Some people will mail it in, some will compete to the end. Depends on how you are wired.

In all my years of playing, I was always blessed to be on great teams.

One exception, for one game. It was a city league / "semi-pro" team (in a now defunct league).

Right before a game to go play a good team in Cali, major team fall out, most of the team didn't show up to go.

I ended up going, since I was playing with my brother. We had like 3 actual line man combined (between o and d), throwing in linebackers and such to play on the line. We got beat down, probably 40 something to teens.

For me, I am wired ultra competitive. I just focused on winning my individual battle every play. Do what I could do. Others were mailing it in and going through the motions.