Discussion revisited...shutting it down early

[Miller]

A lot of discussion here and everywhere else over the last couple weeks of the regular season surrounded over the late season shutdowns of Indy and NO, both entering the playoffs rested, but without momentum.

The hype on both of these teams took major hits and many flocked their SB picks in other directions.

Fast forward a few weeks after both shook off the "rust" to win in dominant fashion in division round blowout victories. Both of these teams looked very good and showed no signs of this "rust".

So, does this win justify the decisions made by these organizations?

 

[Remote Controller]

They were both well rested and had great gameplans. I still feel the Colts blew it. They could have beat the Jets and still been undefeated today. They cheated their players, fans, and own legacy.

The teams both had key players that made impact in the games that needed to get healthy. (so back to your post) It worked for these two teams in their first playoff game.

 

[Mike]

It does not justify what Indy did.

I have no problem with teams resting their players when there is nothing to play for. The Saints had nothing to play for. The Colts still had history to play for, and when fans are what drive the salaries to every person's pocket in the NFL, you need to be out there for the fans when there is a chance of making history.

I'm tired of listening to the 72 Dolphins. I was 2 freaking years old when they made history, so I wasn't really able to witness it. I want to see a team do it so I have one more thing to talk about when I get old(er)

Another note, I don't think it would have mattered how prepared the Colts were for this game. Baltimore simply didn't have the ability on offense to carry them any farther in the playoffs.

 

[Remote Controller]

I was 2 freaking years old when they made history, so I wasn't really able to witness it.

bragger :shake:

 

[mudloggerone]

I agree with RC and Mike, Indy should have played to win.

 

[Orgazmo]

It does not justify what Indy did.

Agreed. You put players at risk for 1 minute or 60. They denied fans of something special and ticket payers of a quality product.

 

[DearbornDolfan]

I'm tired of listening to the 72 Dolphins. I was 2 freaking years old when they made history, so I wasn't really able to witness it. I want to see a team do it so I have one more thing to talk about when I get old(er)

Keep in mind that the 72 Dolphins only had to play 17 games total. The undefeated season might not have happened if the Fins had to play as many games as team do today. Also, I'm sure a lot of teams have in the back of their minds the '06 Patriots and probably attribute that one loss, at least in part, to the fact that they kept the gas pedal down and in the end weren't up to out-muscling a physical Giants team in the most important game of the year.

Here's a counter-question to ponder. What if the Colts had played Manning the entire game against the Jets and as a result Manning suffered a horrific injury that ended his career? Not only would the Colts then not have any chance at the Super Bowl this year, but I daresay for a long time to come.

In the end THAT is why the fans don't run teams, because they can't keep perspective and stay emotionally detached.

 

[RZR]

DD, that question isn't reserved for the pre-playoff games of regular season. That's like suggesting Indy should bench Manning all season and bring him out just for the Playoffs. 2008 Brady should remind everyone that it every time a player suits up he takes that risk.

Indy screwed up. Manning knew it standing right there on the sidelines of the Jets game. If they'd lost it fair and square like the Saints did then at least they would have preserved their integrity. But to give up in the middle of a game? Tactless and selfish.

 

[Miller]

I get the history point of it and it sucked they did not go for it.....but take that part of it out of it. All people were saying is that Indy and NO were screwed b/c they had no momentum and would have trouble winning their first game due to this.....well they didn't, they both were well rested and ready to roll, and they did!

More of a rest vs rust discussion. I get the history, everyone feels they were robbed from a shot at it. If they win the SB, I think their fans will forgive them. Still sucks, I would have loved to see them try, but if you go 17-0 and don't win the super bowl, it means nothing IMO. Just like Seattle (I think they still have the record) in MLB when they won the most reg season games in history then choked and didn't win the WS...didn't mean anything.

 

[RZR]

When a team is firing on all cylinders, rust doesn't collect that quickly. Polished and well oiled machines are primed to pull a heavy work load and don't have to worry about being left out in the rain for a few days.

I didn't think the resting time would hinder either team. Just the opposite, both locker rooms would be able to spend a lil more time icing sore muscles and preparing for their opponent. Just like the Holiday Inn commercials spouting: All you need to be successful is a great nights' sleep!

 

[GoToLeep]

I have always wondered why it is so great to have a bye week in the middle of the season so everyone can rest, get healthy, spend time their families; But if they don't play a full game in the last couple of games of the regular season and have a playoff bye week and suddenly everyone's going to forget how to play football (or to us the jargon "be rusty"). :headscratch:

With that said, I wish they would have gone for the record. Selfish. Yes. Now if they would have done that and someone would have been injured, I would have said "What in he he** were they thinking"

I can easily see both points.

Still, I wish they would have gone for the record. O, I already said that. :grin:

 

[DearbornDolfan]

The way I see it, teams can go for the record all they like, but they'll never get it.

 

[mudloggerone]

Lots of players have Superbowl rings, only the '72 Fish were undefeated. That's pretty dam special to throw away like yesterdays bath water.

 

[Miller]

yet, as special as that one year was......when you think of football in the 70's, what team comes to mind first? It's not the Dolphins for most, I know I think it's the Steelers for most. So while the undefeated season is great, continued, long lasting success is remembered just as much if not more.

 

[WesDawg]

Something that Mike sort of touched briefly on (and so did LaMarr Woodley, unfortunately) was the fact that there are other things to consider in this debate besides a historical record.
There are thousands of fans who pay ridiculously good money for season tickets, which last I checked included a FULL slate of preseason and regular season home games. As a relocated fan I've never been fortunate enough to have Steeler season tix, but I would be pretty upset if the last 1 or 2 games of the season offered me essentially the same quality as what I got in the preseason.
My second point relates to what Goodell will be looking at more closely, which is competitive balance. (The ill-advised Woodley statement) Yes, I understand full well that every team "controls it's own destiny" starting with week 1 and in my particular case, Pittsburgh choked away 3 gimme games against vastly inferior opponents. But as the season winds down every single year, there are different scenarios that must play out for certain teams to either make the postseason or improve their seedings. My point being this: The Jets are a good team that was obviously talented enough to make a playoff run. But the fact of the matter is that without having Indy and Cincy completely lay down for them in the last 2 games, they wouldn't have qualified for the playoffs. They also started out extremely hot this year, then slumped and lost some totally winnable games, just like Pittsburgh and just like alot of teams. They just got lucky and caught 2 "shut-down" teams when their season depended on it most. And don't even get me started on whatever the hell New England was doing at the end of the Houston game in week 17. That was ridiculous.
Shutting down not only reflects terribly on your own integrity as Rachelle stated, but it also takes away from the integrity of the league as a whole. At least in my own humble and chivalrous opinion..

 

[mudloggerone]

Everyone knows what team went undefeated, few can name all of the Superbowl winners. But you're right about the importance of long lasting sucess which has little to do with sitting your starters and throwing away a game.