This could be a very interesting week for a Patriots team that is set on getting rest, working out some kinks and preparing for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
With a first round bye, Bill Belichick has the chance to really get his team healthy over the next few weeks. Tom Brady says he’s going to play Sunday, because he wants to work out the kinks. Belichick better not even consider sitting defensive tackle Vince Wilfork for any stretch of Sunday.
Wilfork’s contract is loaded with incentives, one of which being a $1.25 million escalator if he plays 70 percent of the Patriots defensive snaps and plays in the divisional round of the playoffs. Wilfork will definitely play in the divisional round of the playoffs, but will Belichick rest his veteran defensive tackle to prevent an unlucky injury?
According to CSNNE.com Wilfork has played in 764 of the Patriots 1,031 defensive snaps for 74.1 percent. If he sits against the Bills, there’s a good chance he dips below 70 percent.
The Patriots have been known to do shady and cutthroat business. Would Belichick, Kraft and company try to save $1.25 million by convincing Wilfork to rest because it’s the Patriots way?