The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the preseason on Thursday night in a 34-27 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. There were some poor performances, yet this was still a great showcase for some of the young Eagles who dominated the Bengals' defense and once again looked like a Super Bowl contender despite mostly being the second unit.
How the quarterbacks would fare amid an ongoing backup position battle was a key storyline entering the contest. Tanner McKee was spectacular and seemingly has a stranglehold on the No. 2 job, so attention turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kyle McCord's competition for the third spot.
Unfortunately for one of those players, it might be time to start packing his bags following a terrible debut.
Kyle McCord in the NFL, everyone! pic.twitter.com/N98500pXd6
— Brady Hamilton (@BradyH_216) August 8, 2025
Eagles Rookie QB Kyle McCord Has Nightmare 1st Preseason Game
Rookie quarterback Kyle McCord, who was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, had a night to forget. He was the final signal caller to see the field and completed a pathetic 1-of-5 pass attempts for eight yards while throwing an ugly interception.
That puts him firmly on the hot seat and his draft capital won't save him. Thompson-Robinson was acquired in the Kenny Pickett trade and is a former fifth-rounder with starting experience (albeit not successful experience). He wasn't great but fared better than McCord, completing five of his six throws for 56 yards.
It's understandable that McCord struggled in his first game action. He was considered a project despite a stellar senior season at Syracuse that saw him throw for 4,779 yards and 34 TDs. McCord does struggle with decision-making at times, evidenced by his 12 interceptions, though there's an intriguing physical profile there with proper development.
The same can be said for the dual-threat Thompson-Robinson, however. In order for McCord to avoid being cut, he needs to overtake the 25-year-old third-year passer. After just one game, and it's worth remembering that key caveat, he's lightyears away from stealing Thompson-Robinson's job.
Since general manager Howie Roseman thought McCord was worth drafting, he may have an advantage. In all likelihood, though, McCord will be relegated to the practice squad while Thompson-Robinson serves as the emergency third quarterback that doesn't count against your 46-man active roster on gamedays.
McCord's next opportunity will come a week from Saturday against the Cleveland Browns. If we're purely going off the tape he put on film on Thursday, however, it's time for him to get kicked out of camp. That did not look like a professional signal caller and McCord has a long way to go if he's going to make the team.