Eagles should not start starters on Sunday but should scoreboard-watch
Eagles' Jalen Hurts takes the field with the offense against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 31. Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer
The Eagles are in much need of a “get right” game before the playoffs start next week, and are expected to put the pedal to the metal against the New York Giants on Sunday to end the regular season on a high note.
However, is it the right move from head coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles to start the starters?
I do not think so.
The Eagles do not control their own destiny in the NFC East with their loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week at Lincoln Financial Field, 35-31. So, if the Dallas Cowboys beat the 4-12 Washington Commanders in Landover, Mayland, Dallas wins the division. For the Eagles, they need the Cowboys to lose and then they need to beat the Giants. This is a very unlikely outcome.
So, why bother? The Eagles’ road to winning the division is not favorable, Washington is a bad football team, and the MetLife Field turf is horrible and is a major injury risk, especially with the Eagles having a history of losing players to that turf.
However, you can never rule out a Dallas choke job and the Eagles could benefit from a buoyant showing in their regular season finale.
But for me, the injury factor is too large of a red flag. DeVonta Smith is already dealing with a knee injury (he is out) and you can not risk any other large blows. God forbid you lose Jalen Hurts, or Lane Johnson, or anyone a week out of the playoffs. It is just not worth the risk.
However, I did say I would not start the starters, not flat-out keep them on the sideline all game.
If Washington is somehow beating Dallas at halftime or it is a close game, I am not against throwing the starters out there and trying to win. Winning the division would be monumental for the Eagles, specifically this season as it may be their only chance at sniffing the NFC Championship Game.
However, if the Cowboys are slaying the Commanders, do not bother.
Regardless, I highly doubt Sirianni does not start the starters in North Jersey on Sunday.
Anything can happen. We will see Sunday afternoon. Both games start at 4:25 p.m.
