Tanner McKee’s difficult first half and Andy Dalton’s steadier relief outing sharpened Philadelphia’s backup-quarterback questions in Friday’s preseason finale.
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Philadelphia Eagles 30-13 on Friday, August 28, at Lincoln Financial Field, finishing the preseason 3-0 while the Eagles ended their exhibition slate 0-3.
Neither club used its regular starters extensively, leaving the finale to serve largely as a final audition for depth players before roster decisions. Cincinnati quarterback Josh Johnson threw for 156 yards in the first half, and kicker Evan McPherson made three field goals as the Bengals took a 9-3 halftime lead.
The night carried particular weight for Philadelphia’s competition behind Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee started and completed 12 of 22 passes for 55 yards with an interception across five first-half possessions. Andy Dalton replaced him after halftime, completing 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a 5-yard touchdown to Carson Steele.
McKee’s interception followed a drop by rookie receiver Makai Lemon, according to CBS Philadelphia’s Associated Press report. NBC Sports Philadelphia also noted other drops and described the turnover as not solely McKee’s responsibility, while still judging his overall performance as uneven.
Cincinnati extended its advantage in the second half on an 11-yard touchdown catch by Ke’Shawn Williams from Sean Clifford. After Dalton led Philadelphia’s touchdown drive, the Bengals answered with scoring runs from Kentrell Bullock and Jamal Haynes, whose 39-yard touchdown put the game away.
For Cincinnati, receiver Dohnte Meyers stood out early with three catches for 51 yards on the opening drive, while cornerback Tacario Davis intercepted McKee. The Bengals’ preseason ended with roster cuts next on the calendar; Philadelphia now turns toward its September 13 regular-season opener against Washington.
