Everybody is saying Lovie Smith is crazy lucky none of his starters were injured while playing in a 'meaningless' game. I immediately made the assumption that his biggest goal in playing to beat the Packers was to do everything he could to avoid having to beat the Packers again in the playoffs. If the Packers lost and the Giants won they would have been in, not the Pack. Based on how the teams are playing right now I would MUCH rather face an Eli Manning led Giants team over the Rodgers led Packers right now. just my thoughts, wondering if this crossed anyone else's mind.
I pretty much agree with that assessment. Don't forget, the Buccaneers had won earlier and still had a shot if the Packers and Giants lost and both of those teams were playing at the same time.
I think some coaches feel that they owe it to other good teams to give them a fighting chance at the playoffs.
I was more than content to have him play his starters all game and play hard, no one got hurt so it's all good.