Not So Fast: Colts' Head Coach Says Starters Will Play

With the Indianapolis Colts having clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs, the focus around Indy shifted from talk of an undefeated season to how much the team's regular players would see the field in its final three games. I can tell you -- being a resident -- all the sports talk radio in the Indy area Monday revolved around what the Colts should do in their final three games. The major sentiment is that the "resting" players hasn't helped the Colts in the past. The one time they won the Super Bowl, they had to play out all 16 games and even a first-round playoff game.

We know how Indianapolis' front office feels about the situation, but Jim Caldwell is still the head coach and it's ultimately his decision. What we don't know is how Caldwell really plans to play it. With Tony Dungy, there was a track record from which he wouldn't stray. Caldwell was groomed under Dungy, but he's also shown a propensity to be a lot more aggressive in many different aspects of coaching.

Not that an NFL coach has ever led the media -- and, in turn, his upcoming opponents -- astray, but if Caldwell's statements Monday were any indication, don't expect Indy to take its foot off the gas just yet.

"We're going to approach it like we do any other game," Caldwell said, when asked if quarterback Peyton Manning would be pulled early in a game that means nothing to the Colts (13-0) in the standings.

Now, the one sentiment we've definitely heard from the front office is that they want people who are banged up to be healthy for the playoffs. This could mean that guys like Dwight Freeney, who are currently playing through pain, or players like Joseph Addai, who have battled minor injuries this year would be rested. In this case, it also could mean someone like Manning -- who never misses a game and isn't playing through any reported injuries -- will play the whole game.

Let's keep in mind Caldwell was only specifically asked about this week's game. It's entirely possible he doesn't believe the Colts can maintain a high level of play when sitting regulars down for upwards of a month -- considering there are three more regular-season games and then a first-round bye in the playoffs. Who could blame him? That's a long way to go without actual game reps.

Now, can we believe Caldwell? I don't see why not. He hasn't tried to play Eric Mangini this season, so there's no reason to think he's misleading now.

This is purely speculation, but I believe the Colts will try to get a big enough lead early with their best players in the game, so that they can stay on top of their game and minimize the risk of injury. At least for this week.

The side-story here is how this affects the entire landscape of the AFC Playoffs. The Colts face Jacksonville Thursday night. The Jaguars are currently in a four-way tie for the last playoff spot. I'm guessing the Jets, Dolphins and Ravens would like to see Peyton and company all game -- or at least long enough to beat the Jags.