If you’re in week 14 of the NFL season, and you’re undefeated, do you play ALL your guys or do you sit ’em?

Well, the Colts and Saints are in exactly that predicament.  The Saints have flat out said they are playing for an undefeated season.  The Colts?  Jim Caldwell and his gang had been sending mixed signals about their plan all week.  Tonight, they have played everyone like usual, except Mathis and Freeney.  No big deal right?  Maybe, maybe not.  But, hard to argue for sitting them out when your defense is getting ripped by the Jags.  Oh, sure, the Jags are an offensive juggernaut averaging less than 19 points per game.

Injured?  Sure, they were on the injury report throughout the week, but so were a bunch of other guys.  In my opinion, you either set them all or you play everybody like a regular game.  Sounds like Caldwell is doing a hybrid approach and I’m not sure I like that idea.

I would play my guys all the way like a normal game, and if you get up early, then take them out near the end.  I don’t think you do this in/out approach with these guys.  Isn’t that more likely to get them injured anyways?

Also, if you’ve ever played competitive team sports, you NEVER want to lose; especially when an undefeated season is on the line.  If you’re gonna kinda sorta play, you want to win.  If you’re going to just hand it over, then sit ALL your key guys.

Hopefully the Colts can hang on and this conversation is all for not.

UPDATE: Colts hang on, so my critique goes by the wayside.  However, I think watching Caldwell and his coaching down the stretch will be an interesting storyline.