Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
INDIANAPOLIS — All Dan Orlovsky wants to do is win.
After making seven NFL starts in seven seasons and losing all seven times, Orlovsky will get another shot Sunday at New England.
Yes, Indianapolis’ new starting quarterback, its third of the season, is trying to lead the winless Colts to their first victory.
“Whatever it takes to win, that’s my goal,” an excited Orlovsky said Wednesday. “I’m just going to run the offense and try to get us in the right situations.”
It’s not something that has happened much since four-time league MVP Peyton Manning had neck surgery Sept. 8. It’s still unclear when Manning might return. The Colts have not completely ruled it out.
Manning was not available, and his continued absence on the field has created a tumultuous season in Indianapolis (0-11).
Curtis Painter and Orlovsky said they were told of the change during a Tuesday meeting with Caldwell, and now Orlovsky has a chance to save the Colts from a historic 0-16 record.
Orlovsky has been here before. He still recalls the vivid details from his last NFL start, even the long, game-sealing TD pass from Aaron Rodgers to Donald Driver in the Lions’ season-ending 31-21 loss at Green Bay in 2008. The defeat gave Detroit the dubious distinction of being the only 0-16 team in league history — something Orlovsky said then he never wanted to endure again.
“I kind of have the opportunity not to (do that again),” he said. “It wasn’t fun to go through and I think it sticks with you, but it’s over.”
JAGS
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver fired longtime coach Jack Del Rio after a 3-8 start and agreed to sell the team to Illinois businessman Shahid Khan.
Weaver named defensive coordinator Mel Tucker the interim coach and gave general manager Gene Smith a three-year contract extension, putting him in charge of the coaching search.
The moves marked the most significant changes for the small-market franchise since its inception in 1993.
CUTLER ENGAGED
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari are engaged again.
The reality TV star announced the engagement Wednesday on her Twitter feed, saying: “This time its official..Jay and I are engaged again :).” And the Chicago Bears’ quarterback confirmed the news to reporters a short time later.
During a news conference that focused mainly on his recovery from a broken right thumb, Cutler jokingly said he “just heard about” Cavallari’s post from earlier in the day before acknowledging they’re engaged. He said they haven’t set a wedding date.
Cutler broke off their engagement shortly before they were to marry last summer.
Cavallari became a celebrity in 2004 when MTV tracked her high school love life and rivalry with Lauren Conrad. She was later on “The Hills” and was a contestant this season on “Dancing With the Stars.”
STEELERS
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said safety Troy Polamalu is free of concussion symptoms and “all things are positive” for the Steelers’ AFC North showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Polamalu left Sunday’s 13-9 win at Kansas City when his helmet struck the knee of tackle Steve Maneri. That marked the second time this season the reigning AP defensive player of the year was forced out of a game due to a blow to the head.
MARSHALL DETAINED
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A report by the Broward Sheriff’s Office says Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall was briefly handcuffed and detained while deputies investigated a misunderstanding about a $142 cab fare.
Marshall eventually paid the fare and was released without being charged.
The incident occurred early Nov. 14. When a taxi driver summoned deputies shortly before 7 a.m., Marshall was handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car.