"Keith Bulluck wore the same uniform for 10 seasons, the last time coming nearly 10 months ago when he endured the worst injury he's had on the football field.

In what turned out to be his final game with the Titans, Bulluck was carried off the field, having torn the ACL in his left knee in the third quarter against Miami last December.

Not only was it the first significant injury of his career, the pain and anguish Bulluck was forced to deal with became part of the lasting image of his tenure in Tennessee.

"In my situation, it sucks how I left because I did have an injury," said Bulluck, who signed with the Giants as a free agent. "Even if I was healthy, I don't think I would've been back there. When I was playing good football, they didn't sign me back. I think the writing was on the wall, which is fine. It's definitely part of the game."

It's not Lawrence Taylor facing the Giants, mind you, had that showdown ever happened, but Bulluck's presence opposite the team for whom he played linebacker for so long will indeed be part of Sunday's game when the Titans visit New Meadowlands Stadium.

"They're used to me being out there talking stuff, running my mouth, playing against them [in training camp]," Bulluck said. "But now it counts for something and I'm looking forward to it. I know how hard these guys work and how much the game means to them.

"They know it means the same to me."

This game means plenty to Bulluck and the rest of a defense that was carved up by Peyton Manning and Indianapolis in their first loss of the season, 38-14, five days ago."