Resting Players

Did not read the whole thread, but I think the limited full pads practicing rules (which I assume has rules for the post season) will also play in to the starters being out for 3/4 unless they are injured. Bill likes his team physical and this year we have one. He wont let them go soft.

supafly said:

I would bet a decent amount of money that Tom Brady will see reps on Sunday, which will be used as a glorified scrimmage in an attempt to improve on some current problems and iron out some recent issues with the OL communication, etc.

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That's probably right.

I would be fine with Brady practicing the timing of his handoffs to running backs behind a six man line on Sunday. What I do NOT want to see his him practicing hits and sacks.

Oswlek said:

I bet Bill was fine with how the defense played, the lack of pass rush was largely intentional and they appear fine with letting Geno look reasonably competent. Rex also pulls about 7 rabbits out of his hat for Patriots games which plays against NE's approach. Even a terrible team is going to have success against the Patriots if they are willing to run plays they haven't all years.

I think you are correct about the offense, though. I think that is the biggest reason why most key offensive players start.

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Those are all fair points. I still see him starting all but those who are injured to the extent that they will benefit from an extra week's rest, but I doubt the key players will play beyond the first half. Makes it a tough game to predict in the "Predict the Score" contest.

Oswlek said:

That loss had virtually nothing to do with resting the starters. The team was dealing with the death of Joe Philbin's son and it was clear as day they were either going to struggle or be on a mission, with no in between.

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Not to mention a miracle Hail Mary for a TD right before half.

Dareus and Gilmore are doubtful for the Bills.

OK, I haven't read the recent posts. How many here really think that the starters will play for at least a half?
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And how many have come around to the idea that this is similar to the 4th preseason game?

mgteich said:

OK, I haven't read the recent posts. How many here really think that the starters will play for at least a half?
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And how many have come around to the idea that this is similar to the 4th preseason game?

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I'm guessing 1/3 of the game or so---a quarter and a half.

Be surprised to see Gronk k revis etc play more then a qtr tomorrow.

I want Gronk to play one snap, just to shake it off that injury prone talking and having again a full season.

Important items to see (IMHO):
1) Bolden gets lots of snaps. Both Jonas and Blount have recently been out due to injury. Bolden has something like 23 attempts in 2014. That's a very unpracticed number for a guy who could be needed to take a lot of snaps against playoff caliber teams.
2) OL blocking. Sit Connolly and whoever else needs healing, have the rest of 'em play extra reps -- into JAG time if needed. These guys need all the in game practice they can get.
3) #3 and #4 CBs getting reps and playing well.
4) Siliga gettings lots of reps.
5) No one gets injured, those that could really really use additional rest/healing actually getting it.
6) JAG makes some good choices/throws.

I'd like to see these 6 things while letting the score of a meaningless game play out however it plays out. If one is superstitious then, maybe, it's better for the Pats to lose. It resets the superstition clock against a team we have beaten like 666 times in a row.