I would prefer to play to win vs. Houston

[Jules]

Unless someone is hurt I would prefer to play to win. With Pagano coming back I don't want to see this team roll over for Houston at home where we have been at our best. The emotion will be too high, in fact maybe the team was looking ahead to his return today IMO.

 

We also have a shot to knock Houston to the third seed and give Denver homefield.

 

 

Plus, this is not a well oiled machine in Indy like in years past. We have A LOT of work to do win or lose vs. Houston. We are too young and raw. We know we are not a SB winning team so why rest for a long run? Just have fun and play....

[Balzer40]

They have to play to win IMO. After the pathetic performance today in every facet of the game, they need to work on everything and get as much practice as possible. If they just tank next week and rest players, they are going to be making a huge mistake. We are not good enough to just take a week off.

[Tark The Shark]

Why would we not play to win? Unless we are the #1 seed, I don't see why any team would rest their starters. Even if a key player goes down.

[Coltswarriors]

I'm not sure, but I really hope so. Our offense looked out of sync all game today. They need as much work as possible. Plus, I want to keep that streak alive of beating Houston at home.

[Jules]

I don't know who might not be able to play but darnit I want to play vs. Houston. This is good experience and a playoff atmosphere.

 

 

Chuck!!!!!!!!

 

Honestly I think we need him back badly, we need a boost. Today was painful even for an optimist like me.

[Smonroe]

Why would we not play to win? Unless we are the #1 seed, I don't see why any team would rest their starters. Even if a key player goes down.

It's an opportunity to rest players - WHO NEED TO REST! Not guys who don't need the break, like a previous nameless regime.

[Robert Johnson]

You play to win the game.

[Coltsman1788]

This is a new era...hopefully that resting mentality is a relic of the Manning era.  This team still needs alot of work and they have a Coach to win for.  Colts need to go balls out until the end...no other way to play it given all they've been through this year. 

[Tark The Shark]

It's an opportunity to rest players - WHO NEED TO REST! Not guys who don't need the break, like a previous nameless regime.

 

I am sorry, too much bad karma with the previous regime that rested players.

 

I honestly don't think resting players helps.

 

When was the last time a team that rested their starters the last week won the super bowl?

[Jules]

I might be wrong but Pagano never struck me as "a resting healthy starters" type of guy. From the moment he walked in here he seemed to want us to go all out in everything.

[The Fish]

Flip a coin.

When Luck is getting dumped by Watt all day, they'll be running a risk, for no tangible gain.

The Texans are going to play because of today, so maybe the Colts swing back?

Take your pick.

I'm pretty sure the Colts play to win. I'm not sure it's a great idea though.

[Smonroe]

I might be wrong but Pagano never struck me as "a resting healthy starters" type of guy. From the moment he walked in here he seemed to want us to go all out in everything.

Right. That's what I was trying to say. You don't rest healthy guys. But if a guy needs the rest, it's better to give him time for the playoffs.

Except for about five players, we're not missing much when going next man.

[No 1 Manning Fan]

Play to win and play to gain more experience and chemistry. Rest injured players only unless the game is really lopsided. But I am always in favor to playing to win, that's what competitive sports is all about.

[Jules]

Flip a coin.

When Luck is getting dumped by Watt all day, they'll be running a risk, for no tangible gain.

The Texans are going to play because of today, so maybe the Colts swing back?

Take your pick.

I'm pretty sure the Colts play to win. I'm not sure it's a great idea though.

 

 

I am sure Watt will have his moments. It's a given.

 

I just think this team has too much work to do and this is a good playoff type atmosphere for them. I think sometimes people forget we are still building for the future not just now. If we had Peyton it would be now or else.

 

I am not directing this all at you in particular just in general.....

 

I also think the place will be nuts. This team clinched a playoff spot in a rebuild season and it's the Texans.

 

Besides, the fans who root for Peyton on the side in Denver will want to see Denver get homefield I am sure.

[jskinnz]

I don't think it is nearly as simple as some make it out to be.

1) I know people like to bash Polian but the whole resting thing is not unique to the Colts. Other teams do it routinely as well. Plus can anyone definitively say the reason for poor playoff performances was restig players?

2) There are only 45 active players on game day on a 53 man roster. There will be people who need to play.

3) The out of synch thing people manetion about the Colts today so therefore they need to play next week. Could not a very reasonable argument be that they could use a week off the get back to basics.

4) There are guys who simply are beat up and could use a day off. Satele, Justice, Conner, Freeman, Redding, etc.

5) The Colts had an early bye week this year. They have not had a break since week 4 and could probably use the time off.

6) If it is judged they are better served by giving those who need a week off, then you absolutely do it. It is an entirely reasonable decision.

[The Fish]

I am sure Watt will have his moments. It's a given.

 

I just think this team has too much work to do and this is a good playoff type atmosphere for them. I think sometimes people forget we are still building for the future not just now. If we had Peyton it would be now or else.

 

I am not directing this all at you in particular just in general.....

 

I also think the place will be nuts. This team clinched a playoff spot in a rebuild season and it's the Texans.

 

Besides, the fans who root for Peyton on the side in Denver will want to see Denver get homefield I am sure.

(I mean this nicely)

I don't care at all about the Broncos as it relates to what the Colts do. The new found Denver fans can hope all day.

This team does have work to do. I don't think they're getting any of it done next Sunday. I think Luck's decline has to do with him getting hit all the time.

It would be very wise to sit him.

Bmore looks like the most likely match up. That's a winnable playoff game. That's the only thing of interest to me. Prepare for that. If we see the Texans again later, then great.

[deedub75]

If we play to win then we might now get blown out!

[chad72]

It's an opportunity to rest players - WHO NEED TO REST! Not guys who don't need the break, like a previous nameless regime.

 

 

Exactly!!! I dont want us to play to give the Broncos a No.1 seed or the Pats a No.2 seed, I could care two hoots about that, and this is coming from someone who likes Peyton.

 

I do not want Watt or the others tee off on Luck, our O-line, and take any unnecessary chances if that is how the game turns out. We remember how chippy the Texans played last game and how they took personal foul shots on our players plus abused our O-line. If our O-line is not doing well, I would see if they improve for about a half. If not, I would yank the primary starters. If any of our starters need the rest, especially the fresh legs on D that are banged up or a vet wideout like Wayne, I would give them the rest, to be honest. On offense, this would be a good game to insert a few plays for our potential playoff game, and see if we need to scrap them or not.

 

One half for offensive starters keeps them in rhythm, IMO. Defensive legs normally need more rest, especially D-line and pass rushers.

[chad72]

(I mean this nicely)

I don't care at all about the Broncos as it relates to what the Colts do. The new found Denver fans can hope all day.

This team does have work to do. I don't think they're getting any of it done next Sunday. I think Luck's decline has to do with him getting hit all the time.

It would be very wise to sit him.

Bmore looks like the most likely match up. That's a winnable playoff game. That's the only thing of interest to me. Prepare for that. If we see the Texans again later, then great.

 

Very wisely said. I agree whole heartedly. No Andrew Luck or an injured Andrew Luck, we stand no chance.

[Jules]

Exactly!!! I dont want us to play to give the Broncos a No.1 seed or the Pats a No.2 seed, I could care two hoots about that, and this is coming from someone who likes Peyton.

 

I do not want Watt or the others tee off on Luck, our O-line, and take any unnecessary chances if that is how the game turns out. We remember how chippy the Texans played last game and how they took personal foul shots on our players plus abused our O-line. If our O-line is not doing well, I would see if they improve for about a half. If not, I would yank the primary starters. If any of our starters need the rest, especially the fresh legs on D that are banged up or a vet wideout like Wayne, I would give them the rest, to be honest. On offense, this would be a good game to insert a few plays for our potential playoff game, and see if we need to scrap them or not.

 

One half for offensive starters keeps them in rhythm, IMO. Defensive legs normally need more rest, especially D-line and pass rushers.

 

Honestly I don't care about Denver/NE either and their fates BUT I would like to beat Houston and keep our streak going vs. them in Indy.

 

Also, it just feels wrong to me for Chuck to come back and pull starters. I will go with what the team decides but I just cannot fathom this team not giving it their all with his return game. This season is for him.......

[Jules]

Very wisely said. I agree whole heartedly. No Andrew Luck or an injured Andrew Luck, we stand no chance.

See now you sound like Dungy in the past. "Well at least Peyton didn't get hurt."

 

I am not too worried about it. If a guy is hurting rest him but honestly I don't see why this is even a real question here. This is not a veteran well oiled machine. I just cannot get on the resting wagon as much this year....I just can't. Makes no sense.

 

We need to regain our emotional edge too IMO.  We seem more mentally flat lately to me.

 

 

It would be so fun to knock Houston from #1 to #3!!!!!!!!!

[chad72]

Honestly I don't care about Denver/NE either and their fates BUT I would like to beat Houston and keep our streak going vs. them in Indy.

 

Also, it just feels wrong to me for Chuck to come back and pull starters. I will go with what the team decides but I just cannot fathom this team not giving it their all with his return game. This season is for him.......

 

 

We have already accomplished the regular season part of what we wanted to accomplish for Chuck Pagano.

 

We need to focus on accomplishing something in the post season for Pagano. Again, like you said, Pagano and the coaching staff will make the decisions, and whatever they do, I am sure their focus is for the long term well being of the team.

[chad72]

See now you sound like Dungy in the past. "Well at least Peyton didn't get hurt."

 

I am not too worried about it. If a guy is hurting rest him but honestly I don't see why this is even a real question here. This is not a veteran well oiled machine. I just cannot get on the resting wagon as much this year....I just can't. Makes no sense.

 

We need to regain our emotional edge too IMO.  We seem more mentally flat lately to me.

 

 

It would be so fun to knock Houston from #1 to #3!!!!!!!!!

 

Makes a lot of sense to focus on the long term without compromising the short term heavily. See how the game goes for a half with the offense. If the game is close, keep the starters in. If it is out of hand, and you are already resting a few banged up players, do what is right for the next game in hand.

[chad72]

It would be so fun to knock Houston from #1 to #3!!!!!!!!!

 

That is absolutely the wrong mindset to play the game with. We are not an underachieving team trying to play spoiler by any means. We dont need to play like that.

[Jules]

We have already accomplished the regular season part of what we wanted to accomplish for Chuck Pagano.

 

We need to focus on accomplishing something in the post season for Pagano. Again, like you said, Pagano and the coaching staff will make the decisions, and whatever they do, I am sure their focus is for the long term well being of the team.

I agree it's up to them but I also just think this team might be too young and raw to get into the mentality of losing games due to health reasons.

 

In the past I felt this team became too soft for it's own good.

 

I honestly know it sounds terrible but I am not even sure I care if we put our guys at risk for injuries vs. Houston. This is a house money season and part of me wants to just keep playing like it is no matter the outcome.

[Y2Jared]

We may as well play the game. Last game at home, and hey, why not knock Houston in the mouth and keep our home streak alive.  

[Jules]

Makes a lot of sense to focus on the long term without compromising the short term heavily. See how the game goes for a half with the offense. If the game is close, keep the starters in. If it is out of hand, and you are already resting a few banged up players, do what is right for the next game in hand.

I agree it might depend on how the game goes.

 

When we played in Houston we were in the game in the 4th. If the game is close and we are in one piece just keep going for the win.

 

Of course the backup QB drop off might not be as bad as in years past either.

[Jules]

That is absolutely the wrong mindset to play the game with. We are not an underachieving team trying to play spoiler by any means. We dont need to play like that.

I don't believe it is. Houston is our division rival and the team we need to knock off for next season. I want to send them a message too if possible.

 

Besides, I think the league would prefer Houston drops to 3 but I have my own conspiracy theories on this. We'll see.

[chad72]

I don't believe it is. Houston is our division rival and the team we need to knock off for next season. I want to send them a message too if possible.

 

Besides, I think the league would prefer Houston drops to 3 but I have my own conspiracy theories on this. We'll see.

 

Yeah, it is possible the league wants a Peyton vs Brady duel for AFCCG ratings, I can buy that.

 

On the flip side, I can also buy the conspiracy theory that some Peyton haters/dislikers deep down know that Brady is good for 1 road game win but not 2 road game wins as a No.3 seed or lower, based on history.

[Jules]

Yeah, it is possible the league wants a Peyton vs Brady duel for AFCCG ratings, I can buy that.

 

On the flip side, I can also buy the conspiracy theory that some Peyton haters/dislikers deep down know that Brady is good for 1 road game win but not 2 road game wins as a No.3 seed or lower, based on history.

 

Naw I don't know if they care about them in the title game together. They just would prefer one of them get to the SB.

 

I honestly think one of them might go one and done. Depends on who plays who if they are 1 and 2 though and what arises later.

 

I actually did not expect Houston to really lose this badly today either.....

 

 

As you know though, I never was a huge fan of resting guys who are healthy. I really was against it last year for the Packers too.

[Snowglobe]

according to this article the Colts are locked into the 5 seed: http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/45302/week-17-its-colts-not-texans-with-nothing-to-lose

 

so my guess is they rest...just a guess

[-JJ-]

Unless someone is hurt I would prefer to play to win. With Pagano coming back I don't want to see this team roll over for Houston at home where we have been at our best. The emotion will be too high, in fact maybe the team was looking ahead to his return today IMO.

 

We also have a shot to knock Houston to the third seed and give Denver homefield.

 

 

Plus, this is not a well oiled machine in Indy like in years past. We have A LOT of work to do win or lose vs. Houston. We are too young and raw. We know we are not a SB winning team so why rest for a long run? Just have fun and play....

 

Actually if NE beats Miami with Houston losing they get 1st seed. 

[chad72]

Actually if NE beats Miami with Houston losing they get 1st seed. 

 

Not if Denver beats the Chiefs to go 13-3 and the Pats have 4 losses already. Pats can at best get to No.2 then.

[Jules]

Actually if NE beats Miami with Houston losing they get 1st seed. 

NE only gets homefield if they win, Houston loses AND Denver loses to the Chiefs. Denver has another win right now over NE.

 

With that being said my hate for the Texans seems to have steadily increased this year. I remember in 2007 when we rested happily vs. the Titans in the final game. Oh yay!

 

I just can't get on board with resting healthy guys. I keep saying what are we resting for this year anyway? The Super Bowl or bust run?

 

Just go all out and have fun the rest of the year. If someone is hurt they can sit.

 

I don't want to be the Polian era part 2.

[Stephen]

Yea that's the last thing we need is 1st seed patriots

[-JJ-]

NE only gets homefield if they win, Houston loses AND Denver loses to the Chiefs. Denver has another win right now over NE.

 

With that being said my hate for the Texans seems to have steadily increased this year. I remember in 2007 when we rested happily vs. the Titans in the final game. Oh yay!

 

I just can't get on board with resting healthy guys. I keep saying what are we resting for this year anyway? The Super Bowl or bust run?

 

Just go all out and have fun the rest of the year. If someone is hurt they can sit.

 

I don't want to be the Polian era part 2.

Oh yes. SF stopped that possiblilty.

I agree. Go H bent over leather:)

[Vance]

We also have a shot to knock Houston to the third seed and give Denver homefield.

 

 

Any reason as to why you'd want Denver to have homefield over us?

[Jules]

Any reason as to why you'd want Denver to have homefield over us?

 

That was supposed to be an added incentive for the Colts fans who also root for the Broncos second but who also like the idea of Indy resting. I don't think it worked in this thread. ;)

 

In reality if a guy is hurt I am okay with resting but I never was a huge fan of resting healthy guys. And young guys too. Maybe 2009 just ruined me, I don't know. Also I firmly believe to this day that resting hurt GB last year too. And I just don't think we are good enough to just rest yet.

 

Look on the plus side Vance. If you fell to third maybe you can follow in the 2006 Colts foot steps.

 

Obviously though the Texans have a lot more to play for next Sunday so it will be tough.

[TKnight24]

You're Crazy if you think we're RESTING ANYONE on the homecoming of Pagano. That stadium is gonna ERUPT on Sunday

[coltsfansince65]

You're Crazy if you think we're RESTING ANYONE on the homecoming of Pagano. That stadium is gonna ERUPT on Sunday

This is what I'm thinking. We didn't go from "CHUCKSTRONG" "BUILD THE MONSTER" "WIN & WE"RE IN" to

rest healthy, young players before most of their very first post season football.