Tag Archives: Keith Bulluck

The NFL has changed. Face it, this is not your daddy’s league and champions aren’t defined by which team can run the ball or stop the run.

It is all about the pass, baby.

Many Giant fans are worried that once again the team may not address the linebacking corps. I’m saying that linebackers in the 4-3 and inside backers in the 3-4 are having smaller impact on the game. Have you wondered why Ray Lewis looks like he hasn’t lost a step or how young players like Patrick Willis can step in right away and become all pros?

Teams aren’t building rosters for the ground and pound game, but rather for an aerial attack. The Giants chose another cornerback in the first round of this year’s draft. That gives them 6 DBs chosen in the first or second round of their respective draft classes. Yet, Keith Bulluck and Clint Sintim are the only ‘backers on the roster chosen in the first two rounds of their classes.

A group of intelligent linebackers that know the system is more important than the overall talent level of the group. If I were to grade the current Giants line backing corps consisting of Keith Bullock, Jonathon Goff, and Michael Boley I would have to give them a low grade. Keith is far passed his prime; Boley has never been accused of being a playmaker or game changer, and Goff is still growing into his role as a leader and consistent middle backer. For those reasons the Giants receive a 4/10.

Don’t be worried Giants faithful, teams have recently won championships with lackluster line backing corps. I’ve decided to take a look back at a few of the most recent Super Bowl winners and grade their line backers as well.

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Tagged four one ent, giants, Giants Football Blog, Jonathon goff, Keith Bulluck, Kel Dansby, Linebacker, Michael Boley, New York Giants, New York Giants Blogs, NFL, Super Bowl |

GFB has submitted it’s MVPs and LVPs for the 2010 season….that would be Most Valuable People and Least Valuable People……the staff chose the LVPs as the three people they do not want to see next season…..

Rich Resch
MVPs: Offense: Rich Seubert, Defense: Justin Tuck, ST: Lawrence Tynes
LVPs: Darius Reynaud, Keith Bulluck (unless as a backup), ST Coach Tom Quinn.

Craig Santucci
MVPs: Offense: Hakeem Nicks Defense: Tuck, Barry Cofield, Chris Canty and Osi Umenyiora, ST: Lawrence Tynes.
LVPs: OC Kevin Gilbride, Bulluck, Reynaud

Dan Benton
MVPs: Offense: Nicks, Defense: Osi, ST: Zak DeOsssie
LVPs: Reynaud, Bulluck, Rocky Bernard

Dan Orlando
MVPs: Offense; Nicks, Defense: Osi, ST: Devin Thomas
LVPs: Gilbride, Shaun O’Hara, Madison Hedgecock

Dr. Bill Chachkes
MVPs: Offense: Nicks Defense: The entire D-Line, ST: Tynes
LVPs: Bulluck, Gilbride, Quinn

John Fennelly
MVPs: Offense: Seubert Defense: Terrell Thomas (for the second year in a row) ST: Tynes
LVPs: Quinn, Reynaud, Matt Dodge

Tagged Barry Cofield, Darius Reynaud, Hakeem Nicks, Justin Tuck, Keith Bulluck, Kevin Gilbride, New York Giants Blogs, Osi Umenyiora, Rich Seubert |

After an embarrassing two weeks, the New York Giants are very likely only 6 days away from beginning preparations for 2011. With the new year approaching, I thought it would be smart to go through some of the current members of the organization whose futures with the club are either hot button issues or otherwise in doubt. The piece is a long one and it is broken up into three sections: Out/On The Bubble/ In. As always feel free to let GFB know what you think.

Out
HC Tom Coughlin: While ragging on Coughlin has been an overused go-to option for writers and pundits league wide lately, the blade is swinging ever closer to his neck after yesterday’s loss. There is an argument for keeping him of course. His tenure thus far in New York has been an upgrade from a bleak stretch of time in the team’s history that spanned from 1992 through 2003. After a rebuilding period in 2004, Coughlin fielded an overall competitive squad from 2005 through 2008 and obviously brought New York an impressive Super Bowl win. But things have not been quite the same for the Giants since jumping out to an 11-1 start in 2008. Following up a Super Bowl run with 3 months of utterly dominant football, the Giants stumbled at home against Philadelphia that season and ultimately lost to the Eagles again in their first appearance of the playoffs. 2009 saw a 5-0 start turn into a 3-5 finish and 2010 saw a historical single game collapse, an unspeakable rash of turnovers, and an overall failure to execute on special teams. Coughlin, who is historically quite reliable when it comes to challenges, blew the Giants final challenge of yesterday’s game on an obvious unfavorable ruling and thus was unable to protest against at a late Eli interception on a key drive that was clearly caught out of bounds.

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Tagged Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, Devin Thomas, Domenik Hixon, Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Keith Bulluck, Kevin Boss, Mario Manningham, Mathias Kiwanuka, Matt Dodge, Ramses Barden, Steve Smith, Tom Coughlin, Victor Cruz |

After sitting out the 2010 Giants resurgence thus far, Keith Bulluck is listed as ‘probable’ for Monday night’s game in Texas.  Perhaps energized by his (and my) Alma matter’s upset win over 20th ranked West Virginia today, Bulluck will look to finally make an impact for his favorite childhood team.

Jonathan Goff, who beat out Bulluck for the role of  MLB in camp, has benefited from superb defensive line play.  The 3rd year player out of Vanderbilt is finally coming into his own as a NFL caliber LB.

Clint Sintim, Bulluck’s understudy, is the future for the Giants at OLB.  That said, he has notched only 4 tackles in the three games Bulluck has missed.  It will be interesting to see if the two outside backers split time evenly (or at all) this week.

Tagged Keith Bulluck |

When the New York Giants signed Michael Boley from the Atlanta Falcons before the 2009 season expectations were very high and fans were excited to see Boley coming to play for Big Blue.  Last year he was injured on a few occasions and I don’t think the fans ever truly got to see what Michael Boley could do.

His aggressive play was noticed.  He flies around the field and many people thought he was a key ingredient missing from the Giants defense…passion!   In 11 games in 2009 Michael Boley had 84 tackles & a sack.   There was plenty of room for improvement from this young linebacker.

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Tagged Keith Bulluck, Michael Boley, New York Giants, Perry Fewell |

PK Lawrence Tynes
CB Brian Jackson
RB D.J. Ware
FB Madison Hedgecock
LB Keith Bulluck
LB Phillip Dillard
OL William Beatty
DE Mathias Kiwanuka.

Would of course rather have Bulluck, but I have to say that I am pleased with the LB corps since Chicago. Clint Sintim is the future at outside LB and Goff looks like the present and future for the middle. Can’t hurt giving both these players more time on the field.

Tagged Clint Sintim, Jonothan Goff, Keith Bulluck |

The Giants offensive line came together nicely last week, and with the Lions next on the schedule, I wouldn’t want O’Hara to rush back if he’s not near 100%.

Tom Coughlin also added that both Kenny Phillips and Ahmad Bradshaw are sore, but that it’s not a setback.

Keith Bulluck is walking better but there is no update on him.

Tagged Ahmad Bradshaw, giants, Injury Update, Keith Bulluck, Kenny Phillips, Shaun O'Hara |

The 3 -o Bear’s are coming to town Sunday night and the NY Giants need a win to gain some momentum in the division and for them confidence of the team.  However the Giants have hit the training room with a rash of serious injuries that is sure to impact this team moving forward.

Pain in Neck: The biggest blow to the team is loosing Mathias Kiwanuka with a bulging disc in his neck.  After practice earlier this week, Kiwi underwent a CAT scan were he was diagnosed with a bulging cervical disc.   He is out for a undetermined period of time time.  The versatile  Kiwanuka leads the team with 4 sacks and has had major success from the defensive line and linebacker position in this new Fewell system.

Bum Ankle: The anchor of the offensive line, Shaun O’Hara is still shut down as the Giants try desperately to get him healthy.  Adam Koates takes his place; however his on presence is greatly missed on the field and the in locker room.

Turf Toe: If “turf toe” holds out Keith Bulluck from Sunday Nights game the Giants could be in for a long night.   Clint Sintim, who is an up and coming player would take over for the injured Bulluck, however the young Sintim has not yet quiet exploded on the scene as Giants fans had hoped.   Sintim’s job will be primarily be to keep Bears running back, Matt Forte in check; however Detroit and Dallas couldn’t keep him off the scoreboard.

Matt Forte already has over 200 yards and 3 TD’s receiving out of the back field.

Missing in Action:  Can Perry Fewell please create some stunts for Osi Umenyiora?   No one is happy that he is once again non-existent in the Giants weekly defensive stats and showing shades of 2009.   He has a total of 6 tackles?  Maybe he isn’t being used correctly?

Osi currently has a knee injury and listed as questionable.

Back Surgery: Safety Michael Johnson, is now out for the year after receiving successful microdisectomy surgery.

Linebacker U: Chase Blackburn (knee) and Phillip Dillard (hamstring) are probable and will be greatly needed to stop Devin Hester on special teams.  The Giants special teams have been horrible.

Big Play & No Play:  Mario “Big Play” Manningham (concussion) is probable and is always needed for the big play ability he showcases week in and week out.  With a bit more consistency Manningham could be a star.

Darius “no play” Reynaud (illness) practiced fully and is probable. Reynard has been a HUGE disappointment in the return game.   He is averaging 6….yes, 6 yards a punt return.  The Giants sorely miss Domenik Hixon who in 2008 averaged 10.1 yards a punt return and in 2009 averaged a 15.1 yards per return.

Tagged Giant Injury Report, Keith Bulluck, Mario Manningham, Matt Forte, Michael Johnson, Osi Umenyiora, Phillip Dillard, Shaun O'Hara |

Unprepared, understaffed, under-pressure and uncertain this NY Giants team has what it takes.   Now, I love a year when the NY Giants are flying below the radar.   I love a year when the “big mouth” Jets are telling the world how great they are; however, 2010 is starting to concern the Big Blue.

Injuries – 5 players key players came into camp recovering from recent surgery and at least 10 more have been injured this camp.  The offensive line is fragmented and the 2nd team defensive backs look, well….overwhelmed!

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Tagged Adrian Tracy, Antrel Rolle, Jeff Garcia, Jeremy Shockey, Jonathan Goff, Keith Bulluck, Kerry Collins, Perry Fewell |

A 7 point loss?…we’ll take it.  This was no ordinary game for the Giants.  No the game didn’t count.  However, meaningless or not, the Giants found themselves with their back to the wall in the early month of August.

A 24-17 defeat is not exactly disappointing when you consider the circumstances.  New York played the entire game with a third string QB.  How many times have you witnessed a third string QB even play a series at the pro level, let alone an entire game?

That said, here’s what we learned:

-Rhett Bomar had an oppurtunity to solidify a roster spot and perhaps the nod for immediate backup to Manning.  He struggled tonight and despite some good plays, including an impressive deep toss to Steve Smith in tight coverage, Bomar did not play up to par.  He seemed to struggle more agasint Pittsburgh’s reserve players and was unable to keep a critical pass to Tim Brown in bounds on the final drive.  In a regular season game, his play would be unnaceptable.

I still expect a veteran QB to be brought in after final cuts.  The Giants waited on two major free agent signings this year (Keith Bulluck and ShawnAndrews).  Just because they didn’t look to make a deal this week, don’t overlook the possiblity of a veteran presence being added.

Even if Jim Sorgi is healthy by Week 1, the fact remains that he is a veteran with very limited “hands on” experience.  Bomar is a young player with very little experience period.

If Kerry Collins is cut by the Titans, the Giants will likely be interested.

-Victur Cruz was unable to match his explosive first game.  His single catch for 10 yards coupled with his botched punt returns likely didn’t wow the coaching staff.  He’s a work in progress but he is probably still in good shape roster wise.

Sinorice Moss was barely used tonight (if at all).  Regadless of Moss, Cruz has shown the same amount if not more potential that Moss has in a fifth of the time.  The Giants want to see what the young man can do.  There is no sense in cutting him, only to see him wind up with another team as a main offensive weapon (see Ryan Grant, Packers 2007).

There are two other threats to Cruz’s claim for the final WR spot. Rutgers alum Tim Brown had a nice catch towards the end of the game.  Unfortunately, that catch came on the same throw mentioned earlier by Bomar.  The ball sailed too close to the sidelines for anyone to haul in with both feet in.  Brown is likely headed to the practice squad.  His main selling point this training camp was his return game prowess.  He hasn’t been used thus far in a game situation as a return man though.  The Giants like him and if he clears waivers they’ll have an oppurtunity to keep him.

Travis Beckum is also an indirect challenge to Cruz’s spot.  Beckum is techinically a TE.  However, he has promise as a slot receiver.  He also showe some nice blocking ability tonight. despite being undersized.  If the Giants choose to bring in 3 true TE’s and Beckum, Cruz might run into problems.  This isn’t likely though.  Scott Chandler isn’t making noise.

-DJ Ware was carted off the field waving and smiling to the fans.  In all seriousness, that may have been because he was completely out of it.  The Giants confirmed that Ware did in fact suffer anotehr concussion tonight.  Ware makes Sinorice Moss looks like a pictures of health.  He simply can’t stay off the injury report.  For this reason, and the fact that he has now suffered multiple concussions, the Giants may have to part ways with him (or at least place him on IR).  Aaron Ross’s big return tonight could help him solidify a return job, which would lessen the need for Ware on the roster. That said, Ross may see time as a starter this year and at the very least he’d be the nickel corner.  Andre Brown will have to nail down the other return job for the Giants to feel comfortable.

-The defensive line made a statement on the opening drives.  Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora had a good night and made plays in the backfield.  Chris Canty got decent pressure, as did Rocky Bernard. Bernard helped the Giants escape the first half with a goal line stand when he laid on top of the Steeler ball carrier an extra few seconds to keep the click winding down to 0:00.

Interestingly enough, Jay Alford entered the game after Linval Joseph.  It would appear that the Orange, NJ native is now 5th on the depth chart at DT.  Jason Pierre-Paul flashed potential tonight, but left the crowd wanting more.  He let a sure sack slip through his grasp.

-Kenny Phillips and Keith Bulluck played 1 series during the first half.  Bulluck, making his Giants debut was in on a tackle deep in the redzone.  Phillips looked good after nearly a year away.  The Giants hope that both him and Antrel Rolle become a staple tandem in the backfield for years to come.  Both players have enormous potential and both players are from the legendary U.

Tagged Aaron Ross, Andrew Brown, Antrel Rolle, DJ Ware, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jim Sorgi, Justin Tuck, Keith Bulluck, Kenny Phillips, Linval Joseph, Osi Umenyiora, Rhett Bomar, Rocky Bernard, Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, Tim Brown, Travis Beckum, Victor Cruz | ← Older posts