[SBR Lou]

I don't think it matters too much. Realistically, everyone keeps making it seem like if the Giants play Eli Manning, Burress, and Jacobs (along with their other regular starters), that the Patriots are in for a long night. They aren't the Colts lol, they are not even the best team in their conference.

[VegasDave]

Am I the only one that thinks they play not for history but to actually compete against the league's best team?

Isn't the goal to win the Super Bowl? Resting players MAY help that goal, but I think beating the Patriots gives you a tad bit more motivation heading into the playoffs that you can beat anyone.

At least compete.

[pokernut9999]

May cover but no SU win.

[VegasDave]

P.S. I am not saying they have what it takes to win. But THEY should think so, if they have any pride.

[SBR Lou]

Isn't the goal to win the Super Bowl? Resting players MAY help that goal, but I think beating the Patriots gives you a tad bit more motivation heading into the playoffs that you can beat anyone.

At least compete.

That's the thing. If the Giants beat the Patriots, or play four quarters and it's a very close game, chances are the very next week they'll come out flat against a more rested Tampa Bay team. If they play and get blown out, that also doesn't help their confidence. I can almost guarantee that if Coughlin either almost beats the Pats, or does beat the Pats, and gets knocked out first round of the playoffs there'll be a world of hurt on him from Giants ownership and the media. He also has some starters who really could use the rest who are coming off some injuries.

The Patriots have a bye, so them not playing actually would leave them a bit rusty if they didn't get enough playing time. The only players you should really rest are the guys who have nagging injuries, but the healthy guys need the playing time. The Patriots already declared a few starters out for the game, so whoever needs the rest is getting it on their side of the ball.

[VegasDave]

When (not if) Tampa Bay beats the Giants next week, they can make whatever excuses they want, but using what they do this week as an excuse will just be typical lazy journalism.

I'd love to get paid thousands of dollars to ridicule coaches and players decisions and plays AFTER they have happened. Pretty damn easy money. And then write in a pretentious manner as if I knew all along.

Injury: He should have rested his starters...
1st round loss (play): He should have rested his starters...
1st round loss (rest): You have to think resting everyone last week was a mistake they came out rusty this week

[SBR Lou]

If I was the Giants coach, I'd play for the championship, whatever gave me the best possible chance to get that far. I'd personally already be game-planning for Tampa Bay, and I'd make sure all of the key guys I'm going to need the very next week are rested and ready to roll.

They play for themselves, not the fans, not anyone else. Most of their fans have sold their tickets to Patriots fans, this will be more like a road game for them. They should play maybe a quarter or two, and let guys rest. Every team that came close to beating New England suffered a letdown the following week. That includes Indy, Baltimore, Philly. It takes all of their energy to hang close with them, and that's not something you want to use up one week before your playoff game.

Hopefully it's a great game either way.

[Wrigley]

If the Giants go one and out in the playoffs this year Tom Caughlin could lose his job.

So I think I would rest Jacobs and Strahan tonight, And once the Pats get up by 2 scores pull alot of starters.

[Dark Horse]

A who-blinks-first game. I think the Giants blink first and pull their starters, because Pats have an extra week to recover. The early scoreline and nature of the game will decide a lot about how the second half is played. If Umenyiora gets to Brady a couple of times, there is no way that Belichick will put him out there very long. If the Pats take an early lead of two scores, both teams may call it a day. I would love to see an early Giants lead, but will wait for halftime to see if there's a betting angle I like.

[greek]

brady in yo face!!!!!!!!!!!