Emery’s hiring comes after a major collapse marked by season-ending injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte, as well as a drug scandal involving backup receiver Sam Hurd. The Bears dropped five in a row after a 7-3 start, spoiling a promising season.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
INDIANAPOLIS — Even the usually dour Bill Belichick was joking around as the New England Patriots arrived in Indianapolis for Super Bowl week.
At his opening news conference Sunday night, Belichick was asked if he expected some Hoosier hospitality.
“I never had too much hospitality here,” he said, noting that the Patriots aren’t exactly popular in Colts country, “until I went for it on fourth-and-2.”
His gamble on that play at the New England 28 with 2:08 to go failed and led to the Colts’ winning field goal in a 2009 regular-season game.
“Fans greeted us lots more and were awfully friendly” after that, he added.
Belichick, dressed in a suit — no hoodie for the coach this time — also said All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is “day to day” with a high left ankle sprain for next Sunday’s NFL title game against the New York Giants. Gronkowski has been wearing a walking boot since being injured in the AFC title game.
NEW YORK GIANTS ARRIVE AT SUPER BOWL
INDIANAPOLIS — Unlike four years ago when they dressed in black suits as a symbol of unity before facing the undefeated Patriots, the Giants returned to the Super Bowl this time with no sartorial gimmicks.
Touching down in Indianapolis for their rematch with New England on Sunday, the Giants are simply a confident team. They believe in themselves as much as they did in 2008 when they ruined the Patriots’ perfect season with a stunning 17-14 victory in Arizona.
“We had no doubt,” guard Chris Snee said Monday, referring to the Giants’ feelings four years ago. “You have to be a confident team when you get on the plane. You reach this game for a reason. It’s not by chance. You have to be confident coming out here.”
The Giants tried to demonstrate that four years ago with their all-black attire.
This year, Justin Tuck left his black suit in the cleaners. Attire was a personal choice.
FORMER COLTS COACH HIRED BY RAVENS
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Jim Caldwell is back in the NFL, this time as the Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach.
The 57-year-old Caldwell was hired on Monday by the Ravens. The appointment comes less than two weeks after Caldwell was fired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts following a 2-14 season.
Caldwell went 26-22 in three years with Indianapolis, including a Super Bowl appearance.
After working with Colts standout quarterback Peyton Manning for 10 seasons, Caldwell will turn his attention toward improving Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and teaming with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron to strengthen Baltimore’s passing game, which ranked 19th this season.
“After spending considerable time with Jim over the last week, we think he will be an excellent fit with our team, coaching the quarterbacks and helping with our offense,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We believe he enhances our staff. Jim has a tremendous history coaching at the college and pro level, especially working with quarterbacks and providing help with offenses.
“The timing is right to add a quarterbacks coach after Cam and Joe worked so closely and well together this year. It’s the right step for us now.”
EMERY BECOMES BEARS GENERAL MANAGER
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears hired Kansas City Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery as their new general manager.
Emery was an area scout for the Bears from 1998-2004 and replaces Jerry Angelo, who was fired after an injury-riddled 8-8 season.
Emery and New England Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht were finalists, and both interviewed twice.
Emery’s hiring comes after a major collapse marked by season-ending injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte, as well as a drug scandal involving backup receiver Sam Hurd. The Bears dropped five in a row after a 7-3 start, spoiling a promising season.