When the Giants cleaned out their lockers and headed home after a playoff-less season last January, Keith Bulluck said he appreciated the opportunity but did not want to return if it meant filling the same limited role he assumed in 2010. Bulluck half-jokingly said he would "go buy a boat" rather than play anywhere in the NFL as a part-timer. The veteran linebacker this week told The Post he wants to come back to the Giants, but he hasn't backed off his stance that he needs to play more to satisfy his competitive urges. "Definitely this year, no matter where I go, I would have to play a bigger role," Bulluck said. "I don't have to be an every-down player, but I need to play to my strengths and that's the passing downs." Last season, Bulluck took a seat on passing downs, because the Giants did not trust his ability to drop in coverage coming off reconstructive surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Bulluck started eight games at strong side linebacker and his production was modest: 28 total tackles, no sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery. "I kind of know the things I was lacking and the things where normally I was strong and where I wasn't as strong," Bulluck said. "Point of attack and explosion were my two biggest things I was missing. Initial contact was fine. When it came to the drive and follow through, even on tackles, dealing with offensive linemen, those things I had the most trouble because I wasn't used to being in that situation. "I definitely did not hurt the team," he said. "I was able to manage two interceptions last year and I barely played. They might not have been spectacular, but it [showed] I made plays. I need to be a bigger part of a team's puzzle." Source: NY Post
This guy never got his due IMO for being as good a weakside LB as there was in the last 10 years. He was playing out of position last year but if used right I think he can still bring something to the table. Problem for him will be that he's going to have to accept that at this point in his career he's a role player at best. Bulluck's got to realize he's not the athlete he once was.
I agree completely, relying on him in coverage at this point in his career would be a train wreck but he's still can be an effective player on 1st and 2nd.
