Bulluck hopes Jones-Drew's presence will get him on field

This would seem to be a game that has the words "Keith Bulluck" stamped right on the ticket stub.

The Jaguars are a team that relies heavily on the run, features a physical back in Maurice Jones-Drew and plays in the AFC South, where Bulluck played for a decade with the Titans. If the veteran linebacker can't make his presence felt in this game, well, maybe he never will.

It's that last part - the never will - that Bulluck is starting to think about. After a season of being shuffled on and off the field as an outside linebacker, the first time in his career he's been a part-time player, Bulluck no longer knows what to expect week to week.

A few weeks ago, he spoke with confidence that a time would come during this season when he would be there to make an impact. Now he's not so sure.

"From the role that I play in this defense, it's going to be hard for me to make plays that I usually make, plays that I'm accustomed to making," the linebacker said this week. "It's just one of those situations where I have a role and I have to play my role. It's not about what I want, it's about what's best for this team. I just play my position."

Bulluck made it clear that he is not unhappy. "There's nothing to complain about, nothing disgruntled," he said.

But clearly he is coming to grips with how he is being used by the Giants.

SEE PHOTOSTop 10 Giants of all time

"Of course I would like to be able to be out there and make some plays in the passing game and do what I feel I do best," he said. "I'm a playmaker. If you look at my history as far as what I've done in this league, I'm a playmaker. I make plays on the ball, interceptions, touchdowns. I feel like I do it all. But coming off a knee injury, coming to a new team that may not be as familiar with my strengths . . . Everyone on this team would like to do more."

Bulluck missed three games in October with turf toe, but even when he has been active, the tackles have been slow to come. He has only 14 this season, eight solo. This from a guy who didn't have fewer than 88 tackles in the previous eight seasons, including five in a row with at least 125. He's also had only one previous year in his career without at least one interception.

The Giants' focus against the Jaguars will be on stopping the run. Jones-Drew has the third-most carries in the NFL (209); quarterback David Garrard is 27th in pass attempts (214) and has completed only 145 passes.

"You always go into a game trying to stop the run, and this week it's crucial," defensive end Justin Tuck said. "Mo-Jo, they call him, he's playing well. He's one of those running backs that it doesn't matter if you hit him two yards in the backfield, he finds a way to scoot forward and continue to move chains."

Jones-Drew also has caught 24 passes, so everyone on defense has to be aware of him.

"He's a little bowling ball," cornerback Terrell Thomas said. "He's a little stocky dude, short, low to the ground. You have to get real low."

Bulluck, the Giant most familiar with Jones-Drew, said roughly the same thing, calling him a "downhill, physical runner." He also said that as long as he's played against the Jaguars - dating to when they were coached by Tom Coughlin - they were a physical team whose offense fed on the running game.

"I love it," Bulluck said. "That's great for me. Perfect."

Then again, maybe not.

Notes & quotes: DEs Tuck (quadriceps) and Osi Umenyiora (knee) were limited in yesterday's practice after sitting out Wednesday . . . T Shawn Andrews (back) was limited Wednesday and did not practice yesterday. Neither did DB Will Blackmon (chest) . . . Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker (ankle) was limited in yesterday's practice.