A Letter to Jim Caldwell.

Dear Coach,

Howdy!  Hope all is well!  Tell Cheryl and the kids I said "Hi!"

Now down to business.

I've heard some nasty rumors going around that some starters may rest on the offensive side of the football Sunday against the Jets.  As a fan who is planning on attending the game, I would like to beseech you, watch yourself, buddy.  Your predecessor, Tony Dungy will go down in history as one of the greatest coaches of all time.  From his outstandingly consistent record (ninth best in history) to his relaxed demeanor that made him a legend, Tony was always a fantastic coach.  I beg you, however, to take this journey with me, Jimmy.

What if he hadn't sabotaged his offense countless times?  What if he didn't try to coach so much?  Could we, would we, be the best team ever?

Tony's only flaw (and I mean ONLY flaw) was trying to coach Peyton Manning.  You know Tony.  Just like yourself, he's a defensive guy.  You don't want Dwight Freeney playing right now for two reasons.

1. He's nursing injury and should take the next month to get to full strength for the playoffs.
2. His job is to hit people.

Peyton, however, is a different story.  Peyton wants his offense starting, and that's what he should get.  If we rest Peyton, even for a quarter, we will lose the momentum that we have gained, and we can't afford to do that.  We're at 14-0.  We've won 23 straight.  We are, arguably, the greatest team of this decade.

But, Jimmy, we must remember how much that record means in the end.

Even if we go 16-0, let's remember 2005 (oh god) when we were ousted by the Steelers.

Or what about 2000 when we were upset by the underdog Titans?

But that's not what's scary.  What's scary is what will invariably lie around the corner if we travel down the path of greatness.  In 2006 when we won the Super Bowl, we were tested, because that's the way it must be.  Our last-place defense was forced to stop the Chiefs.  Our mediocre run came was forced to outrun the Ravens.  We had to exorcise the demons that are the New England Patriots.

Similarly, if we are to go 19-0 and become the iconic team of greatness that we are destined to become, you know who lies around the corner.

 Chargers.

Mike Scifres.

LaDanian Tomlinson?  Stoppable.

Phillip Rivers?  He's okay.

That defense?  I've seen worse.

Mike Scifres.  Honestly, after watching him pin us inside our five thrice last year and at our one twice, I'm still shitting bricks.

This man is, hands down, the greatest punter to  ever play the game of football, and you know that those Chargers are charging and will be ready to knock us off our pedestal.  After their recent 8-game win streak with just the Titans and 'Skins ahead, they're dangerous as hell.

Jim, I'd like to take a chance to quote Colin Powell, "You break it, you own it."

If you break Peyton's rhythm, you and you alone will be to blame for the loss.  Learn from Tony's mistakes, don't try to coach Peyton.  Rest any defensive starters who are hurt, but let Peyton run his offense.  I love you, Jimmy.  You're the only rookie head coach in history to win your first 14 games, but remember the MVP that got you there.  Be smart, Jim, and one day they'll name a trophy after you.

Tell the family Merry Christmas!

Tim Hickle