This is poor management, not a game design issue.
I disagree, lots of well managed teams throw games. It is difficult to put out your best team without ruining game shape for even 2 games, let alone 3, unless you're assured of winning one of them by blowout or making sure to use "Strictly Follow Depth Chart".
The game is designed for teams to have depth and rotate players more then teams do in real life. Whether its a game design issue is up for the community to decide.
"Well, no ones gonna top that." - http://tinyurl.com/noigttt