"You play to win the game. Hello? You play to win the game.” (Herm Edwards, New York Jets Head Coach October 30, 2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNooFZPfmgE)

 

Edwards’ famous quote, lead to his book (same title), a collection of "leadership lessons" for readers to use as motivation.

 

Obviously, not all teams follow Edwards’ philosophy, all the time. In Prince George, the Cougars and Spruce Kings face constant criticism because they do not win enough, but it is safe to say that they always “try” to win every game they play. The local hockey teams may not have enough talent, but certainly, there has always been intent to win; therefore, one cannot question their integrity.

 

So, does this level of credibility exist for every team in the NFL? Absolutely not! It has become increasingly apparent that each team does not try to win every regular season game as evidenced during week 16 when the Indianapolis Colts decided that winning was secondary and resting players was more important. There were more examples in week 17, the final games prior to the playoffs.

 

However, let us focus on the controversial decision by the Colts to relent on their run for perfection. Indy, with a record of 14-0, led the New York Jets 15-10 midway through the 3rd quarter when Peyton Manning and several other starters were pulled. The not so dangerous rookie Curtis Painter called the signals and it was a predictable disaster with the Jets scoring 19 unanswered points en route to a 29-15 victory.

 

Although I was watching the game from thousands of miles away on TV, it left me with an awkward feeling. I cannot explain how much my stomach was unsettled. Something did not seem right with the Colts’ decision. Why would they throw away perfection by using their “B” team? 

 

The previous week against Jacksonville, with the top seed in the AFC also locked up, the starters played the entire game. In fact, there are other examples. In week six, versus St Louis, Indianapolis won 42-6 and yes, Peyton continued to fatten his stats, with the game out of reach.

 

So, was the decision to rest Manning (and others) against the Jets really about trying to prevent injury or was it something else? Keep in mind that “Iron Man Peyton” has never missed a game since entering the NFL in 1998.

 

History shows that the Colts resting starters does not help in the playoffs. In fact, in Indy’s only Super Bowl (2006), the Colts were not in a position to ease off and play back-ups near the end of the regular season. Indianapolis rested key personnel in 2005 and 2007, a move, which seemingly backfired in the post-season.

 

Will Manning go down as the greatest quarterback to play the game? Not yet! His playoff record is
7-8 and he has one Super Bowl to his credit. That does not put him in the class of Joe Montana and Tom Brady, just to name a couple. He had a chance to accomplish something that no other QB has ever done, a 19-0 record in one season. Why take that opportunity away from him?

 

As well, the Colts at the time had a record 23-game regular season win streak. Why let that disappear without giving it your best shot?

 

My guess is the Colts brass wanted to relieve the pressure. Remember, when the New England Patriots held an 18-0 record only to lose the Super Bowl just two years ago.

 

I realize the ultimate goal of every NFL team is to win the Super Bowl, but the Colts had a chance to do something special and that opportunity was taken away for no apparent logical reason.

 

I am not suggesting that had the Colts decided to play their starters for the last two regular season games that a perfect season was secure, but realistically their chances would have greatly improved.

 

Indy is a model NFL franchise. They have great management, a terrific coaching staff, and superb players, but that does not mean every decision they make is right. In this case, the Colts compromised the integrity of the game.

 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has admitted the league was sensitive to criticism of the Colts'
decision and will consider offering incentives to teams playing late-season games to discourage them from resting players for the playoffs. "We heard the fans loud and clear. It's something our competition committee has looked at in the past, but we're going to ask our competition committee to look at it again in the future” said Goodell.

 

Yes, I understand the concept of not using injured players in non-critical games. However, a line was crossed here. The age-old motto of, "You play to win the game” needs to be respected each and every time athletes compete.

 

 

 

 

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