Yesterday, the Pats played well enough to win against the top level Bills. The result affects the Pats' draft position going into the new season. Had they lost, they'd have had first pick. Who doesn't want that.. As they won, they drop to fourth. That hurts.
I can't help wonder if the Bills did that intentionally. It sure seemed so, giving up in the fourth quarter, not being at all competitive. If you aren't familiar with this situation, many top teams rest their good players, saving them for the playoff round that's about to start. That actually makes sense. But, teams are supposed to be competitive throughout the season, and that includes the last game. Yesterday, the Bills - not so much.
I occurs to me that this is a good time for a rules change. How about this. Whatever complement of players you chose for your last half must be the same players that play the first half of the first playoff game.
That sounds fair and competitive to me.
FWIW - congrats the the Pats for playing hard, if only for pride. Had they also not been competitive, maybe they'd lose as everyone expected, and maybe they'd have that first round draft. If only...
