By Josh Katzenstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
First (take)
NFL players and coaches hate hearing the term “meaningless game.”
It’s fitting for media and fans to describe Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers as meaningless because there are no playoff implications, but that word really bothers people in the NFL.
Each game in the NFL is significant in some way. What if the Panthers win on Sunday, fall a few spots in the draft order and then miss a franchise-altering player in the draft? What if a key Saints player suffers an injury before their playoff run?
There’s also the basic concept that many of these players are playing for their future. If a Saints backup has an impressive game, perhaps he could earn a chance with another team next year.
Then, there are the records. NFL record books don’t account for a team resting its starters in a season finale, so there are some Saints players that could fall short of some milestones if they don’t play. The Saints are focused more on doing what they must to give themselves the best chance at winning the Super Bowl, and personal accolades should take a back seat.
However, as you prepare to watch a game Sunday that some people will call meaningless, here’s a look at what’s on the line for this year’s Saints team and players. ...
Full Story - NOLA.com
First (take)
NFL players and coaches hate hearing the term “meaningless game.”
It’s fitting for media and fans to describe Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers as meaningless because there are no playoff implications, but that word really bothers people in the NFL.
Each game in the NFL is significant in some way. What if the Panthers win on Sunday, fall a few spots in the draft order and then miss a franchise-altering player in the draft? What if a key Saints player suffers an injury before their playoff run?
There’s also the basic concept that many of these players are playing for their future. If a Saints backup has an impressive game, perhaps he could earn a chance with another team next year.
Then, there are the records. NFL record books don’t account for a team resting its starters in a season finale, so there are some Saints players that could fall short of some milestones if they don’t play. The Saints are focused more on doing what they must to give themselves the best chance at winning the Super Bowl, and personal accolades should take a back seat.
However, as you prepare to watch a game Sunday that some people will call meaningless, here’s a look at what’s on the line for this year’s Saints team and players. ...
Full Story - NOLA.com