Colts Pull Starters, Jets Win

The New York Jets traveled to Indianapolis to play the undefeated Colts. The Jets, due to the results of the early games, now had their playoff destiny in their own hands. A win would put the Jets in a good position. The Colts, undefeated, would be a tough foe. Or not. The game was a close one, with the Colts looking good for the win, leading 9-3 at the end of the first half. Brad Smith, who played QB for Mizzou, ran back the second half kick for a touchdown to make the score 10-9 Jets leading. Payton Manning leads the Colts down the field in a 9 play 4:35 minute long drive culminating in a tough run by rookie Donald Brown. Colts lead 15-10 after their two point conversion attempt fails. The Jets have the ball for several plays, but stall and punt the ball back to Indy. The Colts prepare to start a new offensive series at their 10 yard line...wait, who is that at QB? Painter? What? Curtis Painter, rookie QB out of Purdue is in the game! Not to mention all these other subs. The Colts score no more points. On Painter's first play, he fumbles and the Jets recover the ball and run it for a TD. Painter guides the Colts to three consecutive 3-and-outs. He is intercepted. Meantime the Jets score another TD and a field goal. Game to Jets: final score 29-15.

Now, I do understand the Colts' logic in taking out their star players to prevent injuries and that going undefeated is really not that important to them. Blah blah blah. However, I am perturbed in two ways: one, their decision affected the outcome of this game, and thus, not only the playoff chances of the Jets, but of other teams too. Secondly, I really think this decision can be second guessed come playoff time. The Colts have been defeated in the playoffs every year except one year: the year their regulars played up to the end of the season. We'll see what happens, but this sort of thing I think turns out more bad then good, especially for the Colts. As for me, I'm happy the Jets were the happy beneficiaries of this move; with the Giants bombing, they are the only NFL team from New York with play off chances.