The theory of resting/playing your starters in a quasi-meaningless game.

[Nitro]

I do not trust in resting starters.  Play a half to keep them sharp.  Rotate in the back ups.  The worry about them getting hurt is interesting.  Any time a player steps on the field risks injury.  Even in warm ups.  That has happened.  Do not play with fear of injury.

[quinnearlysghost88]

On 12/30/2020 at 3:15 PM, Rc2catch said:

I play whoever is healthy because I wanna keep the rhythm going. 
Allen is hot, O line is hot, receiving group is playing well. I’m keeping that rhythm. I come out and play first quarter like this is the playoffs. If there’s a lead I try to establish the run and kill clock ASAP. With this offense I don’t sit them. I just don’t have the confidence in two weeks they pickup right where they left off. 

So beat up our starters against the Dolphins so we can most likely play them again the very next week and do it again? It’s not a good plan. 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

39 minutes ago, Nitro said:

I do not trust in resting starters.  Play a half to keep them sharp.  Rotate in the back ups.  The worry about them getting hurt is interesting.  Any time a player steps on the field risks injury.  Even in warm ups.  That has happened.  Do not play with fear of injury.

 

Any other season they would play for a bye week, and get a week off. I don't think sharpness is an issue. Buffalo came out of the bye week very strong this year.

3 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

If the Browns get their players back given their Covid outbreak, and it becoming public knowledge the Steelers are resting a ton of their talent, we are pretty assured the second seed (not about fans, just if we win twice we delay the Chiefs to the AFCC).

 

With that said, I would consider based on the injuries we’ve faced this year the following either resting or play a series.

 

Allen

Diggs

Brown (if cleared from Covid, Id only want him to play a quarter or a little more, but then sit him.  He just needs to knock the                 rust off if completely healthy)

Singletary (we need one completely healthy so we see Yeldon if cleared and Moss, again if cleared on both)

 

White

Milano

Edmunds

Poyer

 

Again, Beasely, Yeldon, and Brown will probably be out anyway between an injury and Covid IR.

 

i suspect McD will start pulling others as the game goes on either we’re blowing them out or they are blowing us out.  Hopefully the former and we can just run and pound them in the second half.

 

With the Steelers proclaiming they are out on the last game makes the decision that much easier to pull people either completely, or very quickly in the game.  The unknown the trainers and coaches know, not us who is dinged up and could use the rest.  

 

I'd probably rest the same players, as well as any linemen who are banged up. 

 

With less receiver talent out there it becomes much more of a TE heavy running attack with play action.  If Barkley or webb starts too it doesn't make sense to try and run the josh allen offense.

[Dr. K]

On 12/31/2020 at 10:59 AM, RoyBatty is alive said:

9 straight playoff wins?  Sadly no that is not true, that is the entire point.  The  most they had in a row was 3

Do you think the Bills lost those Super Bowls because they rested players three games earlier?

 

Ludicrous. 

[transplantbillsfan]

11 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Sure home field matters.

 

But much less than going into the  playoffs with few key injuries and not banged up.

 

Sit 'em.

 

They will sit them once the game is in control or once Cleveland is clearly in control.

 

Every year you see teams in contention for the #1 or #2 seed with a playoff spot locked up play to win with all starters in week 17. They don't manufacture a bye week with playoffs already in hand.

 

Now, I will say that for this week weather might be a legitimate factor, but McDermott understands the significance of home playoff games in WNY.

[muppy]

the decision wether to play or rest starters is ripe for 20-20 hindsight . The very best we can hope for is a game with no injuries with the end being a win. I guess for me Id rather have a  loss with no imjuries  than a win with injuries heading into the playoffs.  JMO

[That's No Moon]

There are a couple schools of thought about how to call this game too. Thought one would be to be as vanilla as possible and try not to show anything that isn't already on tape.

 

The other thought is to show as much as possible to give the opposition more to prepare for. Just last week the Bills called at least two specific plays to break tendencies and show another look out of a particular formation. The formation I'm think of is McKenzie behind Allen. We threw a swing pass to the left McKenzie out of that and then also snuck Lee Smith out the back door to the right out of that formation. Neither of those things are accidental and IMO they are both designed to set up something we will see in the playoffs. Something exploiting the middle of the field since they stretched the D to both sides in what they've shown and both plays put pressure on the LBs to get outside quickly.

 

They could and should be showing things on tape this week to set up stuff for the playoffs. 

[{::'KayCeeS::}]

2 minutes ago, That's No Moon said:

There are a couple schools of thought about how to call this game too. Thought one would be to be as vanilla as possible and try not to show anything that isn't already on tape.

 

The other thought is to show as much as possible to give the opposition more to prepare for. Just last week the Bills called at least two specific plays to break tendencies and show another look out of a particular formation. The formation I'm think of is McKenzie behind Allen. We threw a swing pass to the left McKenzie out of that and then also snuck Lee Smith out the back door to the right out of that formation. Neither of those things are accidental and IMO they are both designed to set up something we will see in the playoffs. Something exploiting the middle of the field since they stretched the D to both sides in what they've shown and both plays put pressure on the LBs to get outside quickly.

 

They could and should be showing things on tape this week to set up stuff for the playoffs. 

 

Daboll is definitely the "shock and awe" type.  He's endlessly creative and every week there's a new wrinkle.  Now with John Brown returning... me, personally, I'm trying to win this game.  Having at least two home games, now with FANS, is such a huge psychological boost to the players.  That's their approach i think.  That being said, I don't except the essential starters to play the whole game.  A half at most, most likely.

[What a Tuel]

On 1/1/2021 at 9:18 AM, quinnearlysghost88 said:

So beat up our starters against the Dolphins so we can most likely play them again the very next week and do it again? It’s not a good plan. 

 

As opposed to letting the Dolphins find a rhythm against us right before we play them again? 

 

We don't need to play scared of injury.

 

If its clear we have nothing to gain, then fine, pull the starters. But keeping the rhythm going, ensuring home field advantage until AFCCG is something to gain and something to play for.

20 hours ago, Muppy said:

the decision wether to play or rest starters is ripe for 20-20 hindsight . The very best we can hope for is a game with no injuries with the end being a win. I guess for me Id rather have a  loss with no imjuries  than a win with injuries heading into the playoffs.  JMO

 

You could have a loss with injuries to supporting staff because the backups are struggling to make plays. Resting the starters does not mean we rest the starting 11 on either side of the ball. 

 

This is it exactly though. This is ripe for 20/20 hindsight. 

 

Edited January 2, 2021 by What a Tuel

[TheBrownBear]

It's a tough decision for sure.  I would play my starters and play for the #2 seed.  Could potentially set you up for three home playoff games should the Chiefs fall.  

[without a drought]

I'll take Matt Barkley against the dolphins in a basically meaningless game than the possibility of Barkley starting next week.

 

 

[lookylookyherecomescookie]

   This year following week 16, home teams had won 120 games, lost 119, and tied one.  https://www.covers.com/sport/football/nfl/league-trends/seasontodate  There is  literally NO home field advantage!  I would love to see the Bills win on Sunday to wrap up second seed, but in reality, that accomplishes nothing. Resting and protecting as many of your players as possible does accomplish something.  Bills are not getting a bye no matter what, they should  at least turn a regular season game into a meaningless pre-season game.  It's called delayed gratification.

[RoyBatty is alive]

On 1/1/2021 at 10:00 AM, Dr. K said:

Do you think the Bills lost those Super Bowls because they rested players three games earlier?

 

Ludicrous. 

Who knows?  

[Nextmanup]

I think "rested starters = rusty players" is one of many sports myths discussed by fans, but not actually existing in reality.

 

There is a decent chance that anyone can get hurt in any game, including these end-of-year lame duck games.

If the outcome of the game is meaningless, ALL important players should be sat from beginning to end.

Makes for a REALLY boring game as a Bills fan, but who cares.

 

This entire season has been, is, and will continue to be about Bills success *in the playoffs*.

 

Rest everybody!  I'd hire rentals to play this game if we could! 

 

Edited January 2, 2021 by Nextmanup

[CEN-CAL17]

Buffalo needs to win this game.

 

Cleveland has basically been shutdown all week, multiple players out last week. Pittsburgh can beat Cleveland even with backups IMO.

 

Im sure there are a handful of players that are truly playing hurt. Those are the guys you may give a breather or let rest. But if guys are semi or mostly healthy... go get that win!!!!

[CEN-CAL17]

*****There’s a good chance....
 

Buffalo Loses to Miami

 

Pittsburgh beats Cleveland 

 

Baltimore, Indy and Tennessee all win...

 

Bills are now 3rd seed and play Baltimore round 1 next weekend.

 

Everyone plays this week. It’s a must win game, keep the Momentum going and worry about the playoffs when the playoffs get here. 

Edited January 2, 2021 by CEN-CAL17

[transplantbillsfan]

I still want us to play for the #2 seed, whatever that means.  I'm 100% content with scoreboard watching and putting Allen and the other key starters on the bench once it's clear Cleveland is going to win, even though I think people are much too confident that's a gimme.

 

But the reason I'm coming around to the idea of just resting starters the entire game is the weather.  It looks like it's just gonna be ugly tomorrow with slushy snow or freezing rain or just cold and wet with rain.  If the weather is that ugly and there's more potential for injury, I would understand--though not be very happy with--resting starters from the beginning of the game to stave off injuries.

 

That said, I believe McDermott will fight for the #2 seed.

[PastaJoe]

I hope they declare Allen and Diggs inactive. I’m in a week 17 fantasy Super Bowl and have both. My alternatives are Jalen Hurts and Michael Gallup. I’d rather not have to decide.

[Hebert19]

On 12/30/2020 at 2:30 PM, Gugny said:

Assuming the Steelers will lose is unwise.

 

Secure the 2nd seed.  Play to win the game.

Ya.  Unless browns are up big the starters should stay in.   Losing and them winning  gets us Baltimore. 

[Thurman#1]

On 1/1/2021 at 11:01 PM, Nitro said:

I do not trust in resting starters.  Play a half to keep them sharp.  Rotate in the back ups.  The worry about them getting hurt is interesting.  Any time a player steps on the field risks injury.  Even in warm ups.  That has happened.  Do not play with fear of injury.

 

 

It isn't fear of injury. That's just spin. Taking care and being fearful are not the same thing. It's simply a matter of the risk/reward ratio. What you gain here if you play them all game is far less than what you are risking.

 

That's correct, anytime a player steps on the field they risk injury. But no, not warmups, not any significant chance. Yes, it's happened, it's happened from walking on a rubber mat, but you don't keep guys off mats. 

 

With relatively little to gain, you keep them out of dangerous situations, and games are by far the most dangerous situations guys face. How would we feel if, say, Diggs gets injured and is out for the season and the Browns win, which is the likely ending of that game anyway? Or if the Steelers win and the Bills lose, and then someone beats the Steelers in Wild Card weekend.

 

Winning tomorrow would affect only the home stadium of the Divisional Weekend, and matchups if there are some upsets, which can't be planned for anyway. It's much more important to work on being healthy and rested, which will affect every game the Bills play in the playoffs this year.

 

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by Thurman#1

[Thurman#1]

On 12/31/2020 at 8:26 AM, Gonzonzo said:

The Bills are 4-0 under Mc Dermont after the bye.

If he decided to play back ups, be sure the strarters are going to be ready for the PO.

 

 

This. Precisely.

On 12/31/2020 at 11:19 AM, DabillsDaBillsDaBills said:

 

And we're 0-1 in the playoffs under Mcdermott after resting starters in a meaningless week 17 game 

 

 

So, you figure the reason we lost to the Texans was because we rested the starters? That doesn't hold up in any way. If anything we came into that Houston game on fire. In no way were we stale or rusty. They just weren't good enough.

 

This year, they are.

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by Thurman#1

[Thurman#1]

On 1/1/2021 at 12:16 AM, TroutDog said:

They’re talking about this in GMFB this morning. Going back to 2010, there has been one QB who was rested who went to the SB. All others were knocked out. Interesting stat. 
 

They also discussed practice injuries. If you’re going to rest them for the game, doesn’t it make sense to also not have them practice? They settled on play them and it was interesting dialogue. Don’t play scared was the consensus. 

 

 

It is an interesting stat, but it doesn't tell the whole story. That's only true if by "rested," you mean that they didn't play a single play. That was Flacco.

 

But three of the others played but didn't play much. That's four out of ten SB winners.

 

And plenty of the other SB winners might easily have been playing for a week off, which we aren't.

 

 

 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

I don't believe this game is meaningless, at all. when was the last time this team swept the whole division?

 

I say start them until the game is in hand, say mid to late 3rd qtr. maybe sooner?

 

either way, this team has been on a roll, no need to stop the momentum, keep their foot on the gas and steamroll the fins for the major division sweep, a 13-3 record and #2 seed?

 

 

[Thurman#1]

3 hours ago, A Firm Tree Does Not Fear said:

I don't believe this game is meaningless, at all. when was the last time this team swept the whole division?

 

I say start them until the game is in hand, say mid to late 3rd qtr. maybe sooner?

 

either way, this team has been on a roll, no need to stop the momentum, keep their foot on the gas and steamroll the fins for the major division sweep, a 13-3 record and #2 seed?

 

 

 

 

Announcer:  "Bills Mafia is thrilled to come into this game having won the #2 seed due to winning their game against Miami. Of course, they would have won it anyway, as the Browns beat the Steelers, but the Bills are proud to have won it themselves. And here's the first snap of the game, and Barkley takes the ball and hands off to Moss. Barkley looked confident and smooth on that handoff, losing Allen may not hurt this team too much."

 

Though I certainly hope this is in no way predictive, it could happen.

 

You're certainly right that the game isn't meaningless, but there's nowhere near enough reward to winning it as there is risk.

 

 

And there's no particular reason to think that playing replacements from the beginning or after a series or two would in any way take away from their momentum. We've been really lucky with the injuries late, after being really hamstrung by them earlier in the year. We need to stay healthy.

 

Whatever happens I just hope they stay healthy. If I were a betting man, I'd bet they do just what they did last year.

Edited January 3, 2021 by Thurman#1

[Nitro]

8 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

It isn't fear of injury. That's just spin. Taking care and being fearful are not the same thing. It's simply a matter of the risk/reward ratio. What you gain here if you play them all game is far less than what you are risking.

 

That's correct, anytime a player steps on the field they risk injury. But no, not warmups, not any significant chance. Yes, it's happened, it's happened from walking on a rubber mat, but you don't keep guys off mats. 

 

With relatively little to gain, you keep them out of dangerous situations, and games are by far the most dangerous situations guys face. How would we feel if, say, Diggs gets injured and is out for the season and the Browns win, which is the likely ending of that game anyway? Or if the Steelers win and the Bills lose, and then someone beats the Steelers in Wild Card weekend.

 

Winning tomorrow would affect only the home stadium of the Divisional Weekend, and matchups if there are some upsets, which can't be planned for anyway. It's much more important to work on being healthy and rested, which will affect every game the Bills play in the playoffs this year.

 

 

Your logic in the opening line renders preseason to what?  How many guys get injured in training camp?  In practice during the season?  Dangerous situations?  Geez, This is football.  I was in a warn zone for a year.  Guys died.   Not going further on that but that is true danger.  Play the starters and then substitute.

[DaggersEOD]

We keep talking up the reason to rest vs play from the Bills POV. 

 

How about from the fins perspective. They beat a super hot Bills team as they earn their way into the playoffs. 
 

That kind of win can set them up to make a run in the playoffs. 
 

Also, as mentioned, if they beat us and the chips fall the right way, we could play them the very next week. 
 

Do you think it’d have any psychological impact on either team knowing just the week before that they won/we lost?  It will give them a little confidence and who knows what happens in the playoffs. 
 

What I’m saying is that resting starters has more impact than potential rust.
 

Resting starters always hit me the same way as prevent defense. 

[Thurman#1]

17 hours ago, Nitro said:

Your logic in the opening line renders preseason to what?  How many guys get injured in training camp?  In practice during the season?  Dangerous situations?  Geez, This is football.  I was in a warn zone for a year.  Guys died.   Not going further on that but that is true danger.  Play the starters and then substitute.

 

 

I didn't mention preseason. What are you talking about? Do you think that teams feel it's a necessity to play all their starters all game long in the preseason? This makes no sense.

 

That's fine that you were in a war zone. If you were in the military I thank you for your service, but like the preseason it has nothing to do with this discussion.

 

It's all risk and reward. You play those ratios smart if you want to consistently maximize your chances. We took more of a risk than we had to, for what turned out to be zero reward. Pittsburgh lost, which it always seemed likely to do. Luckily, we didn't have any major injuries result. That's good luck. The Bucs did not get so lucky, with Mike Evans out for at least a week and maybe more. That could have a huge impact on their playoff fate. Thank goodness we didn't suffer such bad luck, but we could have, and for what now turns out to have been zero gain, it was taking too much of a risk. 

 

In any case, thank goodness it worked out OK.

[Thurman#1]

18 hours ago, DaggersEOD said:

We keep talking up the reason to rest vs play from the Bills POV. 

 

How about from the fins perspective. They beat a super hot Bills team as they earn their way into the playoffs. 
 

That kind of win can set them up to make a run in the playoffs. 
 

Also, as mentioned, if they beat us and the chips fall the right way, we could play them the very next week. 
 

Do you think it’d have any psychological impact on either team knowing just the week before that they won/we lost?  It will give them a little confidence and who knows what happens in the playoffs. 
 

What I’m saying is that resting starters has more impact than potential rust.
 

Resting starters always hit me the same way as prevent defense. 

 

 

Even if we'd have lost yesterday because of sitting our guys, I'd have absolutely loved the chance to play Miami. We should beat Indy, but Miami would have been a much easier opponent.

 

I hear you. It's an interesting argument, but I don't think the Steelers are saying to themselves, "Gosh, the Browns beat us just last week. Sure, we weren't playing Roethlisberger or many of our other best guys, but I don't have much confidence we can beat the Browns because of what happened the other day." And I don't think the Browns feel any better about beating the Steelers next week because of what happened last week.

 

Do you?

Edited January 4, 2021 by Thurman#1

[DaggersEOD]

2 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Even if we'd have lost yesterday because of sitting our guys, I'd have absolutely loved the chance to play Miami. We should beat Indy, but Miami would have been a much easier

 

I hear you. It's an interesting argument, but I don't think the Steelers are saying to themselves, "Gosh, the Browns beat us just last week. Sure, we weren't playing Roethlisberger or many of our other best guys, but I don't have much confidence we can beat the Browns because of what happened the other day." And I don't think the Browns feel any better about beating the Steelers next week because of what happened last week.

 

Do you?

In hindsight, playing the fins in the playoffs would’ve been sweet, but for that to happen, yesterday would not have happened. Instead of all this glowing warm happy feelings, we’d be thinking that next week, despite losing, we’re going to get back at them. They would be walking proud and with a little more confidence. No broken Tua. No demoralized Fish. 
 

This feeling of invincibility and inevitability watching them with a “come at me bro” swagger would not be here. Wins are more important than rest IMO. 

 

Concerning the Browns/Steelers, the scenario is different and the teams are in different places. IMO, the Browns/Steelers have a different relationship than we have with the Fish. Browns still have to prove they are better than the Steelers.

 

That said, I think the Steelers may regret letting the Browns into the playoffs. And I think the Browns are going into the game with a little more confidence. Ben’s arm is shot and the Browns know it. If solely looking at the teams, the Browns have momentum and the Steelers are sputtering out and I think their last game only added to it. I know I may be projecting but moral is a HUGE factor that decides more games than most acknowledge IMO. 

[Nitro]

On 1/4/2021 at 7:08 AM, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

I didn't mention preseason. What are you talking about? Do you think that teams feel it's a necessity to play all their starters all game long in the preseason? This makes no sense.

 

That's fine that you were in a war zone. If you were in the military I thank you for your service, but like the preseason it has nothing to do with this discussion.

 

It's all risk and reward. You play those ratios smart if you want to consistently maximize your chances. We took more of a risk than we had to, for what turned out to be zero reward. Pittsburgh lost, which it always seemed likely to do. Luckily, we didn't have any major injuries result. That's good luck. The Bucs did not get so lucky, with Mike Evans out for at least a week and maybe more. That could have a huge impact on their playoff fate. Thank goodness we didn't suffer such bad luck, but we could have, and for what now turns out to have been zero gain, it was taking too much of a risk. 

 

In any case, thank goodness it worked out OK.

COVID will have a bigger impact on the playoffs than injuries in week 17.  Risk/reward debate will continue.

[DCBongo]

Marv used to rest starters last game of year for 3 of the 4 runs.  I do think if you have a veteran team it can help, but if the team is young it can get them out of rhythm. 

[Thurman#1]

3 hours ago, Nitro said:

COVID will have a bigger impact on the playoffs than injuries in week 17.  Risk/reward debate will continue.

 

 

Maybe. That's why people are being extremely careful about COVID as well.

 

It's not an accident that Tre White, Jerry Hughes and Addison took the day off.

 

I bet Olivier Vernon wishes they'd let him rest last week, though the risk/reward ratio was totally different in that case because they absolutely had to win. Vernon was injured that game, and that going forward will hurt their chances of advancing very far in the playoffs. Not that I think they were going very far anyway, but that will hurt them.

 

We did stay lucky, though, no major injuries, and they did take many out around halftime.

 

 

On 1/4/2021 at 9:34 PM, DaggersEOD said:

In hindsight, playing the fins in the playoffs would’ve been sweet, but for that to happen, yesterday would not have happened. Instead of all this glowing warm happy feelings, we’d be thinking that next week, despite losing, we’re going to get back at them. They would be walking proud and with a little more confidence. No broken Tua. No demoralized Fish. 
 

This feeling of invincibility and inevitability watching them with a “come at me bro” swagger would not be here. Wins are more important than rest IMO. 

 

Concerning the Browns/Steelers, the scenario is different and the teams are in different places. IMO, the Browns/Steelers have a different relationship than we have with the Fish. Browns still have to prove they are better than the Steelers.

 

That said, I think the Steelers may regret letting the Browns into the playoffs. And I think the Browns are going into the game with a little more confidence. Ben’s arm is shot and the Browns know it. If solely looking at the teams, the Browns have momentum and the Steelers are sputtering out and I think their last game only added to it. I know I may be projecting but moral is a HUGE factor that decides more games than most acknowledge IMO. 

 

 

It's not that the Fish wouldn't have been demoralized. It just would have happened a week later. Hell, we might have beaten them with our backups last week.

 

Losing with our backups - again, if that had happened because it's no sure thing - would not have taken an ounce away from their swagger. When you look back at teams that did take out starters the last week and lost, you do find some who lost, of course. Some teams lose no matter which way they play it. But what you don't see is teams losing swagger. Losing a game with your backups doesn't change the feelings of any team. Everyone knows why they lost in that situation.

 

Look at the Pats the year they rested Tom Brady with just a few snaps in Week 17. in 2014 and lost 17 - 9 against the Bills. Did they lose their swagger because they were only a 12-win team instead of 13? Please. The idea's ridiculous. Instead they went out and brought home a Lombardi trophy.

 

Did the Ravens lose their confidence and morale when they sat Flacco after he went 4 for 8, and most of their best players played little or not at all in Week 17 of 2012, losing to Cincy? Hell, no, they went out and won a Super Bowl. You don't lose your morale from that.

 

No Bills would think, "Sure, we sat Diggs, Allen, Hughes, Tre White, Milano, Edmunds and Hyde, and Beasley's out this week, and even more in the second half, but ... we lost to MIami ... gosh, I wonder if we're just not as good as we had thought? Wouldn't make sense to think so.

 

Morale is indeed a huge factor. But losing a game with the backups doesn't seriously affect morale.

[TBBills]

I honestly think it's about how your team is playing Bills are destroying teams so keep the momentum. KC was barely beating the Falcons so rest and reset.

[Thurman#1]

Diggs missed practice today with an oblique injury. They don't say for sure but it's likely to have happened in the game.

 

Odds are pretty good, probably, that he plays, but it's just another explanation point on the problems that a decision like this can cause. You want a healthy Stefon Diggs this time of year. Health of your key guys is by far the most important thing.

Edited January 6, 2021 by Thurman#1

[What a Tuel]

2 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

Diggs missed practice today with an oblique injury. They don't say for sure but it's likely to have happened in the game.

 

Odds are pretty good, probably, that he plays, but it's just another explanation point on the problems that a decision like this can cause. You want a healthy Stefon Diggs this time of year. Health of your key guys is by far the most important thing.

 

The Browns almost lost to the Steelers. What could have happened is the steelers could have won as well. I love how we were lucky to not have any seriously injured players, but on the flip side, a browns win was a certainty so rest our starters? Bologney.

 

This putting the dolphins in their place put more behind this team than anything. They are going into the colts game with momentum.

 

[DaggersEOD]

4 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

It's not that the Fish wouldn't have been demoralized. It just would have happened a week later. Hell, we might have beaten them with our backups last week.

 

Losing with our backups - again, if that had happened because it's no sure thing - would not have taken an ounce away from their swagger. When you look back at teams that did take out starters the last week and lost, you do find some who lost, of course. Some teams lose no matter which way they play it. But what you don't see is teams losing swagger. Losing a game with your backups doesn't change the feelings of any team. Everyone knows why they lost in that situation.

 

Look at the Pats the year they rested Tom Brady with just a few snaps in Week 17. in 2014 and lost 17 - 9 against the Bills. Did they lose their swagger because they were only a 12-win team instead of 13? Please. The idea's ridiculous. Instead they went out and brought home a Lombardi trophy.

 

Did the Ravens lose their confidence and morale when they sat Flacco after he went 4 for 8, and most of their best players played little or not at all in Week 17 of 2012, losing to Cincy? Hell, no, they went out and won a Super Bowl. You don't lose your morale from that.

 

No Bills would think, "Sure, we sat Diggs, Allen, Hughes, Tre White, Milano, Edmunds and Hyde, and Beasley's out this week, and even more in the second half, but ... we lost to MIami ... gosh, I wonder if we're just not as good as we had thought? Wouldn't make sense to think so.

 

Morale is indeed a huge factor. But losing a game with the backups doesn't seriously affect morale.

 

First, I will concede that because of how this played out, it's easier for me to look back and say that playing them was the right choice.  I will also concede that not all examples will have the same result so I don't consider your position to be wrong even in this instance.

 

Now concerning the bolded I disagree. The Bills walked away from that game with a TON more momentum and swagger than they would've if they rested their starters, potentially losing the game (of course with the way our backups played, we may still have crushed them!). We historically dismantled the #1 scoring Defense in a way never done before. We are the hottest team entering the playoffs and the Team now knows that there is no defense that can stop them. That has value.

 

That feeling of invincibility is hard earned and IMO it would not have been as prominent if the blowout didn't happen. Look at the ferocity our 2nd's played with. It was that supreme confidence that allowed them to "play up" to their competition.  They weren't intimidated, they intimidated. That is 100% morale.  The 2nds performing so well is an example of the old saying, "If you don't think you can do it, you will always be right". They obviously "knew that they could".

 

I guess the part I can't get on board with you on is that they didn't LOSE swagger. While technically true, The Bills would've lost the opportunity to GAIN swagger and momentum. I contend, that for THIS Bills team, we can use all the swagger and momentum we can grab.

 

In the examples you provided, while relevant, don't paint the same picture as our current situation:

 

Pats '14, They were ALREADY a multi-Superbowl winning franchise with a consensus All-Pro QB playing a craptastic, non-threatening Bills team. Put another way, the Mia game would not have been as important if Mia was having a similar season as the Jets. The Pats beating the Bills didn't prove anything.  STOMPING a 10 win,  #1 scoring D team looking to get into the post season is just a different animal IMO. The Pats already had swagger/confidence because they already won the big game.  If we were in that position (Like the Chiefs this year) we'd probably approach the Mia game differently.

 

Ravens '12, I mean, as I conceded, not all examples will support my side as I believe there is no 100% correct decision in 100% of scenarios. Sitting their guys was obviously the right choice for them at the time. I will say that winning their game, much like the Pats example, wasn't against such a high quality opponent. They're winning that game had zero potential to gain momentum or swagger and I contend that the Mia game did.

 

So I suppose my position is that they had a solid opportunity to GAIN momentum/swagger entering what they hope is the first winning post season in decades. I don't FEEL (very subjective) that your examples would have provided the teams involved with the same potential.