CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Let’s say the Carolina Panthers get to 15-0, have home-field advantage locked up throughout the playoffs and are in a tight game against Tampa Bay in the regular-season finale.
Does coach Ron Rivera sit key players such as quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly at the expense of a 16-0 season?
Rivera says he doesn’t know what he’ll do in terms of resting players vs. going for the win.
Here’s my two cents: Because only four teams – the 1934 Chicago Bears, 1942 Bears, 1972 Miami Dolphins and 2008 New England Patriots – have gone undefeated and untied in the regular season, Rivera would leave his starters in until it is obvious the Panthers will win or lose.