+1 Like Hooker said, without real time action for a month it'd be almost like stepping into the first preseason game. Player's timing would be off and it'd be difficult to establish an offensive or defensive rhythm early in the game. I'm actually not sure I've ever heard of coaches benching player for ENTIRE games to rest them prior to the playoffs
It doesnt matter to me either way because we all knew it would happen, and will continue to happen. Which brings me to my next point. I hate how team's throttle down when they have the lead. This is pro sports dammit, your making millions and im paying thousands every year to watch. Run up the damn score, you dont need to worry about respect in a money driven entertainment. Rant/hijack over, carry on.
I'm not buying the get some snaps to stay in rhythm crap. It's still going to be 2 weeks before they see the field again in the playoffs. How does a half of football (probably at 1/2 speed) against the Bills keep them in rhythm going into the playoffs? Whether they play or not has no bearing on how they will play together against their first round opponent in the playoffs.
I'm quoting a friend that I completely agreed with "I think the Colts owed it to their fans, organization, and the NFL to play. They had a shot to make history and they purposefully folded." Sure they'll have an extra half of rest, but that is not what's going to win them the Super Bowl. They're already going to have an edge on rest as they have a first week bye. While the possibility of getting hurt always lingers, it's a double edge sword. I believe winning is a mentality. They couldn't lose. Now they just let in that possibility. Big mistake IMO.
TJ, As one of the players on the Colts team mentioned in an interview. "Whether it's the Super Bowl or an undefeated season, it'll all be history. No one talks about the greatest teams in history w/o mentioning that Miami team and we had the chance to be right there with them." He didn't have to say the words, but you know the guys on that team wanted to play. Waahoo, Andy Reid of the Eagles benched Brian Westbrook an entire game a few years ago. He didn't even let him dress. It does happen but it's a rariety.
