Bullough showing he’s a good fit at LB
When the Texans made linebacker Max Bullough a starter against the Titans before the open week, he became the fourth starter to line up next to veteran middle linebacker Brian Cushing this season.
Bullough, a two-time All-Big Ten selection from Michigan State, responded with a careerhigh seven tackles as he reacted instinctively and tackled crisply during the win over Tennessee.
“I think you always want to do something better, so you watch film, and you see that you did some good things and bad things,” said Bullough, a former undrafted free agent. “I think it helps my confidence and the coaches’ confidence in me. I’ve had confidence all along in myself.”
Bullough was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster in September. The 6-3, 249-pound Traverse City, Mich., native had 299 career tackles at Michigan State with eight sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Because of a concussion suffered by rookie secondround pick Benardrick McKinney and chronic hamstring problems for former starter Akeem Dent, the Texans have been in flux at inside linebacker. They’ve started McKinney, now recovered from his concussion, Dent, Justin Tuggle and Bullough. Whether Bullough remains the starter or McKinney is back in the lineup, Bullough figures to have a role on defense going forward.
“Max has come in, has great instincts and awareness, goes hard in practice, practices well,” Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel said. “He’s able to go out on the field and is a great communicator … and he was able to get in there and make some tackles for us.”