Philosphical Question (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

First things - I'm not suggesting the Colts did anything legally or morally wrong pulling their starters.

But I find it interesting that many are ok with what they did today. But many of those same people would put a player throwing a game at the very lowest of low.

Where is that line? Few players are able to lose a game on purpose. A game is thrown when they don't try as hard to win.

Obviously, the Colts intentionally did not put forth their best effort to win today.

Thoughts?

J

 

[MCguidance]

Big Jets win. I'm absolutely fine with the move

 

[Fallerjw]

Third time posting that I hate the move. It ruins the integrity of the game, IMO.

 

[replacements]

I don't think these situations you described are related.

A player is payed to play his best. To perform at the best of his capabilities. He is paid to do his best as that is in the best interest of the team. TO win.

I don't feel a franchise falls under the obligation to win every game it can because that is not what is always in the best interest of the franchise. A franchise will and can do what it feels in in its best interest. In this case, rest it's most important players and keep them from possible injury so they are available for a playoff run.

Also a player does not come out in advance and state the he will not be putting his best foot forward prior to the game. It was common knowledge that the Colts would likely rest key players at some point this and next week.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Coward move to throw away a chance at perfection. They cheated the players and the hard working fans who paid hard earned cash to see a good product and were robbed. No one will remember them if they win the SB, but a perfect season would have been special. As a Colts fan in pains me to think their coach is under that much control of the GM. How can the players have any respect for Caldwell now? I'm afraid what happened today has done more mental damage to the team than most realize.

 

[FUBAR]

I don't think these situations you described are related. A player is payed to play his best. To perform at the best of his capabilities. He is paid to do his best as that is in the best interest of the team. TO win.I don't feel a franchise falls under the obligation to win every game it can because that is not what is always in the best interest of the franchise. A franchise will and can do what it feels in in its best interest. In this case, rest it's most important players and keep them from possible injury so they are available for a playoff run. Also a player does not come out in advance and state the he will not be putting his best foot forward prior to the game. It was common knowledge that the Colts would likely rest key players at some point this and next week.

pretty much how I see it, most teams "throw" week 17 games if they don't need to win. The Titans benefited two years ago and I believe the Colts benefited last year. It happens fairly often while players don't often throw games and I have a hard time seeing how it could benefit him.

 

[FUBAR]

Coward move to throw away a chance at perfection. They cheated the players and the hard working fans who paid hard earned cash to see a good product and were robbed. No one will remember them if they win the SB, but a perfect season would have been special. As a Colts fan in pains me to think their coach is under that much control of the GM. How can the players have any respect for Caldwell now? I'm afraid what happened today has done more mental damage to the team than most realize.

you're a Colts fan and won't remember a championship?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.

I view resting your starters to avoid injury the exact same way I view kneeling to avoid a turnover. You're sacrificing short-term goals (such as getting the most yards possible on a particular play, or winning a particular game) in the service of longer-term goals (such as winning a game or maximizing your playoff chances).

If Curtis Painter was told not to try his hardest, I'd have an issue with that. But I don't think that's what happened today. The Colts' players on the field were trying to win -- but by trying to win with backups instead of starters, the team was using a low-risk strategy (analogous to kneeling) to serve a longer-term goal.

 

[fantasizing]

problem now is that the next "competitive" game for the Colts starters is in 3 weeks....

 

[FavreCo]

They should have tried to win because it affects the playoffs. Now the Jets have a chance. If it was a team that was out of it, I would have no problem with it.

That being said, these guys now have to win it all or they will have one bad taste in their mouths because they easily win that game with Manning at the helm and go 16-0. No championship and it's a total season wasted. Even though the Pats lost the SuperBowl they can still sa they went 16-0 in the reg season. A loss by the Colts in the playoffs is a season wasted.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I think the way Painter played today shows you why they wanted to protect Manning

-QG

 

[ginman999]

Fan's don't matter? It's entertainment after all. The only reason sports exists is to entertain fans. Wining the Super Bowl would be great but I feel for the fans that paid their money or spent their time watching the game.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'd be 100% fine with what the Colts did if they had been 13-1 coming into the game. Maybe resting your starters isn't the best move, but there wouldn't be anything fundamentally wrong with it either.

The fact that they gave away a realistic shot at all-time NFL history is a slap in the face to their players, their fans, and everybody who follows the NFL IMO.

I grew up in Indiana, so when the Bills aren't in the playoffs (insert joke here), I like to see Indy do well. Their actions today really sour me on the entire organization and I wouldn't mind seeing them get bumped in their divisional game. Pretty sure I'm not alone here.

 

[snitwitch]

I'd be 100% fine with what the Colts did if they had been 13-1 coming into the game. Maybe resting your starters isn't the best move, but there wouldn't be anything fundamentally wrong with it either. The fact that they gave away a realistic shot at all-time NFL history is a slap in the face to their players, their fans, and everybody who follows the NFL IMO. I grew up in Indiana, so when the Bills aren't in the playoffs (insert joke here), I like to see Indy do well. Their actions today really sour me on the entire organization and I wouldn't mind seeing them get bumped in their divisional game. Pretty sure I'm not alone here.

Plus they pulled the skill position starters at a very awkward time, 3/4 through the game when it was still very tight. If the plan was to rest em why not do it earlier?

 

[DropKick]

First things - I'm not suggesting the Colts did anything legally or morally wrong pulling their starters.But I find it interesting that many are ok with what they did today. But many of those same people would put a player throwing a game at the very lowest of low. Where is that line? Few players are able to lose a game on purpose. A game is thrown when they don't try as hard to win.Obviously, the Colts intentionally did not put forth their best effort to win today. Thoughts?J

I don't agree with the move but it is typical of the NFL and is a function of the violence of the game.I think the Colts did their fans a disservice, especially those who shelled out money today.It really will be magnified next week when the Bengals lie down and propel the Jets to the play-offs. We'll get a team that really should have been 7-9 in at 9-7... and somebody (perhaps Ravens or Steelers fans) who will feel cheated.

 

[DropKick]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock, instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.I view resting your starters to avoid injury the exact same way I view kneeling to avoid a turnover. You're sacrificing short-term goals (such as getting the most yards possible on a particular play, or winning a particular game) in the service of longer-term goals (such as winning a game or maximizing your playoff chances).If Curtis Painter was told not to try his hardest, I'd have an issue with that. But I don't think that's what happened today. The Colts' players on the field were trying to win -- but by trying to win with backups instead of starters, the team was using a low-risk strategy (analogous to kneeling) to serve a longer-term goal.

Your "friend" should see a shrink. The game is over... it has nothing to do with integrity.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.

The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock, instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.

I view resting your starters to avoid injury the exact same way I view kneeling to avoid a turnover. You're sacrificing short-term goals (such as getting the most yards possible on a particular play, or winning a particular game) in the service of longer-term goals (such as winning a game or maximizing your playoff chances).

If Curtis Painter was told not to try his hardest, I'd have an issue with that. But I don't think that's what happened today. The Colts' players on the field were trying to win -- but by trying to win with backups instead of starters, the team was using a low-risk strategy (analogous to kneeling) to serve a longer-term goal.

Your "friend" should see a shrink. The game is over... it has nothing to do with integrity.

It's not over if the team runs a real play.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Caldwell made a mistake. You could see the wind go out of the sails of the starters who remained on the field after Peyton was pulled. Think of how remarkable it is for a 14-0 team to get booed at home. I believe Peyton left his helmet on as an unintentional editorial comment on the move. He wanted to be out there. Going for 19-0 would have kept the team sharp. It means something, and would signify a lifetime achievement for all involved. You don't ever want to give your team a signal to go less than 100%, and that's what pulling Peyton is. He's one of the most durable QBs in the history of the game, and there's no doubt that he is the Colts rudder. When you pull him, you are effectively conceding the game.

 

[Statorama]

Everybody's up in arms until Manning leaves with a Carson Palmer / that Kimo dude type injury in a meaningless game against the Jets.

If I were the coach of the Colts, I'd rather answer questions about why I rested my players than questions about how I'm going to gameplan for the Chargers with Painter at QB.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It went from a fantastic battle of heavyweights to a 4th quarter of a Preseason football game. Fans were robbed more than anything, and the players themselves as well. The psyche of the Colts was ruined today. They will be questioning themselves all week, and I don't think the Colts make it to the Super Bowl now.

 

[CrossEyed]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.

The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

How so?

 

[kadeeu]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

If that were true then it might be understandable. The only time they won the SB was when they had to play though to the end of season and playoffs. Every time they have the scenario like this year they lose.What the Colts did was a disgrace to NFL for not pursuing perfection and stupid because they don't do well when they shut it down early.I actually fault Manning a lot here. If my bosses were ruining my chances for immortality I would raise a much bigger stink than he did.

 

[FUBAR]

They should have tried to win because it affects the playoffs. Now the Jets have a chance. If it was a team that was out of it, I would have no problem with it.

If you want to make the playoffs, win your own games, if a team gets lucky because the Colts pulled Peyton Manning that's really no different than teams who got lucky because Troy Polamalu was injured.

That being said, these guys now have to win it all or they will have one bad taste in their mouths because they easily win that game with Manning at the helm and go 16-0. No championship and it's a total season wasted. Even though the Pats lost the SuperBowl they can still sa they went 16-0 in the reg season. A loss by the Colts in the playoffs is a season wasted.

I agree that they have to win it all but they had to anyway.

 

[nerangers]

With a first round bye, I think they could afford to let Manning play a full game, and then see what happens next week. Unless a player is playing injured, is resting him the best preparation for him? (I never understood the benefit, especially when teams rested players and had a first round bye would lose their first playoff game). This kind of a decision by the leadership to rest Manning and others could backfire on them. It is a big let down. Then again, better to lose it now, then to go perfect and lose the Super Bowl! grrrr

 

[FUBAR]

I actually fault Manning a lot here. If my bosses were ruining my chances for immortality I would raise a much bigger stink than he did.

and if Peyton had made a stink you would hear a lot more about how Caldwell has lost the team. Peyton won't do that.

 

[golfguy]

it hasn't worked for them in the past and it won't work this year. they wont beat the chargers if they have to play them.

 

[DropKick]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock, instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.

I view resting your starters to avoid injury the exact same way I view kneeling to avoid a turnover. You're sacrificing short-term goals (such as getting the most yards possible on a particular play, or winning a particular game) in the service of longer-term goals (such as winning a game or maximizing your playoff chances).

If Curtis Painter was told not to try his hardest, I'd have an issue with that. But I don't think that's what happened today. The Colts' players on the field were trying to win -- but by trying to win with backups instead of starters, the team was using a low-risk strategy (analogous to kneeling) to serve a longer-term goal.

Your "friend" should see a shrink. The game is over... it has nothing to do with integrity.

It's not over if the team runs a real play.

I know the history... but by the time a team has the opportunity to kneel down - they've already played and won the game. That's the nature of any game run by the clock. Baseball is the only real exception.

 

[bostonfred]

Everybody's up in arms until Manning leaves with a Carson Palmer / that Kimo dude type injury in a meaningless game against the Jets.

I think people are saying that this wasn't a meaningless game. As a Patriots fan, I love the fact that we're the only team in the NFL with a 16-0 banner in our stadium. The Pats are still the only team to go undefeated through a 16 game regular season. It's no easy accomplishment. I would have hated the idea of a rival like the Colts equalling or exceeding the accomplishment.

 

[FUBAR]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.

tell your friend the point of any play is to help win the game, the kneel does that.

 

[DropKick]

I actually fault Manning a lot here. If my bosses were ruining my chances for immortality I would raise a much bigger stink than he did.

and if Peyton had made a stink you would hear a lot more about how Caldwell has lost the team. Peyton won't do that.

Agreed. Manning can't (and shouldn't) cross that line.

 

[gianmarco]

Here's how I view it:

1. Gave up a chance at history (perfect regular season and potentially perfect full season)

2. If you win the Super Bowl, your team and fans always ask "what if Peyton stayed in the last qtr"

3. If you lose the Super Bowl or don't make it, you blew a chance of at least going 16-0

4. Players were completely deflated. This could DEFINITELY negatively impact the team from the top down

5. The fans were upset and rightfully so. They actually booed. That's an incredibly strong statement for a home team that is 14-0 and winning. Especially when those fans are Colt's fans who are pretty solid fans overall

6. Now they go 3 weeks without meaningful action most likely. I highly doubt they play those starters much next week + the bye.

7. The media swarm that will result from this could be a moderate distraction. Sure, the players will blow it off but the questions will still be asked. I think people underestimate the effects of these distractions

8. It goes against the integrity of the game, IMO, and is a slap in the face of Indy fans and NFL fans in general

9. This possibly allows the Jets to make the playoffs. Of all the teams in the AFC, the NYJ may match up the best against the Colts and may face the biggest obstacle.

10. Your backup QB was put in a terrible situation and probably has 0 confidence now. If for any reason he's called to action, this short stint was much more harmful than helpful.

11. If you didn't care about winning this game, then why risk Peyton and the gang for 3 qtrs? Either play him a token series and pull him or let him finish. Worst possible time to pull him.

All that being said, at least nobody got hurt in the final quarter even though Manning has played over 800 quarters of football and not gotten hurt.

I think there are so many negatives that come out of this and such a minuscule amount gained. I completely get the risk of injury. That risk is there every week of the year and it's there in the playoffs too. I think the confidence gained from going undefeated outweighs that risk, IMO. And that's ignoring the rest of the above that I posted.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I have a friend who gets really upset when a team kneels at the end of a game to run time off the clock instead of running a real play. It ruins the integrity of the game.I view resting your starters to avoid injury the exact same way I view kneeling to avoid a turnover. You're sacrificing short-term goals (such as getting the most yards possible on a particular play, or winning a particular game) in the service of longer-term goals (such as winning a game or maximizing your playoff chances).If Curtis Painter was told not to try his hardest, I'd have an issue with that. But I don't think that's what happened today. The Colts' players on the field were trying to win -- but by trying to win with backups instead of starters, the team was using a low-risk strategy (analogous to kneeling) to serve a longer-term goal.

Except that when you take a knee you're winning the game.This move (bailing on a possible victory) against a team you may face again when it REALLY matters reminds me of the Giants vs. Patriots in Week 17 when the Patriots won a tough game to go 16-0. The Giants left that game losing but with the confidence they'd need that they can compete with New England - which they used to beat them in the Super Bowl.The Jets will build on this "win", even against backups, should they square off again in January.Karma..........

 

[shader]

The players were totally down in the dumps. You can't tell me players don't know they are 14-0. They wanted the undefeated season and management stole it from them. I was in shock.

What I can't figure out is why Manning played at all? I mean if the game is meaningless and you're worried about him getting hurt, why play him at all?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I'd be 100% fine with what the Colts did if they had been 13-1 coming into the game. Maybe resting your starters isn't the best move, but there wouldn't be anything fundamentally wrong with it either. The fact that they gave away a realistic shot at all-time NFL history is a slap in the face to their players, their fans, and everybody who follows the NFL IMO. I grew up in Indiana, so when the Bills aren't in the playoffs (insert joke here), I like to see Indy do well. Their actions today really sour me on the entire organization and I wouldn't mind seeing them get bumped in their divisional game. Pretty sure I'm not alone here.

I agree with this.Here's a baseball analogy - the team is up 10-0 and your starting pitcher has thrown 100 pitches through six innings - but has a perfect game going with the playoffs starting next week.Don't tell me that you'd be cool with him coming out to rest him with a perfect game on the line.

 

[massraider]

Those coaches and front office guys are there to win Super Bowls. That's the goal.

The integrity argument is there for people that can afford to have such highbrow concerns, because they don't lose anything if Peyton blows a knee out in the 4th quarter of a meaningless game.

The outcome of that game meant absolutely nothing to the Colts, so they thought the best thing to do was ensure playoff health. Some objective, purist, idealistic idea of gamesmanship isn't their first priority. And it shouldn't be.

It's one thing to say you WISH they would do something else. It's completely another to say they SHOULD. If you say that, you are wrong.

 

[mike9289]

First things - I'm not suggesting the Colts did anything legally or morally wrong pulling their starters.But I find it interesting that many are ok with what they did today. But many of those same people would put a player throwing a game at the very lowest of low. Where is that line? Few players are able to lose a game on purpose. A game is thrown when they don't try as hard to win.Obviously, the Colts intentionally did not put forth their best effort to win today. Thoughts?J

I'm not OK with it; only because their opponent gains a playoff spot and a few other teams that might have gone don't get the chance.Funny thing is I'm taking a beating in the AFC playoff thread agruing this. This thread has a few guys who also think it was wrong.

 

[slayer666]

Here's how I view it:1. Gave up a chance at history (perfect regular season and potentially perfect full season)2. If you win the Super Bowl, your team and fans always ask "what if Peyton stayed in the last qtr"3. If you lose the Super Bowl or don't make it, you blew a chance of at least going 16-04. Players were completely deflated. This could DEFINITELY negatively impact the team from the top down5. The fans were upset and rightfully so. They actually booed. That's an incredibly strong statement for a home team that is 14-0 and winning. Especially when those fans are Colt's fans who are pretty solid fans overall6. Now they go 3 weeks without meaningful action most likely. I highly doubt they play those starters much next week + the bye.7. The media swarm that will result from this could be a moderate distraction. Sure, the players will blow it off but the questions will still be asked. I think people underestimate the effects of these distractions8. It goes against the integrity of the game, IMO, and is a slap in the face of Indy fans and NFL fans in general9. This possibly allows the Jets to make the playoffs. Of all the teams in the AFC, the NYJ may match up the best against the Colts and may face the biggest obstacle.10. Your backup QB was put in a terrible situation and probably has 0 confidence now. If for any reason he's called to action, this short stint was much more harmful than helpful. 11. If you didn't care about winning this game, then why risk Peyton and the gang for 3 qtrs? Either play him a token series and pull him or let him finish. Worst possible time to pull him.All that being said, at least nobody got hurt in the final quarter even though Manning has played over 800 quarters of football and not gotten hurt. I think there are so many negatives that come out of this and such a minuscule amount gained. I completely get the risk of injury. That risk is there every week of the year and it's there in the playoffs too. I think the confidence gained from going undefeated outweighs that risk, IMO. And that's ignoring the rest of the above that I posted.

Actually, GREAT posting. I hated the decision on several levels, many of which gianmarco outlined in his post.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I actually fault Manning a lot here. If my bosses were ruining my chances for immortality I would raise a much bigger stink than he did.

and if Peyton had made a stink you would hear a lot more about how Caldwell has lost the team. Peyton won't do that.

If there's a poll before this week as to who's team it is, Peyton's or Caldwell's, who do you think wins it?

 

[timschochet]

What about when Coach Buttermaker put Timmy Lupus in? Was that the same as throwing the game?

 

[harryhood]

Those coaches and front office guys are there to win Super Bowls. That's the goal.The integrity argument is there for people that can afford to have such highbrow concerns, because they don't lose anything if Peyton blows a knee out in the 4th quarter of a meaningless game. The outcome of that game meant absolutely nothing to the Colts, so they thought the best thing to do was ensure playoff health. Some objective, purist, idealistic idea of gamesmanship isn't their first priority. And it shouldn't be. It's one thing to say you WISH they would do something else. It's completely another to say they SHOULD. If you say that, you are wrong.

 

[harryhood]

As a Patriots fan, I love the fact that we're the only team in the NFL with a 16-0 banner in our stadium.

Is this true? Do they really have a banner for a perfect regular season?

 

[amphibianbri]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

Sitting Peyton Manning helps increase their odds of winning the SuperBowl. Really? I know a player can get hurt, but they can in any game. I really hope that this pansy way of playing (hopefully they don't play any starters or have them practice for 3 weeks so they don't get hurt) ends up biting them in the rear end. They are not even the best team in the AFC right now. Put them on a field with San Diego and they will get beat. Good luck with your coaching decision, so now not only do you not go 16-0, you lose in the playoffs and no one remembers you.

 

[harryhood]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

Sitting Peyton Manning helps increase their odds of winning the SuperBowl. Really? I know a player can get hurt, but they can in any game. I really hope that this pansy way of playing (hopefully they don't play any starters or have them practice for 3 weeks so they don't get hurt) ends up biting them in the rear end. They are not even the best team in the AFC right now. Put them on a field with San Diego and they will get beat. Good luck with your coaching decision, so now not only do you not go 16-0, you lose in the playoffs and no one remembers you.

Oh good lord you guys are somethin else.

 

[Tau837]

Coward move to throw away a chance at perfection. They cheated the players and the hard working fans who paid hard earned cash to see a good product and were robbed. No one will remember them if they win the SB, but a perfect season would have been special. As a Colts fan in pains me to think their coach is under that much control of the GM. How can the players have any respect for Caldwell now? I'm afraid what happened today has done more mental damage to the team than most realize.

I think the bolded is off base. But I agree with the general sentiment that they should have played for perfection within reasonable limits... I think it would have been fine to pull players if the game got away either way (i.e., Colts leading or trailing). But I don't agree with pulling them in a close game. Cue Herman Edwards.

 

[amphibianbri]

Here's how I view it:1. Gave up a chance at history (perfect regular season and potentially perfect full season)2. If you win the Super Bowl, your team and fans always ask "what if Peyton stayed in the last qtr"3. If you lose the Super Bowl or don't make it, you blew a chance of at least going 16-04. Players were completely deflated. This could DEFINITELY negatively impact the team from the top down5. The fans were upset and rightfully so. They actually booed. That's an incredibly strong statement for a home team that is 14-0 and winning. Especially when those fans are Colt's fans who are pretty solid fans overall6. Now they go 3 weeks without meaningful action most likely. I highly doubt they play those starters much next week + the bye.7. The media swarm that will result from this could be a moderate distraction. Sure, the players will blow it off but the questions will still be asked. I think people underestimate the effects of these distractions8. It goes against the integrity of the game, IMO, and is a slap in the face of Indy fans and NFL fans in general9. This possibly allows the Jets to make the playoffs. Of all the teams in the AFC, the NYJ may match up the best against the Colts and may face the biggest obstacle.10. Your backup QB was put in a terrible situation and probably has 0 confidence now. If for any reason he's called to action, this short stint was much more harmful than helpful. 11. If you didn't care about winning this game, then why risk Peyton and the gang for 3 qtrs? Either play him a token series and pull him or let him finish. Worst possible time to pull him.All that being said, at least nobody got hurt in the final quarter even though Manning has played over 800 quarters of football and not gotten hurt. I think there are so many negatives that come out of this and such a minuscule amount gained. I completely get the risk of injury. That risk is there every week of the year and it's there in the playoffs too. I think the confidence gained from going undefeated outweighs that risk, IMO. And that's ignoring the rest of the above that I posted.

" If only NFL coaches and execs had this type of killer instinct and thought process.....everyone realizes that the Colts, for all their regular season dominance are barely .500 in the playoffs while Peyton has been there right? It's not like they get a bye to the Super Bowl as they lose their flow and momentum

 

[Tau837]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.

The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

The thing is, what's wrong with pursuing multiple goals? Why must there be only one goal?

 

[harryhood]

Here's how I view it:1. Gave up a chance at history (perfect regular season and potentially perfect full season)2. If you win the Super Bowl, your team and fans always ask "what if Peyton stayed in the last qtr"3. If you lose the Super Bowl or don't make it, you blew a chance of at least going 16-04. Players were completely deflated. This could DEFINITELY negatively impact the team from the top down5. The fans were upset and rightfully so. They actually booed. That's an incredibly strong statement for a home team that is 14-0 and winning. Especially when those fans are Colt's fans who are pretty solid fans overall6. Now they go 3 weeks without meaningful action most likely. I highly doubt they play those starters much next week + the bye.7. The media swarm that will result from this could be a moderate distraction. Sure, the players will blow it off but the questions will still be asked. I think people underestimate the effects of these distractions8. It goes against the integrity of the game, IMO, and is a slap in the face of Indy fans and NFL fans in general9. This possibly allows the Jets to make the playoffs. Of all the teams in the AFC, the NYJ may match up the best against the Colts and may face the biggest obstacle.10. Your backup QB was put in a terrible situation and probably has 0 confidence now. If for any reason he's called to action, this short stint was much more harmful than helpful. 11. If you didn't care about winning this game, then why risk Peyton and the gang for 3 qtrs? Either play him a token series and pull him or let him finish. Worst possible time to pull him.All that being said, at least nobody got hurt in the final quarter even though Manning has played over 800 quarters of football and not gotten hurt. I think there are so many negatives that come out of this and such a minuscule amount gained. I completely get the risk of injury. That risk is there every week of the year and it's there in the playoffs too. I think the confidence gained from going undefeated outweighs that risk, IMO. And that's ignoring the rest of the above that I posted.

" If only NFL coaches and execs had this type of killer instinct and thought process.....everyone realizes that the Colts, for all their regular season dominance are barely .500 in the playoffs while Peyton has been there right? It's not like they get a bye to the Super Bowl as they lose their flow and momentum

Easy to have this kind of killer instinct and gusto from behind a keyboard. When your paycheck and family, as well as your career(which is just getting underway) depend on what happens in January, you might think a tad differently.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Their real goal this year is to win the Superbowl. Sitting Peyton Manning helped increase the odds of their own ballclub winning the SB this year. Like Maurile said, the guys they subbed in are still instructed to play their hardest. They just don't happen to be the best players on the team anymore. The best players on their team are needed to help the team win in the playoffs.

The Colts did this against the Titans in '07, right? And that kept the Browns out of the playoffs. But that's no concern for the Colts. If Manning stays in what amounts to be a meaningless game and gets injured, their chances of winning the SB are gone.

The thing is, what's wrong with pursuing multiple goals? Why must there be only one goal?

Maybe the NFL needs the equivalent of the Presidents' Trophy....

 

[gianmarco]

Here's how I view it:1. Gave up a chance at history (perfect regular season and potentially perfect full season)2. If you win the Super Bowl, your team and fans always ask "what if Peyton stayed in the last qtr"3. If you lose the Super Bowl or don't make it, you blew a chance of at least going 16-04. Players were completely deflated. This could DEFINITELY negatively impact the team from the top down5. The fans were upset and rightfully so. They actually booed. That's an incredibly strong statement for a home team that is 14-0 and winning. Especially when those fans are Colt's fans who are pretty solid fans overall6. Now they go 3 weeks without meaningful action most likely. I highly doubt they play those starters much next week + the bye.7. The media swarm that will result from this could be a moderate distraction. Sure, the players will blow it off but the questions will still be asked. I think people underestimate the effects of these distractions8. It goes against the integrity of the game, IMO, and is a slap in the face of Indy fans and NFL fans in general9. This possibly allows the Jets to make the playoffs. Of all the teams in the AFC, the NYJ may match up the best against the Colts and may face the biggest obstacle.10. Your backup QB was put in a terrible situation and probably has 0 confidence now. If for any reason he's called to action, this short stint was much more harmful than helpful. 11. If you didn't care about winning this game, then why risk Peyton and the gang for 3 qtrs? Either play him a token series and pull him or let him finish. Worst possible time to pull him.All that being said, at least nobody got hurt in the final quarter even though Manning has played over 800 quarters of football and not gotten hurt. I think there are so many negatives that come out of this and such a minuscule amount gained. I completely get the risk of injury. That risk is there every week of the year and it's there in the playoffs too. I think the confidence gained from going undefeated outweighs that risk, IMO. And that's ignoring the rest of the above that I posted.

" If only NFL coaches and execs had this type of killer instinct and thought process.....everyone realizes that the Colts, for all their regular season dominance are barely .500 in the playoffs while Peyton has been there right? It's not like they get a bye to the Super Bowl as they lose their flow and momentum

Easy to have this kind of killer instinct and gusto from behind a keyboard. When your paycheck and family, as well as your career(which is just getting underway) depend on what happens in January, you might think a tad differently.

Huh? It's not as if this is some "tough guy", against the grain thinking. Sean Payton of the Saints clearly said they'd be going for 16-0. The Patriots did the same and never sat their starters. In fact, I think it's more common for teams that have clinched to NOT sit their starters. Add in the potential for an undefeated season and it's not some crazy notion that makes me sound brave behind a keyboard. But lol@your family depending on what happens in January. Please.