The question has been asked over and over, with everyone possible taking a whack at answering. When teams have a playoff spot completely locked up, it?s only natural that this storyline takes over the entire week.
How much should the Patriots play their starters vs. the Dolphins?
The most definitive stance came from QB Tom Brady, who spoke Friday on this topic.
?We?re playing,? Brady said. ?That?s just the way it is. It?s a football game, I?m the starting QB of the team, I?m going to play.?
Meanwhile, coach Bill Belichick has been noncommittal.
?I think you take into consideration all the information that you have and do the best you can with it,? Belichick said. ?Whatever we have to work with over current (or) previous experiences and so forth ? it could be a long list of things ? but in the end, you take it all and put it together and do what you feel like is best for everyone.?
By now, I think the assumption is that Brady isn?t messing around. He?ll play. But what about the others? Will those ailing starters like WR Deion Branch (knee), TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) and OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin) have a day off? Will Wes Welker sit so no one temps fate?
If they play, how much? A few series? The entire game? In between?
Lots of questions to be answered Sunday.
How much should the Patriots play their starters vs. the Dolphins?
The most definitive stance came from QB Tom Brady, who spoke Friday on this topic.
?We?re playing,? Brady said. ?That?s just the way it is. It?s a football game, I?m the starting QB of the team, I?m going to play.?
Meanwhile, coach Bill Belichick has been noncommittal.
?I think you take into consideration all the information that you have and do the best you can with it,? Belichick said. ?Whatever we have to work with over current (or) previous experiences and so forth ? it could be a long list of things ? but in the end, you take it all and put it together and do what you feel like is best for everyone.?
By now, I think the assumption is that Brady isn?t messing around. He?ll play. But what about the others? Will those ailing starters like WR Deion Branch (knee), TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) and OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin) have a day off? Will Wes Welker sit so no one temps fate?
If they play, how much? A few series? The entire game? In between?
Lots of questions to be answered Sunday.
