If the Pats go up big on the Jets.....

[Ochmed Jones]

Do we start to rest any starters? Do we try to work some of the young kids in on defense? (Woods, Alexander, Merriweather; they could all use some meaningful reps in the base defense.)

Or do we continue to keep the pedal to the metal and try to be the first NFL team to hit 100 points in a game?

 

[psychoPat]

There's no doubt in my mind that
A Perfect Season
has become a genuine object of value to BB and his boys.

Sure, "work them in" a bit more.
But not so as to take his foot off the gas - and win out.

 

[Ring 6]

Do we start to rest any starters? Do we try to work some of the young kids in on defense? (Woods, Alexander, Merriweather; they could all use some meaningful reps in the base defense.)

Or do we continue to keep the pedal to the metal and try to be the first NFL team to hit 100 points in a game?

I dont think the issue is trying to explode the scoreboard, and I dont think the issue is getting back ups reps.
To me the biggest issue is having the players who will be playing in the playoffs on the field staying sharp.
IMO, if you rest your starters to get backups more experience, you lose more than you gain.
The backups are gaining mopup, blowout experience which will do them no good if they need to play in a tight game. The starters lose their edge.
The reason to not bench our best players isn't to run up a score, or even to be 16-0. Its because we need them sharp and peaking for the playoffs. Rest will make them rusty,especially with a bye week in week 18,.

 

[mgteich]

I would expect starters to be rested in the fourth quarter. My preference would be in the 2nd series of the 2nd half.

 

[Metaphors]

Belichick and his team have their eyes on a bigger prize. The revenge angle is personal and will help to focus during the week of preparation (like the guarantee last week), but it means nothing on Sunday.

Belichick has goals for the Jets game and he will rest starters if and when those goals are achieved. I just doubt that punishing the Jets and putting up an embarrasing score is on his list of goals.

The Pats should win comfortably, but not a demolition. The starters should come out sometime in the middle of the 4th quarter (maybe earlier/later depending on score). Belichick will give a "cold fish" handshake and mutter something unrecognizable. All will be right with the world...and the talking heads will have to dig deep to find something to fill up their week of Patriots' side stories.

 

[PantsB]

Against Miami, yes. Against the Giants, yes. Not against the Jets. Its both too early and its the Jets.

 

[Mogamedogz]

Im expecting to see allot of Kyle Eckel this weekend, and hopefully a little more Chad Jackson.

 

[NEPatriot]

100 points is not realistic at all.

What is realistic on this Sun is we are going to have a new record for number of TDs in NFL history. Tom and Randy are the MAN.

BB is the MAN, the myth, and the legend.

 

[Patsman]

I honestly don't need to see us blow out the Jets in historical ways - we're better than that at this point. I would almost like to see us look immaculate for a half and make everyone wonder what could have been - throw a 28-0 spot on them at the half, let Tom and gang play a little of the third and give the gang some well needed rest.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Given the weather forecast for Sunday, I'll settle for a Pats win, any margin, and no injuries. Seriously.

 

[ayjackson]

I think they'll rest their starters if up big against the Jets and the 'fins. Against the Giants though, they'll treat it as a playoff game - it's a perfect opportunity to gear up again. The Meadowlands will be a hostile environment and the Giants can get after the QB. Their offense, on occasion can get up and down the field too.

 

[CrazyDave]

Given the weather forecast for Sunday, I'll settle for a Pats win, any margin, and no injuries. Seriously.

That's where I'm at.
At this point, winning is all that matters.