Our sources say new Bears GM Phil Emery has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making calculated, well-researched decisions during his 14 seasons in the league.

A new challenge for him — managing an entire scouting department and a head coach — could be his toughest, though.

With Lovie Smith still in place, some team observers have said Emery is handcuffed to a degree. Emery had to accept working with Smith in 2012 to get the job and was careful not to step on Smith's toes when pressed by reporters to reveal specifics about his level of authority on roster and coaching-staff decisions during his introductory press conference this week, but team president and CEO Ted Phillips insisted that Emery has the authority and the will to change the culture.

"Someone asked about whether it's going to be status quo," Phillips said. "I would say to you absolutely not. (Emery is) going to set high standards, and he's going to be demanding and hold people accountable, and I like that."

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