the team. His central message was simple. Philadelphia needs answers and may need bold decisions to find them.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the Eagles choose stability or experimentation. Either path will be shaped by the pressure to rediscover the identity that once made Philadelphia one of the most feared offenses in the league.

Stay tuned to ESPN.