If you watch ESPN as much as I do,  then your heart is heavy like mine.  The tragic turn of events in the Dungy family have touched many of us during what is supposed to be a joyous time of the year.  As a parent myself, the pain Mr.Dungy and his loved ones are feeling is unimaginable to me.  I'm sure I speak for everyone when I offer my condolances and prayers.

     As we have been hearing for weeks now, the Colt's plan has been to rest many of their players for a large part of this now even more insignificant game.   However, in its own right, has this horrible situation actually made the game somehow more significant to the coaches and the team?  Temporary head coach Jim Caldwell and his players might have a very tough choice to make.  Do they stick to the plan that was in place, or do they disregard the head coach's will and try to win the game?  Many of the players were opposed to sitting anyway.  Do they defer to Dungy's wishes in this difficult time, or do they try and do something symbolic for him and his family?   

     My guess is that they will more than likely stick to the plan.... sort of.  Many of the regulars will indeed sit, but I think they will play more than expected.  Peyton Manning and crew have every right to be distracted, but I think they will rally around this event and come out as focused as ever.  I predict they will make a huge statement in the first half by jumping all over the Seahawks.  They will try to show the love and respect they have for their coach by playing their most inspired game of the year.  I believe the factors leading up to this (as I said before) insignificant game, might  actually prove more distracting to the Seahawks than the Colts.  It is very possible that the Seahawks are never able to overcome a furious opening burst by the Colts, and ultimately lose this game. 

     The Colts are a proud group of men.  I know that they will find the way to honor their coach and represent him well today.   The coaching staff will follow Dungy's plan to rest the players for whatever portion of the game.  Not as much as he would have initially preferred, but enough to show their respect to him and his plan.  The players will make their "extra" time on the field count for double.  In this way they can pay tribute and homage to their leader, and leave the game prideful knowing that they did everything in their power to dignify the memory of his son James.  Maybe this can provide a little peace, even just a tiny bit, during this difficult time.

Best wishes and God bless.