"16-0"

[Gordogg]

Look at the Colts starters after they got pulled on the bench, dejected. Look at Manning's after game press conference. Rest was the furthest thing from their minds...

The NFL is parity, true as the cliche. Two of the Patriots Super Bowl victories were won by 3pts, last second FG's by Vinateri. If he misses one of those, the Patriots don't have a "Dynasty". The Giants beat the Pats undefeated season run with an Eyore Manning-Houdini-act-escape-sack-third-rate-receiver-pin-ball-to-helmet miracle play. Kevin Dyson reaching one yard short of game tying touchdown in Rams Vs Titans. Rothleisberger hits Holmes for tip toe go ahead touchdown with time running down.

Play the starters and gain that mental edge of invincibility. In this league, "momentum" is a reality.

[GTDawg]

Did you just make this point after referencing the Patriots/Giants superbowl?

How'd that momentum work out?

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Both options have been chosen before. Both options have succeeded. Both options have failed.

In the end, it doesn't really matter all that much until people are able to look back at it in hindsight and second guess the decision.

[Gordogg]

My point is the margins for error are slim in the NFL. It's the ultimate team sport, mentality as a unit is imperative. When doubt seeps in, you are not playing your best. When teams rest starters, more times than not they seem out of rhythm, unless you are the Robot, aka Manning and players of that caliber. Why not stay fine tuned and ride the wave? Interrupting that flow is messing with chemistry that I believe has bitten way to many teams in the ass.

My prediction for Super Bowl victor is Chargers beating Vikings 27-17

[GTDawg]

The Colts sat all but 2 of their starters in the final preseason game, lost 38-7, then proceeded to win 14 straight.

If they win the superbowl, the Colts will be commended for focusing on the difficult road in the playoffs and preparing for the real battle instead of wasting energy on a perfect season.

If they lose in their first game, they'll be knocked for resting starters and losing the rhythm they developed during the season. The loss will have been caused by rust.

If they played their starters, a superbowl win will be commended while a loss due to players missing the game from injury will be knocked as the wrong move.

Much ado about nothing is this discussion.

[Kurn]

Two of the Patriots Super Bowl victories were won by 3pts, last second FG's by Vinateri.

All 3 were 3 pt. margins, the one against the Eagles was the only one not won on a last-play FG