Pats might want to lose week 17 on purpose

[Ring 6]

This of course is tongue in cheek, but I felt like this is what we did last year. Not a good feeling. I doubt BB does it again.

I think last year the ol was so injured that we played the last few games trying to not expose Brady to getting hurt. The first half of Miami was abysmal.
It's really the only time i can make no sense at all out of what BB did. So given that we pretty much had the end of the bench starting in the ol and it sucked out loud that is the only logic I see.

 

[TB_Helmet]

It's an interesting discussion but maybe let's wait until the next two games have been played? Way too many hypotheticals. I just barely got started with the playoff machine scenario generator to think about this.

 

[mgteich]

The issue, as always, will be which starters we want to rest.

Those playing the game will be playing to win, even if no seeding difference for us is at stake.

Just BTW, I think Miami will be out of it when we play them.

 

[captain stone]

I would absolutely LOVE to see ALL of Denver, Indy & Baltimore not make the POs. If that means
that an already-clinched #1 seed Patriots rests multiple vets in Miami, thereby giving Miami a win and
PO spot ahead of the aforementioned others, then so be it.

 

[deroc5050]

Lets just beat Denver this weekend. Another huge game.

 

[TinhWoodhead]

ravens fan at half time?

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

I would absolutely LOVE to see ALL of Denver, Indy & Baltimore not make the POs. If that means
that an already-clinched #1 seed Patriots rests multiple vets in Miami, thereby giving Miami a win and
PO spot ahead of the aforementioned others, then so be it.

 

[ausbacker]

In a short space of time, too much can change in football. You can rest guys, but you don't play to lose.

 

[Chevy]

If the games are in Foxborough then it does not matter.

 

[doesntmatter1]

I do not like throwing games. But you are getting to far ahead, and forgetting that our division is filled with Aholes that will throw a wrench into plans for the hell of it. Watch the Jets and Bills play their best games and kick the shiz out of Matt Moore lol.

 

[BobDigital]

Let me be clear. I am not telling you we should tell players to intentionally lose but you sit all your vets and don't even play key back ups. Send your C team out there. Put some guys who are usually on your practice squad out there. The Dolphins will be desperate to win and go all out.

For instance QB - Don't play Brady, Maybe some Jimmy then you go to Brisset (your 3rd best QB plays the majority of the game)
RB - Sit Blount, White, Lewis. Play Foster/Develin/JAG
WR - sit Edelman/Hogan. Give Mitchell reps and promote some JAG
TE - sit Bennett and play whoever or dress no TE to dress extra RBs or WRs or whatever.
OL - sit Cannon/Solder/Mason. Give Thuney/Andrews some reps with some back ups.

Tell that squad to go out there and win vs a desperate Miami team with a 100% vanilla game plan not showing anything else until the playoffs. This will be run up the middle 2 times and pass one time offense.

On D do the same. Play backups with the same look every time.

This is not you trying to lose the game but it would almost certainly have the effect of that.

 

[Wordsmyth]

 

[wizwor]

I hate these threads. The idea of a team losing on purpose is repulsive. It's disrespectful to the game, the opposing team, and the people who paid a lot of money to watch.

That said, if things are settled after the Denver game, I would be fine with Jimmy G. playing the last two. I think it would be a good opportunity to rest the GOAT and showcase Garoppolo.

Just the same, that does not seem to be in the Pats DNA and I think TB12 will at least start the final two games.

I know this is looking ahead but if things line up right it makes sense.

If the Pats beat Denver this week the best they can do is 10-6 (at 8-5) Pats @ KC Oak
On the other hand Miami is a team we can give a free win to (at 8-5) @ NYJ @ Bills Pats

As long as the first round bye and #1 seed is wrapped before this game there is no reason to want to win it. Also it ups your chances of maybe getting one the Dolphins/Texans/Titans in the divisional round as they are the 6th and 4th seed most likely. I would not be upset about that.

I know this is looking ahead but it is possible depending on how things go this week (A Pats win/Denver loss and Miami win) i think we can force Miami in.

 

[varjao]

 

[Brewskies]

Doesn't matter you still don't throw the game. Professional athletes play with pride

And to WIN

 

[fightingirish595]

I kind of hope week 17 is a must win for home field so everyone has to play. Then there is no second guessing if we were to come out flat in the divisional round

 

[TinhWoodhead]

don't need to purposely lose to miami, we have a hard time winning down there anyways

 

[captain stone]

That is hilarious!

 

[Ring 6]

I hate these threads. The idea of a team losing on purpose is repulsive. It's disrespectful to the game, the opposing team, and the people who paid a lot of money to watch.

That said, if things are settled after the Denver game, I would be fine with Jimmy G. playing the last two. I think it would be a good opportunity to rest the GOAT and showcase Garoppolo.

Just the same, that does not seem to be in the Pats DNA and I think TB12 will at least start the final two games.

I don't disagree with your point but I believe it is more important for key players to play and be peaking than to sit in the sideline and get rusty.
To me the risk of rust and being flat is greater than the risk of injury.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Lets just beat Denver this weekend. Another huge game.

Agree, if all of my focus is not on Denver we could make mental mistakes and lose.