Saints head coach Sean Payton has it right, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell does not.
Payton rested quarterback Drew Brees and several other key starters in a 23-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers Sunday in Charlotte. The Saints Panthers game had almost zero relevance in week 17. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to change that. Goodell floated the idea of awarding additional draft choices to teams who play their starters, even though they cannot enhance their postseason position.
The idea is silly.
New England will head to the playoffs without their best receiver. Sunday at Houston, Wes Welker's left knee buckled as he made a cut. Welker reportedly has a torn ACL and MCL. He is not only done for the playoffs, but could miss the start of next season.
What justification would Payton have, if early in the first quarter, a Panther had rolled up on the ankle of Drew Brees?
The Saints will head to the playoffs with a three game losing streak. And, head coach Sean Payton has no problem with that.