Belichek is trying to cover his own ass.
Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsB7kSfUW90 (Click HQ for better quality)
A. The turf looks great
B. Welker made a last second cut to avoid having Pollard remove his helmet for him.
C. Belichek is in a huge lose/lose situation with his decision there. He played his starters and got Welker a knee injury, and Brady broke the ring finger on his throwing hand, and his team lost the darned game. At the time it opened up the possibility of losing a playoff slot before the Bengal's laid down.