When asked about players resting next week, the dean of the Patriots’ locker room, running back Kevin Faulk, responded, “This team? We gotta keep playing. We haven’t played consistently enough to say that guys need to take a rest. Hands down, we have to keep playing, and keep playing good football, and be consistent.’’ Defensive end Ty Warren said after yesterday’s win over the Jaguars that a motivating factor for him to play was to get the division wrapped up, and give the team the leeway to make the decision next week on his availability. “I mean, the only reason I suited up today was to clinch the division, so I can rest for the playoffs,’’ he said. “To get this out of the way is nice . . . Other guys can get the rest they need and the healing they need to make a push in the playoffs.’’ The Patriots can clinch the third seed with a win, but they won't know who they'll play in the first round until Sunday night. “I don’t think anybody’s 100 percent this time of year that’s played 15 regular-season games,’’ Belichick said. “We’re out there, those guys are fighting through it, fighting through to be on the practice field so we can get our timing and execution during the week, and then fighting through it on Sunday. That’s what good players do, and we’re fortunate to have a lot of good players on this team.’’ Source: Boston Globe
for the most part, i believe in keeping the starters in there the whole time regardless of playoff seed implications. it helps the players keep their edge, timing, chemistry, sharpenss and momentum.
