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Briggs talk

Patriots fans hoping for a big free-agent signing such as linebacker Lance Briggs might consider seeking alternatives.

Briggs, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, was one of six Bears players to speak with the press here at the Super Bowl.

Asked by a New England reporter if he could envision himself in a 3-4 defense -- which is what the Patriots play -- Briggs didn't sound enthused.

"The 3-4 is a whole different scheme," he said, noting that he played in the middle of a 3-4 at the University of Arizona.

Asked if he liked playing in that scheme, he said: "Not really."

Briggs believes he's a good fit in the Bears' scheme, which is a 4-3 that features smaller, athletic players.

"It allows me to play ball, the weakside position in this defensive scheme, you're kind of called on to make play after play after play," he said. "When Lovie [Smith] came here, he said 'I want you to play the weakside, I want you to be the Derrick Brooks of this defense.' In this defense, you are relied to make play after play."

Asked how that would transfer to a 3-4, playing inside linebacker, he said: "Not real well."

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Briggs has been credited by Bears coaches with 176 tackles, ranking him second on the team. He does have one tie to the Patriots, with linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

"We went to the same college and we're also from the same area in [Sacramento] California," he said. "I heard a lot of great stories about Bruschi. When I see him, he always has nice words for me."

COLTS LOOK-AHEAD: The Colts will meet with the press at 8:30 p.m. EST after arriving in South Florida from Indianapolis. Head coach Tony Dungy will be joined by players Adam Vinatieri (kicker), Jeff Saturday (center), tight end Dallas Clark, linebacker Gary Brackett, defensive lineman Anthony McFarland and safety Bob Sanders.