So, now that another NFL season has closed and 12 fan bases are gearing up for the playoffs, people around the country who aren't part of those fan bases have a lot to say. DISCLAIMER: I live in western PA so the Steelers are the topic I'm flooded with the most. Therefore I will talk about them in this post the most. This has nothing to do with my seething hatred for the city of Pittsburgh. So, that being said let's talk about the whining and acceptance of Steeler nation.
The Steelers had their chance to get into the playoffs. They needed first to win against the Dolphins. Then they needed 3 teams to lose (Baltimore, Denver , and New York Jets). Outside shot of course but none the less they had a shot. Now, in comes the issue; Steelers linebacker, LaMarr Woodley, claimed that teams will intentionally lose games to keep the Steelers out of the playoffs. Now, all this may be is fodder for Steeler Nation to claim conspiracy for the reasons why they didn't get into the playoffs. But the bigger question emerges, should teams who have wrapped up the playoff spot sit their stars or play them?
Let's look at the Colts. On the verge of a perfect regular season, sits their stars in a game early. They would end up losing the game, and their quest for a perfect season. Some people chastise the Colts head coach Jim Caldwell for pulling the starters and not pushing for a perfect season. But be real people. If Peyton Manning got injured in that game and he missed any playoff games that would be a real problem. If any of the teams starters got hurt that not only takes him out of the game but it shortens the depth of the team at that position.
Moving along to the Bungles (Bengals). They pretty much rolled over to the Jets last night (1/3/10). Win or lose the Bengals would have a home game next week against a wild card team. While the Jets on the other hand was playing for the last playoff spot. On top of that it was the home game in Giants' Stadium. Who had the greater motivation?
The problem some fans have is that some teams benefit from late season lethargy, while other teams lose out. If the Bengals won that game the Texans take that last playoff spot from the Jets. So, some fans down in Houston may have some bitter feelings. Which may be compounded by the fact the Jets were the team that beat the Colts last week. To some it may seem the Jets benefited from two teams that really had nothing to play for. Some people see some unfairness in this and suggest seeding should be done differently.
I've heard points system, where wins in the end of the season count for more than the beginning. I've heard and NCAA basketball selection committee style system. I've heard of docking or giving teams draft picks based on end of the season performance. But in my opinion these are just systems to excuse losses. The system in place is perfect. Win the games you need to win.
Having a selection committee chose seedings isn't feasible with a 12 team bracket. The only reason it works in College Basketball is because there are so many and diverse programs and theres 65 tourney spots (and there is talk of adding more). Two teams with the same record and have no common ground must be looked at and decided by a 'neutral' party (neutral in quotes because I'm sure program prestige comes into play).
Having a season points system with early wins meaning less than late ones only devalues early season games. This really makes them glorified pre-season games. Also, this complicates scheduling. Each team will have to play equal number of early and late season games at home. Each team has to play all division games in the same part of of the season. And it doesn't really solve the problem. If teams are dominate enough they can still afford to rest the last week (and we a back where we started).
Docking teams or rewarding teams for late season win is the worst idea yet. If I were a coach I'd plan to win the Super Bowl and then worry about next season. Plus, the better a team is the further they fall in the draft order. Plus, where do these docked drafts go? Does it mean that few players are selected in the draft? Are they awarded to other teams? If so then who and how are they selected?
As a football fan at the start of the season there is only 1 goal: WIN THE SUPER BOWL! Not have a perfect season. Let's face it only 1 out of 2 teams that won all regular season games have won the Super Bowl. I will take 8-8 squeaking into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl, than go 16-0 and lose it.
Win the games you need to win. Meaning: get a playoff spot, get a divisional championship, get a first round bye, get home field advantage. After that many wins there is nothing more to gain. Except risk of injury, exposing your game plans. "You play to win the game", isn't a quote I agree with. I'd say you play to win the Super Bowl.
