Coach Nick Sirianni admitted he wanted to withhold the news about the quarterback switch for as long as possible. The plan was to spring Milton on the New York Giants instead of Tanner McKee.
Sirianni explained his reasoning during a Friday press conference. He noted that every second spent hiding the move gives the opponent less time to prepare. “I was going to hold onto that for as long as I possibly could,” Sirianni said. He emphasized that his main job is to win games and protect the players on the roster. This approach fits a pattern where the coach has used information to create a competitive edge in the past.
Milton’s Path to the Field
Milton joined the Eagles last month from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. His career numbers are thin, with only 53 passes thrown and 37 completed. He has two touchdown passes and two interceptions in his professional time. Despite this limited experience, Milton insists he is ready for the pressure.
“That’s the thing. We all know that you have to be ready to be on the field at all times. So, I’m going to be ready on Sunday,” Milton said. He added that the coaching staff has done a great job explaining the system to him. He adapted early in life because he was the eldest of seven siblings. Milton sees Sunday as his first NFL start.
Teammates Step Up to Help
Rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon knows the situation is tough for the new starter. The Eagles have used Lemon in eight games this season. He has caught 31 of his 45 targets for 251 yards and one score. Lemon says the group of wideouts will focus on knowing their assignments and not second-guessing themselves.
“Just knowing assignment, execute. … Just practicing, really, just getting extra reps with him, just being more comfortable, just letting him know that you know we got his back, no matter what,” Lemon said. The team is without top receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. Milton will need to rely on his mobility to escape pressure, a skill Tanner McKee lacked during his recent starts.
The Eagles hope this change helps them stop a six-game losing streak. The team will take the field on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. ET against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field.
