And so it begins: Colts hint at limiting their starters (1 Viewer)

[pizzatyme]

Here is my take as a Colts

What if the Colts played their entire team this year and then lost in the playoffs? What do they then do going forward? You cannot base this year's results on prior year's results. It is far too small a sample size to base today's decision upon.

With that said, I thought it was a terrible decision by Caldwell. Assuming it was he (or Colts brass) that made the decision to pull the starters, it took the players opportunity for mortality away from them. Noone who made the decision was even a player! That part is sickening!!!

While the Jets weren't without a chance to win this game, it was obvious that with Manning playing, the Colts would have won this game. Then a solid half against the Bills and the Colts could have done the improbable.

Caldwell will never live this down, especially if the Colts go on to win it all IMO.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I caught some of Polian’s interview on ESPN yesterday and he certainly didn’t do anything to help smooth things over with the fansHe talked about how winning the most games this decade and owning the regular season winning streak record were important to the organization but going 16-0 wasn’t important.After hearing that if I was a Colts fan I would be really upset too

It's interesting how the Colts are always backhanded labeled the kings of the regular season. When the GM and coach decide to forget about the regular season and focus on maximizing their playoff odds, they get lambasted. Not saying it's wrong, but just interesting.If you told someone last week that the Colts had the most regular season victories in any decade ever, most fans would have said "so what? We only remember SBs, and the Colts have only one of those this decade."

 

[Chase Stuart]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I am inordinately pleased by this piling on of our homerific friend, Chase.

Don't sell yourself short. You're pretty good at predicting the future, too.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the Jets could beat the Colts and Bengals to remain in the mix. That's surely possible for a very good team like them.

 

[Yenrub]

I caught some of Polian’s interview on ESPN yesterday and he certainly didn’t do anything to help smooth things over with the fansHe talked about how winning the most games this decade and owning the regular season winning streak record were important to the organization but going 16-0 wasn’t important.After hearing that if I was a Colts fan I would be really upset too

It's interesting how the Colts are always backhanded labeled the kings of the regular season. When the GM and coach decide to forget about the regular season and focus on maximizing their playoff odds, they get lambasted. Not saying it's wrong, but just interesting.If you told someone last week that the Colts had the most regular season victories in any decade ever, most fans would have said "so what? We only remember SBs, and the Colts have only one of those this decade."

Agreed which is why his (Polian) comments are very confusing to me.Those records (consecutive wins streak and most win in a decade) are not memorable at all. Everyone knows what the 1972 Dolphins did.And of course the Colts will trot Peyton out there this weekend against the Bills so he can keep his consecutive win starting streak alive.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Weak doesn't begin to describe some of your posts in this thread.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I caught some of Polian’s interview on ESPN yesterday and he certainly didn’t do anything to help smooth things over with the fans

He talked about how winning the most games this decade and owning the regular season winning streak record were important to the organization but going 16-0 wasn’t important.

After hearing that if I was a Colts fan I would be really upset too

It's interesting how the Colts are always backhanded labeled the kings of the regular season. When the GM and coach decide to forget about the regular season and focus on maximizing their playoff odds, they get lambasted. Not saying it's wrong, but just interesting.If you told someone last week that the Colts had the most regular season victories in any decade ever, most fans would have said "so what? We only remember SBs, and the Colts have only one of those this decade."

Agreed which is why his (Polian) comments are very confusing to me.Those records (consecutive wins streak and most win in a decade) are not memorable at all.

Everyone knows what the 1972 Dolphins did.

And of course the Colts will trot Peyton out there this weekend against the Bills so he can keep his consecutive win starting streak alive.

You mean consecutive starting streak.....we know what you meant however.

 

[Yenrub]

I caught some of Polian’s interview on ESPN yesterday and he certainly didn’t do anything to help smooth things over with the fans

He talked about how winning the most games this decade and owning the regular season winning streak record were important to the organization but going 16-0 wasn’t important.

After hearing that if I was a Colts fan I would be really upset too

It's interesting how the Colts are always backhanded labeled the kings of the regular season. When the GM and coach decide to forget about the regular season and focus on maximizing their playoff odds, they get lambasted. Not saying it's wrong, but just interesting.If you told someone last week that the Colts had the most regular season victories in any decade ever, most fans would have said "so what? We only remember SBs, and the Colts have only one of those this decade."

Agreed which is why his (Polian) comments are very confusing to me.Those records (consecutive wins streak and most win in a decade) are not memorable at all.

Everyone knows what the 1972 Dolphins did.

And of course the Colts will trot Peyton out there this weekend against the Bills so he can keep his consecutive win starting streak alive.

You mean consecutive starting streak.....we know what you meant however.

:(

 

[Case Ace]

I think the Indianapolis Folds is better name for them than the Colts. Classless organization from top to bottom, led by a a classless QB who is a horse's ###.I look forward to their upcoming monumental playoff collapse.

You can't be that stupid. While I hated the decision yesterday, to say they're a classless orgainization from top to bottom shows your ignorance. The Colts have been one of the classiest organizations for the last dozen years. Calling Manning classless is even more stupid. If anyone is a horse's you know what, it's you.

Dont let him fool you. He bit his lip after the game but come playoff time, he will throw everyone under the bus. He is a classless whiny little baby. Why do you think he never took his helmet off yesterday. You know the old saying if it looks like a horse's ### and acts like a horses's ###...

And types like a horses's ### ...

 

[Case Ace]

People are too upset about this. Caldwell is just another first year head coach who fell into the trap of winning his first 14 games. Classic rookie mistake.

 

[Titus Pullo]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Weak doesn't begin to describe some of your posts in this thread.

 

[roadkill1292]

I am inordinately pleased by this piling on of our homerific friend, Chase.

Don't sell yourself short. You're pretty good at predicting the future, too.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the Jets could beat the Colts and Bengals to remain in the mix. That's surely possible for a very good team like them.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Weak doesn't begin to describe some of your posts in this thread.

Sorry your team lost your undefeated season. Good luck to your squad in the playoffs.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Weak doesn't begin to describe some of your posts in this thread.

Sorry your team lost gave away your undefeated season. Good luck to your squad in the playoffs.

Fixed

 

[DoubleG]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Wow. Normally I'm a big fan of Chase's work, but this "See? the Jets held him to 192/0" homeristic stuff he's shoveling is getting pretty deep. First off, Manning has put up numbers in a quarter and a half that are better than some QBs stat lines from an entire game. He could have easily finished with 300+ passing yards and a TD or two (see the Pats game, 4th quarter for statistical support). I get that part of the risk of starting Manning was that he would be pulled early, but please stop with the "bad matchup" as the reason your prediction. A few weeks ago Manning faced a tough Denver pass defense and put up 220/4. He's been a fine play against good pass defenses. In fact, coming into this past week, Manning had faced 3 top 10 pass defenses. His averages over those 3 games were 282 yards passing and 3 TDs (just in case you wanted actual stats to go with your "analysis") - numbers that would be a solid fantasy football play for any QB.Sitting Wayne against Revis - that would be a good decision. Sitting Manning against a top 10 pass defense? Not a given by any stretch.It was not the Jets who made Manning a bad start - it was his coaches pulling him part way through the 3rd quarter. Like I said, normally your thoughts on all things fantasy football are solid and well-based in fact. This time, they seem to be nothing more than homeristic fist pumping.

 

[Titus Pullo]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Weak doesn't begin to describe some of your posts in this thread.

Sorry your team lost your undefeated season. Good luck to your squad in the playoffs.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Been telling everyone all week that this was not a good matchup for Manning. Hopefully not too many people played him; 192/0 is not a good day. Jets hold Colts to just 15 points.

Really petty stuff here from someone on staff. Like I said before, you should have created your own Jets vs. Colts fan thread to prop up your team. Peyton had a Wayne drop in the endzone and another drop by Clark that could have ended up a TD. He's done most of his damage late in games this year and to type up an "I told you so" post boasting about how your Jets held Curtis Painter to 15 points is pretty weak imo.

Peyton Manning had a bad fantasy day. I argued that if you had another option, you might want to bench him. I'm sorry if you were unhappy with such analysis.

Maybe we should just lower expectations for staff members at FBG.

Yes, this thread is starting to get nasty.

 

[purestrength]

People are too upset about this. Caldwell is just another first year head coach who fell into the trap of winning his first 14 games. Classic rookie mistake.

I actually laughed out loud while reading this, which is the first time I've laughed about this subject all week.

 

[IDrinkyourMilkshake]

Manning probably shouldn't even make the trip to Buffalo.

 

[purestrength]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move.

"Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Sorry, just read this on ESPN game prediction page and immediately thought of this thread:

Congratulations, Jets. You've qualified for the playoffs, and a wild-card trip to Foxboro next weekend, by beating Curtis Painter and J.T. O'Sullivan in the second half of two straight games. What pride you must be feeling.

 

[fatness]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

 

[Raider Nation]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

 

[fatness]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

If you're a Colts player you're happy as hell you're going to the Super Bowl.The Jets were worn out in the second half of the game and the Colts weren't. The move worked out well.

 

[Raider Nation]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

If you're a Colts player you're happy as hell you're going to the Super Bowl.The Jets were worn out in the second half of the game and the Colts weren't. The move worked out well.

So... if the starters play another 20 minutes vs. the Jets, then roll their helmets on the field against the Bills, they don't win those two playoff games?Forgive me if I disagree.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Here's the thing: If the Colts win they'll be SB champs and that's awesome. But if they had won and gone 19-0, they'd be talked about as the greatest team of all time (or way up in the discussion). I don't think that will happen now.

Maybe it doesn't matter. But I think players do think about their legacies. Great to be on a winner, awesome to be on a SB champion... but to be a part of the greatest team in the history of professional football (or be able to make that argument)? That's something special.

I think it matters. The Giants' won a SB, but what made it really special-- and an NFL films staple for the next several decades-- is the fact that they took out an 18-0 team. Yes, winning the Super Bowl is awesome, but 43 teams have done it. Nobody has ever gone 19-0.

Was it worth the potential for avoiding injury? Is being a SB champion as satisfying as being the greatest of all time? I don't know. I can see both sides. But Wes Welker of the Patriots got hurt playing less than the Colts did in week 17. Injuries can happen anytime. If the Colts win they're a great team, but I think they forfeited the chance to be in the greatest of all time discussion. Maybe it doesn't matter, though.

 

[djcolts]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

If you're a Colts player you're happy as hell you're going to the Super Bowl.The Jets were worn out in the second half of the game and the Colts weren't. The move worked out well.

So... if the starters play another 20 minutes vs. the Jets, then roll their helmets on the field against the Bills, they don't win those two playoff games?Forgive me if I disagree.

The blizzard in Buffalo meant there was no way the Colts were going to play starters major minutes in that game. So, as horrendous as it was for PR purposes, laying down the Jets game clearly worked out in two ways (one planned, one unplanned):1. The Colts laying down when 15-0 would have been even more of a media disaster. I think the front office knew this. 2. The Jets ended up taking out the Chargers, meaning the Colts didn't have to play their "nemesis" on the way to the Super Bowl. This was luck, of course, but the draw would have been quite different if the Ravens were the 5th seed and the Texans the 6th.

 

[massraider]

Here's the thing: If the Colts win they'll be SB champs and that's awesome. But if they had won and gone 19-0, they'd be talked about as the greatest team of all time (or way up in the discussion). I don't think that will happen now. Maybe it doesn't matter. But I think players do think about their legacies. Great to be on a winner, awesome to be on a SB champion... but to be a part of the greatest team in the history of professional football (or be able to make that argument)? That's something special. I think it matters. The Giants' won a SB, but what made it really special-- and an NFL films staple for the next several decades-- is the fact that they took out an 18-0 team. Yes, winning the Super Bowl is awesome, but 43 teams have done it. Nobody has ever gone 19-0.Was it worth the potential for avoiding injury? Is being a SB champion as satisfying as being the greatest of all time? I don't know. I can see both sides. But Wes Welker of the Patriots got hurt playing less than the Colts did in week 17. Injuries can happen anytime. If the Colts win they're a great team, but I think they forfeited the chance to be in the greatest of all time discussion. Maybe it doesn't matter, though.

Really, even when they were undefeated, was anyone calling them among the best ever? Or wondering where they stacked up? No. That Pats team, I remember, was. This Colts team, was not.How many people thought the Jets were gonna beat them?

 

[massraider]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move."Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

You really think that's what you'd be thinking about now?Football players aren't like baseball writers, I doubt any Colt could care less right now. And they are in the game, the argument seems silly now.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Here's the thing: If the Colts win they'll be SB champs and that's awesome. But if they had won and gone 19-0, they'd be talked about as the greatest team of all time (or way up in the discussion). I don't think that will happen now. Maybe it doesn't matter. But I think players do think about their legacies. Great to be on a winner, awesome to be on a SB champion... but to be a part of the greatest team in the history of professional football (or be able to make that argument)? That's something special. I think it matters. The Giants' won a SB, but what made it really special-- and an NFL films staple for the next several decades-- is the fact that they took out an 18-0 team. Yes, winning the Super Bowl is awesome, but 43 teams have done it. Nobody has ever gone 19-0.Was it worth the potential for avoiding injury? Is being a SB champion as satisfying as being the greatest of all time? I don't know. I can see both sides. But Wes Welker of the Patriots got hurt playing less than the Colts did in week 17. Injuries can happen anytime. If the Colts win they're a great team, but I think they forfeited the chance to be in the greatest of all time discussion. Maybe it doesn't matter, though.

Really, even when they were undefeated, was anyone calling them among the best ever? Or wondering where they stacked up? No. That Pats team, I remember, was. This Colts team, was not.How many people thought the Jets were gonna beat them?

16-0 (and now 18-0) would have triggered those discussions. The Patriots were dominant statistically. But 19-0 speaks for itself and puts them in the conversation.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move.

"Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

You really think that's what you'd be thinking about now?Football players aren't like baseball writers, I doubt any Colt could care less right now. And they are in the game, the argument seems silly now.

I agree. But if they win they'll care more as time goes by. In one year, winning the SB is the goal, of course. But over a career, being linked to the best team to ever play is something more special than a SB-- wonderful as that is. Only one team can be the best, and only a handful can merit being in the discussion. Look at the mileage the 72 Dolphins get from 17-0. As annoying as they are, every football player would want to have that kind of legacy, and 19-0 would provide it forever.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Here's the thing: If the Colts win they'll be SB champs and that's awesome. But if they had won and gone 19-0, they'd be talked about as the greatest team of all time (or way up in the discussion). I don't think that will happen now. Maybe it doesn't matter. But I think players do think about their legacies. Great to be on a winner, awesome to be on a SB champion... but to be a part of the greatest team in the history of professional football (or be able to make that argument)? That's something special. I think it matters. The Giants' won a SB, but what made it really special-- and an NFL films staple for the next several decades-- is the fact that they took out an 18-0 team. Yes, winning the Super Bowl is awesome, but 43 teams have done it. Nobody has ever gone 19-0.Was it worth the potential for avoiding injury? Is being a SB champion as satisfying as being the greatest of all time? I don't know. I can see both sides. But Wes Welker of the Patriots got hurt playing less than the Colts did in week 17. Injuries can happen anytime. If the Colts win they're a great team, but I think they forfeited the chance to be in the greatest of all time discussion. Maybe it doesn't matter, though.

Pretty sure the Colts are going to be able to make the argument that they're the greatest team in the history of professional football if they beat the Saints.(I wouldn't make it, but I wouldn't have made that argument had they gone 19-0. I'm sure the Colts players, fans and some media members will make that argument, though, if they're 17-2, and they'll have a bunch of supporters.)

 

[massraider]

Four days later, there's still plenty of outrage here in Indiana about this boneheaded move.

"Woosh!" The sound you just heard was Bill Polian's legacy being flushed down the toilet.

How are they feeling now?

If I'm a Colts player, I'm even MORE pissed that he took away our shot at immortality.

You really think that's what you'd be thinking about now?Football players aren't like baseball writers, I doubt any Colt could care less right now. And they are in the game, the argument seems silly now.

I agree. But if they win they'll care more as time goes by. In one year, winning the SB is the goal, of course. But over a career, being linked to the best team to ever play is something more special than a SB-- wonderful as that is. Only one team can be the best, and only a handful can merit being in the discussion. Look at the mileage the 72 Dolphins get from 17-0. As annoying as they are, every football player would want to have that kind of legacy, and 19-0 would provide it forever.

And it's a great achievement, and it'll be nice for them to give interviews in the future, and I am sure it'll be great at golf tournaments. But the fact that it would mean a lot to them when they are older isn't really a strong reason to go for the record. No matter what anyone says, winning a Super Bowl with an undefeated team doesn't make the team any better. And doesn't make the Super Bowl any more wonderful. The people in charge of that team don't get paid to build legacies, they get paid to win Super Bowls. The argument that they wouldn't be able to keep it together after a 3 week-layoff? Out the window. They've won both playoff games, and looked like the Colts to me. And that was the only argument that mattered.

The history argument? Well, isn't the ring more important? Rhetorical question, I already know it is. And maybe the Colts needed that breather? Who's to say? Hey, maybe if the Pats had taken a breather, they would have been more than the best Super Bowl LOSER of all-time.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

And it's a great achievement, and it'll be nice for them to give interviews in the future, and I am sure it'll be great at golf tournaments. But the fact that it would mean a lot to them when they are older isn't really a strong reason to go for the record. No matter what anyone says, winning a Super Bowl with an undefeated team doesn't make the team any better. And doesn't make the Super Bowl any more wonderful.

The people in charge of that team don't get paid to build legacies, they get paid to win Super Bowls. The argument that they wouldn't be able to keep it together after a 3 week-layoff? Out the window. They've won both playoff games, and looked like the Colts to me. And that was the only argument that mattered.

The history argument? Well, isn't the ring more important? Rhetorical question, I already know it is. And maybe the Colts needed that breather? Who's to say? Hey, maybe if the Pats had taken a breather, they would have been more than the best Super Bowl LOSER of all-time.

I don't see why it had to be one or the other. I don't ever recall a time in NFL history when an undefeated team purposely stopped trying to remain undefeated. Can you? And a lot of those 15-1 and 14-2 squads went on to win the SB. Those teams weren't undefeated, but they didn't walk away from the opportunity. The Colts did because they were afraid they might get hurt. Maybe it was a sound strategy, but it also sounds soft. But perhaps you're right, and it doesn't matter except to players and fans. But you know what? Maybe that means it does matter. Maybe they could have done something really special. Every year someone wins the Super Bowl, but nobody has ever gone 19-0 doing it. What are the odds they would have suffered a significant injury in that game and a half? I'd say they're pretty low.

The counter-argument is that resting players makes those odds virtually zero, and they're in the Super Bowl now. I see that position. I just think it's a little soft. They would have been there anyway. But can't argue with success and their strategy -- regardless of what they gave up-- has worked for them.