What I saw in the Atlanta game, and this is just my opinion, was playoff experience being the big difference maker. It looked clear to me that the Rams were tight and played tight while Atlanta had "been there, done that." I think that's a real thing and it showed in that game.
You reference the Steelers and Chiefs as further evidence of resting starters being the culprit in their losses too. Well, in the Steelers case, it was really bad decisions by the coaching staff that did them in. That 4th and 1 play call was idiotic and the decision the do an onside kick with about 2.5 minutes to go was idiotic. IMO, if they did a QB sneak or ran Bell they would have had a much better chance at making that yard and keeping the drive alive. And they really should have kicked the kickoff into the end zone. Bad decisions cost them the game.
With the Chiefs, we all know Any Reid, while a very good regular season HC, has a less than stellar post season record.
I really don't believe the rest had anything to do with the outcome of these games, so I respectfully disagree with your position.
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