At the same time, the injury possibilities are real. You want your players (especially if they are already banged up) to have an opportunity to rest a little bit. In the case of the Colts, Manning and Edgerrin are both showing a little wear and tear.
If I were Tony Dungy, I would do this. I would sit my team this week against Seattle. I wouln't let Manning, James, Harrison, Wayne, Clark or Freeney put pads on. They should treat it like a bye week and they can have 14 days off.
After Seattle, the Colts have the Cardinals coming to Indianapolis. For this game, I send my guys out raring to go just like they have all season. If they can beat the crap out of the Cardinals in three quarters then sit them in the fourth like you would have at any point in the season. This is a game that the Colts want to try to win. They want to make sure that they are all on the same page going into the playoffs and they would't want to record a loss in the last week of the season. Oh yeah, and you especially don't want another L in the Loss column by way of the Arizona Cardinals.
So that's what I would do. Sit them against Seattle and then shake off the rust against Arizona in week 17.
What would you do?
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Article comments
1 - Mark Sahm
The Colts should not show Seattle their A-game, because of the possible Super Bowl implications. Perhaps that's looking too far ahead, but experience against an opponent is key in strategizing, should both teams fulfill their #1 seed.
Of course, losing games has a psychological effect too... how much will their confidence suffer to enter the playoffs at 13-3 instead of 15-1?
2 - Sister Ray
Bad news to add to this thread: Indianapolis TV just announced that Coach Dungy's 18-year-old son was found dead in his apartment.
3 - Craig Lyndall
It is on ESPN now too. What an awful story.
It puts his decision on the season in perspective.
4 - Justin Berry
I hate to hear about coach Dungees son. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Now back to the question at hand. I feel very deeply that they should try to beat out San Fran and Houston for Reggie.
5 - Jenifer Gonzales
All I have to say is, "Go Seahawks!"
6 - Matthew T. Sussman
They have to win Saturday now, for Coach.
7 - Mark Saleski
totally awful story. apparently, it was a suicide.