The Colts have clinched the AFC South for the fifth consecutive time, and also a first-round bye in the playoffs. So what does that mean for the Colts the rest of the regular season? I ask this because I am concerned about letting the starters get too much rest before the Divisional Round playoff game - which figures to be against a tough opponent this year. I really don't want the first team defense to rest after an effort where they allowed 149 yards on the ground. I'd rather the O-line take a break after giving up 3 sacks and pushing for only a 2.9 YPC rushing. I don't want Peyton and the receiving corps leaning back and relaxing after getting only 276 yards and a single TD through the air, which was further mired by a touchdown. And I certainly don't want Joseph Addai to rest on his laurels after only getting 44 yards against the 31st ranked run defense.
Look I love the Colts, especially this 07 variety. I'm not a cynic, not a pessimist. I just want my team READY to hit the Playoffs hard. That's why I hoped the Steelers would play us close until the end so we had to fight for that No. 2 seed. I don't mind the bye - it looks like Joe might have hit his "1-year veteran wall" - but I don't want two weeks of starters playing a quarter or two, and then resting, and then sitting in lounge chairs at practice with their Division Champion hats on, and then getting a bye week to prepare for the playoffs. The Colts perform better with less rest, check out the history books. I don't know what the league's general history is here, but this team plays a better underdog.
But I know that Dungy will do what it takes to get the O-line and D-line healthy again, and get Marvin back on the field. I think these are the keys to success, in addition to letting KK get more reps in run or pass-block capacities so Joe can get back to where he needs to be(not to mention get KK the confidence he needs).
I don't live in Tony Dungy's head, so I don't know what this means to him, I just hope it means it's time to get some more practice time in.