New Orleans-Atlanta: Black & Gold Xs & Os' Protest To Sean Payton

In recent weeks, Sean Payton has been receiving many accolades from the national media, and gaining steam as a potential Coach of the Year candidate (which would be his second such award in four years).

No doubt, he is among the best in the game as an offensive play-designer and play-caller. He is known as being a good motivator and communicator. And this season he has greatly improved his ability to manage game situations, including challenging fewer questionable plays.

Most notably, Sunday his timeout in overtime forced a booth review, which led to the Saints defense gaining possession of the football, and that led to a 12th consecutive victory, by far the most in franchise history.

All that being said, perhaps the most important decision he will make all season is one he must at least begin to contemplate. Having clinched the division, and needing only three more wins to guarantee home-field advantage throughout the entire NFC playoffs, when, if ever, should Payton rest his starters?

Never mind, talk of going undefeated. Seriously, who cares if they go undefeated in the regular season? Been there, done that...yawn.

The most commonly played out circumstance is to play your starters until Week 15 and then rest them the final game.

Two years ago, with Tampa Bay knowing they were locked into their playoff spot two weeks before the season ended, Jon Gruden chose to rest his starters for two weeks. It didn't work out too well as the Bucs got destroyed at home by the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Something I have never seen done, but I think is at least worth considering is:

Rest your starters in this upcoming game. I know it's a road game against a division rival who still has a chance at the playoffs. Nonetheless, please hear me out.

Because of the Saints' schedule, their next game will be on short rest (Saturday night, Dec. 19) against the Cowboys. You could say, "Well, why not rest the guys in that game?" Honestly, that's a great idea, but here's why I favor resting them this game:

First of all, the Saints' bye week was Week Five, meaning they've played eight consecutive games. This week would be a natural time for a bye.

Second, going into the playoffs, I'm a little more concerned about the Cowboys than the Falcons, meaning I want to win that game more. Winning is more difficult on one less day of rest.

Most of all, I'm concerned about two full weeks off before playing another game, as is the case with teams that earn first-round byes.

Plus, by taking that week off now, the starters can go full bore the last three weeks in case the team does lose this week and needs to continue winning to earn that home-field advantage. Then they would get another well-timed bye week, as opposed to having consecutive bye weeks.

The Falcons may gain back the services of QB Matt Ryan, which is a definite boost. Does this change my mind? Honestly, no. They were struggling before he got hurt and are struggling without him.

My final point is that the Saints have been without four defensive starters for most of the past four weeks. What's the difference in missing approximately three more?

Offensively, give Mark Brunell a chance to operate the offense for a half, you know, just in case. In the second half, give rookie Chase Daniel a chance to see if there's anything there for the future.

Lynell Hamilton deserves a chance to get some carries after working his butt off the past two years. Courtney Roby and some of the other young receivers could use a chance to prove their worth at the receiver spots.

I know this is not a common belief, but I'm used to that. It's an idea. An idea I would at least consider if I were Sean Payton. Then again, he's the one who will probably win Coach of the Year, not me.

Geaux Saints!