Bulger speaks up, to Haslett’s delight
Two years ago, moments after an ugly two-touchdown loss to Arizona at the Edward Jones Dome, quarterback Marc Bulger stunned his teammates by ripping into players that he felt weren’t preparing properly, didn’t care whether the Rams won or lost, and weren’t bothered by their recurring mistakes.
By nature, Bulger is a quiet guy who always has preferred to lead by example rather than with words. Yet in the wake of the Scott Linehan firing, Bulger appears to be stepping up vocally. He grabbed center stage and talked to the team Friday, in advance of the game at Washington, and also addressed the players in the locker room after the 19-17 victory that ended an eight-game losing streak.
Bulger didn’t want to discuss the gist of his talks. “I’m not going to say specifically what I said to the guys,” he said. But Jim Haslett — Linehan’s successor — said he’s happy to see his quarterback expressing his views.
“He’s doing a nice job of running this team,” Haslett said. “He’s the leader of this team, and he’s kind of taken over. I’m proud of him, and I’m glad the way he’s doing things.”
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Notes & quotes:
*Bulger has thrown the ball well in practice despite jamming his right index finger vs. the Redskins. “It’s black and blue and puffed up. But he’s a tough guy,” Haslett said.
*With CB Fakhir Brown back on the roster and back in the lineup, Jason Craft replaces Jonathan Wade as the nickel back. Craft started the last two games, after Brown was released.
*Thursday’s full-pads practice was particularly physical, but also a bit sloppy. Several dropped passes and pre-snap penalties impeded the tempo.
*Rookie CB Justin King finally has shed the walking boot that he’d been wearing since breaking a bone in his foot in the preseason, necessitating season-ending surgery. “I’m done with the boot,” King said happily. “It was a long process, but I’m starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.” King was a fourth-round draftee from Penn State.
*LT Orlando Pace is going to test his sore thigh in practice Friday. Chances are, Adam Goldberg will get the start Sunday vs. the Cowboys.
*Haslett said he wasn’t concerned whether sore-fingered Tony Romo or Brad Johnson quarterbacks the Cowboys. “This is a great football team, with a lot of talent,” Haslett said. “And if you’re going to play them, play them with their best. If (Romo) plays, we’ll deal with it.”
All for now . . .
DeMarcus Ware is going to have his way with Adam Goldberg.