The Philadelphia Eagles are making a quarterback change in hopes of finding answers for one of the NFL's least productive offenses, turning to Joe Milton for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants.
Milton will replace Tanner McKee after Philadelphia lost six consecutive games and dropped to 2-6. The Eagles are averaging just 17.1 points per game, ranking 30th in the NFL, and have struggled to move the ball consistently despite having several talented offensive playmakers. The former Tennessee quarterback brings exceptional arm strength and athleticism, providing offensive coordinator Sean Mannion with an opportunity to introduce different concepts.
Here are five ways Milton could help revive Philadelphia's offense.
1. Create more explosive passing plays
Milton's most recognizable
physical trait is his powerful arm, which lets him challenge defenses vertically. Philadelphia has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays, making it difficult to produce scoring opportunities without long, sustained drives. Milton's ability to throw deep passes could create additional opportunities for Makai Lemon, DeVonta Smith, and the Eagles' other receivers. However, stretching the field will require better protection and consistent accuracy.
The Eagles cannot rely exclusively on Milton's arm strength, but forcing opposing defenses to respect deep routes could create more space underneath.
2. Add quarterback mobility to the offense
Milton provides a different rushing threat than McKee because of his size, mobility, and ability to extend plays.
The former Tennessee standout rushed for 299 yards and seven touchdowns during his final college season, demonstrating his effectiveness when given opportunities outside the pocket. Mannion could use designed quarterback movement, bootlegs, and occasional read-option concepts to create additional pressure on opposing defenses. Those plays would also give Milton opportunities to throw on the move instead of consistently operating from a stationary pocket.
3. Give Saquon Barkley more favorable rushing opportunities
Philadelphia's running game has struggled to consistently create explosive plays, placing additional pressure on an already inefficient passing attack. Barkley remains capable of carrying the offense, but defenses have had opportunities to focus on limiting him without consistently fearing the quarterback as a rushing threat. Milton's athleticism could force defenders to account for another potential ball carrier, particularly on option plays and short-yardage situations.
That does not guarantee improved rushing production, but it could provide Mannion with additional ways to create favorable blocking numbers.
4. Simplify the passing game and protect the football
Milton has been with Philadelphia for less than three weeks, so Mannion needs to develop a game plan that emphasizes concepts he understands. Quick throws, play-action passes, and defined reads could help the quarterback establish an early rhythm. The Eagles must also protect the football after struggling with turnovers and negative plays during their losing streak. Milton has thrown two interceptions on 53 career regular-season pass attempts, making decision-making an important part of his evaluation.
The goal should be to establish consistency before asking him to carry the offense.
5. Bring energy to a team searching for answers
Philadelphia's six-game losing streak has increased pressure on Sirianni and his coaching staff. A quarterback change alone will not solve the offense's problems, but Milton's ability to create plays outside the structure could add a new dimension. The Eagles need improved execution on third down, better protection, and more consistent production from their running backs and receivers.
Milton will make his first start with Philadelphia against an NFC East-leading Giants team, giving the Eagles an opportunity to evaluate whether his skill set can provide a foundation for improvement. With a Week 10 bye approaching, Sunday's performance could shape the direction of Philadelphia's offense for the remainder of the season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 ways Joe Milton can help fix Eagles' struggling offense vs. Giants
