Eagles rookie Kyle McCord takes a step in the right direction

Eagles rookie Kyle McCord takes a step in the right direction originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Kyle McCord threw his first NFL touchdown on Saturday and he didn't even get to see it.

As McCord delivered a 9-yard TD strike to Ainias Smith in the second quarter, he was drilled by Browns defensive end Cameron Thomas, who was called for roughing the passer.

I was on the ground," McCord said, but I heard the crowd. And then I popped up and saw Ainias celebrating in the end zone. Pretty cool way to get your first one."

After really struggling in his NFL preseason debut last week, the Eagles' sixth-round rookie took a small step in the right direction on Saturday afternoon in the Eagles' 22-13 loss to the Browns.

No, it wasn't a great game for McCord. He completed just 8 of 16 passes for 47 yards. But he looked more comfortable in his second NFL game action and that showed on his touchdown throw.

On that play, the Eagles faced a 3rd-and-goal from the Browns' 9-yard line. Based on watching the Browns' preseason opener and based on seeing Jim Schwartz's defense in practice this week, McCord had a good idea what was coming.

The Eagles were on high alert for a zero blitz and they got one.

You know you're going to be one short in protection so it's all about getting the ball out on time," McCord said. I think that's how you show toughness as a quarterback."

A few plays before the touchdown throw, McCord got another chance to show off his toughness. Facing a 3rd-and-1 from the 11-yard line, the Eagles dialed up a Tush Push and were able to convert.

That was pretty cool," McCord said. I think that it was good to get that early on, feel like you're actually in a game, get hit, get tackled a little bit, get punished under the pile. First down. So 1-for-1 so far."

For most of training camp, McCord has been out-performed by the veteran Dorian Thompson-Robinson as they compete for the third-string quarterback job behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. But on Saturday, as DTR and McCord rotated the whole game, it was the rookie who had a better afternoon.

And as final cuts near, McCord is making a case for why he deserves that roster spot. There's also reason to believe that McCord will continue to get more comfortable with time.

I think Game 1, you're doing everything for the first time and now you have an expectation of what it's going to be like," McCord said. I think you know how to prepare throughout the week a little bit better. And then you just feel more comfortable. Every single rep that I get, it's starting to slow down, which is what you want. Stepping on the field Play 1 this week vs. Play 1 last week feels different."

The Eagles' preseason finale is Friday night in North Jersey. It'll be a chance for McCord to take another step in the right direction.