If you are the Saints coach, what do you do this week. Rest or Play

[saltybulldog]

Since they dont need to win for playoff position, do you rest everyone in hopes that the entire team is 100% after the bye week? OR, do you play to win knowing that a W, on the road, against an improved Carolina team...playing as good as anyone in the NFC...would be a potential confidence boost.

To me, finishing the season 0-3 is cause for concern. I would rather them play to win and go into the playoffs coming of a win against a good team.

 

[JacksonDevilDog]

If they bench everyone, losing this game won't matter to them. I play the damn scout team against Carolina and let the secondary continue to get healthy. It would be Saints luck to start Brees and he tears an ACL with home field wrapped up.

 

[JohnDawg]

their confidence was shot 2 weeks ago when they lost to the Cowboys. No more perfect season. Next on the agenda was to secure home field advantage. They did that with the Vikings loss last night. I'd say they're confidence is ok knowing they're the #1 seed in the NFC. They just need a big *** crowbar to pry their heads from their asses and get back to playing good football.</p>

 

[BigLeagueChew]

damage their mental psyche for the playoffs.

I say sit most players including Brees.

 

[saltybulldog]

If they finish the season - squeaking out against Washington/Atlanta, losing to Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Carolina then I would suggest their playoff chances are not very good anyway. I have heard that the Saints have played pretty basic offense and defense the last couple of weeks and not playing key players in certain situations (see Thomas, Bell, and Bush during second half of TB game) to avoid injury...but that seems odd. Maybe the team is not worried about these losses that much, but it sure bothers me.

 

[Dawgfan61]

tell the starting offense they have ONE SERIES to score. Let them know they are getting pulled no matter what.

Then sit everyone, offense, defense, everyone. If they get beat no big deal the starters weren't in. They know they need to improve. They can practice for three weeks and get healthy.

Also, I think a big part of this recent downturn is that the Saints miss Shockey. Don't get me wrong Thomas is doing great and probably a better receiver than Shockey. But, I think the Saints sorely miss Shockey's blocking. It does seem like Brees is definitely getting pressured more all of a sudden since he has been out.

 

[Dawgfan61]

tell the starting offense they have ONE SERIES to score. Let them know they are getting pulled no matter what.

Then sit everyone, offense, defense, everyone. If they get beat no big deal the starters weren't in. They know they need to improve. They can practice for three weeks and get healthy.

Also, I think a big part of this recent downturn is that the Saints miss Shockey. Don't get me wrong Thomas is doing great and probably a better receiver than Shockey. But, I think the Saints sorely miss Shockey's blocking. It does seem like Brees is definitely getting pressured more all of a sudden since he has been out.

 

[Dtoxrebel]

It just seems that without Shockey, we can't run the ball which limits Brees' play action to go over the top. The safties aren't respecting the run like earlier in the season......hence, all the 7-10 yard curl routes! Hopefully we can figure this **** out before the 2nd round.

ETA: Play the starters (Off. and Def.) one series then pull them. NO MATTER WHAT!

 

[Coast Dawg]

Anyone that is questionable or worse does not play. You max protect giving help to Bushrod and/or wherever Peppers is lined up. Lots of 3 step drops to get the ball out quickly like the Redskins did against the Saints and Brees should not get touched. Play Brees and other key starters like it was a preseason game then rest them.

I'd like to see Greer get one quarter in and then sit him

 

[Dtoxrebel]

Greer definetly needs to get some reps in

 

[Predestined]

They can rest next week. Saints better get the ship righted or it will be one and done. And one quarter ain't gonnaa get it righted.

 

[GloryDawg]

bd

 

[jackbaddawg]

one to try & build some momentem going into the play-offs. It would be nice to get a big lead so they can sit some people in the second half.

 

[JimC1097]

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