I just look at it as their chances of winning a ring with Manning as their quarterback vs winning a ring with Manning on the sidelines in a protective boot or a sling or what have you.
I referenced this earlier as a reason why I was surprised they took the starters out.
I think those that HAVE the record are slightly more attached to it than those that DON'T HAVE the record.
That is the single thing they have in their life that no other person can take from them.
If the Patriots didn't go 18-1 or the Colts weren't 14-0, nobody would have any bloody idea who Mercury Morris was or how Griese felt about resting Manning or telling the Saints/Colts that losing a game before the post-season would get them focused (something I thought was stupidly unprofessional since he was acting as an analyst giving advice).
Of course they feel it is a great thing that is important enough to defend. That's their thing.
I also think that Michael Irvin was insane when he said he'd give everything back to have the one perfect season.
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"And that's how you play aces."
Yeah, you make kings run in to them.
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