Max Bullough played a lot on Sunday in the win over the Bears.
The inside linebacker took over for Brian Cushing, who left with a knee injury after the second series. Bullough finished with five tackles in the victory, and more playing experience than he'd ever accrued in a regular season game. But he was ready.
"I approach every day the same," Bullough said. "I've been expecting to play since the first day I got here on special teams or defense. I've approached every day like that. I've had great help from guys like Brian to give me some pointers."
Bullough was a key cog in the coverage units last year on special teams, but performed capably on
Sunday in place of Cushing.
"Max Bullough went in there and did a nice job," head coach Bill O'Briein said. "He was a solid player for us."
The MIKE inside linebacker position has a lot of responsibility for the defnsive play-calling. Bullough's brain, as much as his physical prowess, came in handily on Sunday in the triumph over Chicago.
"I think he did a great job," defensive end J.J. Watt said. "Max is one of the smartest guys around, and he's always ready, he's always prepared, and I think he did a great job filling in for Cushing. It's tough, those are big shoes to fill."
Whether Cushing returns sooner than later, doesn't matter to Bullough. The third-year pro out of Michigan State said he'll be prepared regardless.
"I'm ready to do whatever my teammates ask me, my coaches ask me," Bullough said. "It's been the same since day one. I've said the same thing since I got here, I'm just doing what I'm asked and I'm excited to do whatever that is."
Bullough and the Texans host the Chiefs next Sunday at NRG Stadium at noon CT.
Check out the best photos throughout the Texans first regular season game vs. the Bears.
