So you don't think that Atlantic even tried to win against Carolina? Or are you saying that due to the 44-11 score?

>I actually meant teams actually showing up in their respective playoff games as opposed to slacking up in end-of season games after clinching all they can clinch (and those who have been eliminated from contention for that matter).
>
>I think it bites either way for the fans since they are still forking out $$$ to see a quality game. I was pi$$ed at the Cowboys for laying down against the Rams once they found out they had been eliminated from the playoffs earlier that day. They needed a loss by Carolina (against the Falcons who certainly mailed it in) or a loss by Washington (against the Eagles who actually played to try to win).
>
>>Regarding playoff teams actually showing up for the game, what do you think of the strategy of easing off the gas after the playoff spot is clinched? That was a big issue this season. The Colts lost one game legitimately, to the Chargers, then mailed it in the rest of the way. (And obviously they had other things going on at the same time). The Bengals and Bears laid down in their last games against inferior opponents. I don't think that's healthy, particularly for teams with little playoff experience. Sure, you don't want to lose a key player to injury in a "meaningless" game. But pro football players are such creatures of habit. Even the bye week is enough to throw them off. Winning can quickly become a habit, and so can losing. As a Bears fan I have been thinking about this with more than passing interest. Far be it from me to criticize the coach of the year, who I respect greatly for turning it around, but it bothers me that Rex Grossman has taken something like 80
>snaps
>> in the last year and a half. He could have used the tuneup. I hope the Bears don't turn into the next Tampa Bay -- a shutdown defense that isn't enough. Sooner or later you have to be able to score on offense.
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>>Same easing-off-the-gas concern about the Bengals -- terrific breakout season, got walloped by the Chiefs in another "meaningless" game last week, and now they have to play the surging Steelers. I consider them underdogs in their own stadium.
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>>I will miss the Giants-Panthers game today but should be back in time for Bengals-Steelers. Enjoy!
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>>>Got that right. Playoff teams actually tend to at least SHOW UP for the game, unlike the Atlanta Faldowns. As a Cowboys fan, we really appreciated Atlanta's effort last weekend. At least the Eagles had enough pride to try to beat Washington.
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>>>>I seriously doubt the Panthers will give a repeat performance of last weekend, but GO PANTHERS!