Could a Week 17 win save Pat Shurmur’s job?

Could a Week 17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles save Pat Shurmur’s job as head coach of the New York Giants?

A few weeks ago, reports had indicated that Pat Shurmur was likely to be relieved of his coaching duties with the New York Giants.

But what if Shurmur doesn’t end up getting canned as the head coach?

Right now, the Giants are sitting on a two-game winning streak and have a chance to not only end the season on a high note if they beat the Philadelphia Eagles and end with a three-game winning streak, but potentially eliminate the Eagles from playoff contention as well.

Yes, of the last three games, two of the wins were against bad teams in the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. However, a win to knock off a division rival and end a quest for a playoff berth can change some opinions.

In an interview with Mad Dog Radio, former Giants quarterback Phil Simms said that he wouldn’t be so sure if Shurmur gets fired if the Giants got a win on Sunday against the Eagles.

Not only that, current Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones has also publicly advocated for Shurmur to stay, specifically crediting the coach with his development.

“I think he’s a great coach,” Jones said. “How he’s coached me has been very important for my development, so I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with him. I’ve really enjoyed working with coach Shurmur and I think he’s done a whole lot for my development and my growth. He’s been great for me.”

That could end up being a major factor. A vote of confidence for Shurmur courtesy of Jones, who is considered the franchise quarterback and the guy who will be running the offense, carries a lot of weight and something John Mara and Steve Tisch absolutely must consider.

Yes, the Giants are 9-22 under Shurmur and at times, he’s looked and sounded over-matched, especially when he speaks publicly and even more so when he speaks after a loss.

But winning changes things. Beating the Eagles at home and ending their six-game losing streak against Philly could alter some thinking. Maybe a win can keep Shurmur around for one more season.

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