How did we get here? Giants, Eagles set for stunning QB showdown

The Eagles (2-6) are attempting to snap a six-game losing streak this Sunday, and the quarterback change to Milton, who has shown his wheels, helps a team that has struggled to run the ball. 

The Eagles' decision to sign Milton from Dallas' practice squad on Oct. 16 quickly took on added significance when Jalen Hurts landed on injured reserve the following day.

Milton enters his first career start with Philadelphia after producing efficiently in limited action, completing 69.8 percent of his passes for 424 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions across five appearances with the Patriots and Cowboys. 

Armed with a strong arm, Milton has spent much of his football journey convincing front offices that his immense physical tools can consistently translate into production. 

A divisional showdown against the Giants provides the biggest stage of his young NFL career. The reality is that neither quarterback has had the luxury of a long runway. 

An offense built to help J.J. McCarthy thrive

McCarthy, on the other hand, arrived in East Rutherford in late September via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, after it was confirmed that Jaxson Dart had suffered a season-ending left knee injury during a Week 2 "Monday Night Football" game against the Los Angeles Rams. McCarthy, the former 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, was traded for a fifth-round draft pick. 

McCarthy's first start with New York offered an encouraging glimpse of his potential, as he completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 252 yards against the Houston Texans. 

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's praise indirectly reflected well on McCarthy. The young quarterback isn't stepping into a simplified offense. 

“They’ve got a really good offense,” Fangio told reporters, via Pro Football Talk. “They’ve got skill at the receiving position. They did a nice job raiding the Ravens, not only for John [Harbaugh], but for [tight end Isaiah] Likely and [fullback Patrick] Ricard. They’ve got a lot of the Ravens-type offense that they had when [New York Giants senior offensive assistant] Greg [Roman] was there, and they’ve intermixed Kansas City-type passing in there with [offensive coordinator] Matt [Nagy]."