The Eagles are looking to get back into the “W” column after three consecutive losses and they’ll be going against a Panthers defense that is well rested after enjoying its bye week.

McKee, already in preparation mode before being told he would be bumping up to the starting role just before practice began on Thursday, understands the situation.

“Getting used to the Panthers’ flavor,” McKee said.

McKee has been the third-team quarterback this season, the second-stringer, and now he’s going to be the starter. It’s just business, he said.

“That’s the NFL. The preparation is the same. I felt I was ready at any moment these last few weeks, so nothing changes from that standpoint,” McKee said. “My level of confidence in the offense has been great, it’s been growing. It’s been nice to get the extra reps and also have conversations with Sean (Mannion, offensive coordinator) about what he likes, what I like, how we like to attack the Panthers.

“Every opportunity you get to play is a huge opportunity, especially being a sixth-round pick. Every opportunity is a huge opportunity. I’m obviously very excited and ready to make the most of it.”

McKee is a wily veteran at this point, so he knows what to expect. That it’s Week 6 versus Week 18 means there are more starters playing and, of course, that the Eagles haven’t clinched a thing. Football is what he loves to do, and he’s going to relish everything leading up to and including Sunday.

“It’s just fun. Obviously, I love the game. I love to play, just being out there and taking control and being in charge of the huddle,” he said. “You get a lot of scout-team reps as a backup, or third string, so to run a huddle with our offense a little bit more, it’s a lot of fun. Feel that burn, feel that drive, the excitement, yeah, I’m really excited to be out there.”

And the Panthers, ranked 29th in the NFL in total defense (387.2 yards/game and 27.3 points/game)? What do they do well?

“Really good front. Their down guys are good, their linebackers fly around, and they do a good job disguising what they’re going to give,” McKee said. “They don’t have super-easy ‘man’ (coverage) tells, so that’s going to be a little more onus on us to watch film to find those tells to use our motions, use our formations, whatever it is so we can play ahead of the game.”