Bulluck a stalwart amid Tennessee’s defensive drama

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, May 12, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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The Tennessee Titans had one of the NFL's best defenses in 2007 during their 10-6, playoff-bound season, but drama has been building this offseason.

For starters, outspoken All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth -- who voiced his displeasure with receiving the franchise tag back in the winter -- worked out with a personal trainer rather than attend Tennessee's minicamp.

On a less drama-filled note, the Titans reacquired defensive end Jevon Kearse, one of the organization's greats who spent time with the Eagles but returned to Nashville amid tons of fanfare during free agency. He reportedly looks just as good as he did during his rookie season in 1999, and defensive line coach Jim Washburn says Kearse's work ethic hasn't slowed down a bit.

Alas, then there's the whole Pacman Jones fiasco. Of course, Titans fans are just glad he's gone, having been traded to Dallas last month.

Not to mention all the team lost during free agency, including defensive ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy.

In the daytime soap that was Tennessee's offseason, it was difficult to count your blessings and be grateful in what you had. And one person whom head coach Jeff Fisher is likely glad he still has is linebacker Keith Bulluck.

The nine-year veteran is and has been simply all over the field, leading the team in tackles for five consecutive regular seasons (2002-2006) and finishing third last year with 88. It's clear he has been an impact player for years, probably the most consistent, so don't expect him to backslide in 2008.

Furthermore, the ex-Syracuse standout ranked second among all linebackers last season in interceptions, tallying five. Because of his play and leadership, Bulluck's value to the club is immense.

With all that's going on in Tennessee, one thing fans can rely on this season is Bulluck, who has been the franchise's rock throughout this decade.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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