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Eagles Players React to Joe Milton Taking Over as Starting Quarterback
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- Eagles Players React to Joe Milton Taking Over as Starting Quarterback
The Philadelphia Eagles made a major change ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the division-rival New York Giants. The Eagles have opted to bench interim starting quarterback Tanner McKee in favor of Joe Milton, who the team signed off of the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad last month.
Milton has only been with the team for a matter of weeks, so it's fair to wonder how much of the offense he has learned. But, the Eagles clearly believe that he's ready to step in.
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Joe Milton's Eagles Teammates Impressed With His Arm, Athleticism
Ahead of Milton's Eagles debut, several of his new teammates expressed a combination of confidence and excitement about the change and about what Milton can potentially bring to the offense.
"He's got a lot of swag to him. He's confident. He's excited for this opportunity as well. That was his whole reason to come here, to get a chance like this. He's excited for it," wide receiver Hollywood Brown said of Milton.
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"It's a testament to the journey he's been on. He's probably been that confident his whole life. So for him, it seems natural. For all of us, we're rallying around it, trying to get a W."
While Brown has been impressed with Milton's confidence, it has been his athleticism that has most impressed tight end Dallas Goedert.
"He's a real good athlete. That stands out," Goedert said of Milton. "He's got a cannon of an arm. Today it seemed like he was really accurate, got through his reads good, made check downs when he needed. But it'll be exciting for him to go out there. I know he's excited to get on the field and play. Going to do whatever I can to help him succeed."
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Meanwhile, Milton's arm strength has stuck out to other players that will be tasked with catching passes from him.
"He can spin it," rookie tight end Eli Stowers said of Milton. "You feel it when he throws it to you and it hits your hands pretty quick. When he lets it go down the field, it's pretty good."
"He zips it. He zips it," wide receiver Darius Cooper added. "You can hear it flying in the air."
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It remains to be seen how much of an improvement, if any, Milton will be over McKee. But, his speed and athleticism certainly provides the Eagles offense with a different dimension that McKee didn't, and in turn a much-needed reason for excitement for Eagles fans.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
