Eagles were right to name Gardner Minshew as starter versus Cowboys

After three full days of debate, we have our answer. We can finally close the book on those discussions about whether or not Jalen Hurts will start in Week 16 for the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Dallas Cowboys.

With the game being scheduled for Saturday and with this being a short week, everything moves faster than we’re used to seeing, so Philly’s head coach, Nick Sirianni, spoke with members of the media on Thursday, not Friday. It wasn’t long before we arrived at the Gardner Minshew/Jalen Hurts discussion.

The Birds will indeed roll with Minshew as their Week 16 starter. Seriously, was there another option? Philly’s QB1 of the moment has long won the faith and trust of both his teammates and coaches.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s Nick Sirianni echoing that sentiment.

In all honesty, we believe he’s good enough to step in and beat Dallas on the national stage.

Here are a few of about ten reasons why the Eagles were right to sit Jalen Hurts and start Gardner Minshew in Week 16.

The stage is set. Philadelphia hopes to employ a little ‘Minshew Magic’ on Christmas Eve. We’re on board with the decision, and you should be as well. Here are a few of the reasons why.

1. Simply put, the game isn’t a must-win for the Eagles.

With three games remaining on both the Eagles’ and Cowboys’ schedules, Philadelphia owns a three-game lead in the race for the NFC East’s crown. One win by the Birds in their final three games or a single loss by Dallas in one of theirs would award home-field advantage throughout the postseason to the guys in midnight green.

It appears the Birds can kill two Cowboys with one stone here, but if they don’t, they have two more shots to get the job done during two very winnable games, Week 17 versus the New Orleans Saints and/or Week 18’s regular-season finale versus the New York Giants.

2. Philly’s short-term goals don’t equate to their long-term goals.

The goals for Philadelphia all season have all led to one goal, qualifying for football’s biggest game in February. They stand a better chance of getting there with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. No disrespect is intended to Gardner Minshew, but those of the facts.

Sure, there are arguments that corroborate theories that Jalen can rest after delivering the kill shot on Christmas Eve, but what if Jalen played, the Eagles lost, and Jalen got hurt? How would you feel then?

The wisest path is often the safest one. That rule applies here. The Eagles didn’t play Dallas Goedert in Week 15 versus the Chicago Bears because he wasn’t fully healthy. That same principle has to apply when discussing your franchise quarterback.

3. Raise your hand if you believe the Eagles were going to win regardless of who started.

Let’s be honest. Most of us want the Eagles at full strength and Jalen Hurts on the field because we want to beat the Cowboys on Christmas Eve and begin our holiday with a bang. We can all agree on that right?

As appetizing as running Dallas’ afternoon/evening before the holiday is, there are bigger fish to fry. Plus, Gardner Minshew is good enough to get the job done this week. We truly believe that.

Besides, Philadelphia and Dallas figure to cross paths in the playoffs. We’ll get those clowns then.