The decision to bench Peyton Manning: Right or wrong?

In light of Colts coach Jim Caldwell’s decision to bench Peyton Manning and a few other key starters in the third quarter of yesterday’s Jets/Colts game, a decision that many would argue directly led to the Colts’ first loss of the season, sports pundits and average Joe sports fans are debating as to whether or not the decision was the right one or wrong one to make. I can see both sides of the argument; on one hand, you’ve already locked in home field advantage for the playoffs and you want to protect your star starters from injury in the last couple of games of the regular season, but on the other hand, you are desirous of maintaining your undefeated season all the way until the end. I’d give the edge to the playoffs argument, as freak accidents happen all the time in the NFL – and the last thing you want to happen is to have any of your starters injured seriously enough that they can’t join the team on the field for the playoffs.

What do you think?

While everyone is pondering the answer to that question, I think a look at how to safely lift heavy dumbbells is important. And who better to demonstrate that than Peyton Manning himself?

:D

And while on the topic of football, there’s been a lot of talk around here that Panthers Coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney would be asked to leave the building – for good – after this season is over, but the Charlotte Observer is reporting that the two will be offered the “opportunity to return” next season. Should the two decide to stay on (and I suspect they will), the end of next season will be another matter entirely:

Fox, whose contract will expire after the 2010 season, will not be offered an extension, however. Sources say he is scheduled to make about $6 million next season.

The return of the general manager and coaches could be a reward for upset victories the last two Sundays of Minnesota and the New York Giants.

Another factor, however, could be a potential lockout after the 2010 season. Contract negotiations between owners and players is expected to be bitter. If the owners lock the players out, teams might reduce expenses to prepare for the economic fallout.

Stay tuned …

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