Wayne's take? Let's play until the end

If coach Jim Caldwell is open to suggestions on how to handle the remainder of the regular season once the Indianapolis Colts have wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, Reggie Wayne is more than willing to step forward.

Keep pressing on the pedal, the team's four-time Pro Bowl receiver insisted Thursday.

"If I had the opportunity to put my two cents in, I'd play," he said.

The issue could come to a head if the Colts beat Denver on Sunday. A win clinches the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Caldwell and his staff then must determine how aggressively to approach the final three games. Players nursing injuries certainly will be rested.

The debate will focus on how much to play selected front-line players in games that have no impact on the team's playoff status.

There won't be a lack of motivation. Foremost is the possibility of joining the 2007 New England Patriots as the only teams to post a 16-0 regular-season record.

"Whenever you get the opportunity to get records and history, it's always good," Wayne said. "Is it one of our goals? Not necessarily. We have the main goal and that's to (get) to the Super Bowl.

"But if that particular goal (16-0) is on the way and we can accomplish it, let's go ahead and knock it down."
Several players also might need normal playing time to reach personal milestones.

Dallas Clark needs 23 receptions to join Tony Gonzalez as the only tight ends in NFL history with 100 catches in a season. He needs 141 yards to become the first tight end in club history to reach 1,000 in a season.

Wayne needs 22 catches to surpass his personal best of 104 set in 2007 and 476 yards to eclipse the 1,510 he had in '07.

Wayne believes a majority of players share his opinion, but knows their votes don't matter.

"We all can get vetoed," Wayne said. "(Caldwell) has the ultimate decision. Whatever he says goes."

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(indystar.com)