Now that media day has come and gone, the hype surrounding Super Bowl 46 has been a bit milder than we expected. With another championship meeting between Boston and New York upcoming and very little love lost between the Giants and Patriots, we anticipated a lot more trash talk and better headline material. Both coaches have done a nice job of keeping their players from saying stupid things, which is why one of the biggest story lines of the week has been Bill Belichick’s demeanor. The usually-cranky coach seems upbeat and downright happy to be in Indianapolis. Why do you suppose that is, Wes Welker?
“I don’t know, I think he’s enjoying himself,” Welker told the media Tuesday amid a number of questions about his mustache and Rob Gronkowski’s ankle. “I think he’s got a lady in his life, so that could definitely be the case. We’re just coming here to try and win a ballgame. However we do that or whatever demeanor we have to take, that’s what it’s going to be. … I attribute it to Linda, personally.”
Welker is of course referring to Belichick’s girlfriend, Linda Holliday. In case you have forgotten, it was a little over a year ago that wise cracks about Rex Ryan got Welker benched for the first series of the Patriots’ playoff game against the Jets. Considering how badly New England needs him on Sunday, Wes should probably be a little more tight-lipped than usual this week.
It takes serious courage to mention that guy’s girlfriend by name in front of a national audience, doesn’t it? As I type this, Tom Brady is still in Belichick’s office begging him to let this one slide.
