What might have been: Perry Fewell
NFL
Giants won battle for Perry Fewell
He'll direct defense against the Bears
BY TOM ROCK
NEWSDAY
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Perry Fewell had a decision to make. The Giants or the Bears. Tom Coughlin or Lovie Smith.
We know which way he went. But for a time during the off-season, it was up in the air. Most, in fact, thought Fewell would be leaning toward the Bears.
He flew to Chicago and New York to meet with two of his friends, mentors and former employers about their defensive coordinator openings, and as much as he tried to sell himself in those interviews, he also listened to what they were selling him.
For about a week or so after those meetings, he spent time with his family, prayed and investigated. His wife made phone calls, looking into each situation. Finally he came to a conclusion, choosing the Giants.
He was asked to talk about that decision this week.
"I choose not to," Fewell said politely to that request.
He'll do his talking on the field tonight. The team he joined and the team he spurned will be facing each other in a crucial game. The Giants have lost two straight and are looking to give their early season direction with a victory. The Bears are trying to remain the NFC's only undefeated team.
It was the Bears against the Giants in the off-season, battling for the services of a defensive coordinator. Even Coughlin referred to the Bears as "the competition" in the Fewell chase. The Giants wound up winning that one. Tonight they'll try to use Fewell to make it two in a row.
Ultimately, it was the entire situation with the Giants that made Fewell pick them.
The Bears wound up hiring former Lions coach Rod Marinelli soon after as their defensive coordinator/assistant head coach.
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