Wolf
09-12-2009, 08:43 PM
HOUSTON — In the last few years Mark Sanchez and Brian Cushing have been friends, teammates and even roommates.
On Sunday they'll become something new: opponents.
The former Southern California standouts and first-round draft picks will make their NFL debuts against each other when the Jets face the Houston Texans in the season opener Sunday.
When Sanchez takes the field against Houston, the fifth overall pick will become the first rookie to start at quarterback for the Jets since 1977. Cushing, chosen 15th, is expected to start at strongside linebacker for the Texans despite missing all four preseason games with a knee sprain.
Both are looking forward to the meeting.
"I think it's special," Cushing said. "It's pretty cool. How many guys can say they're playing against their quarterback, their roommate, in the first game of their NFL career?"
Coach Gary Kubiak has said Cushing probably can't play the entire game after no preseason game work. Sanchez is certain his friend will be back to his old self when he's out there.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090912/SPORTS0301/909120323/1095/RSS05
On Sunday they'll become something new: opponents.
The former Southern California standouts and first-round draft picks will make their NFL debuts against each other when the Jets face the Houston Texans in the season opener Sunday.
When Sanchez takes the field against Houston, the fifth overall pick will become the first rookie to start at quarterback for the Jets since 1977. Cushing, chosen 15th, is expected to start at strongside linebacker for the Texans despite missing all four preseason games with a knee sprain.
Both are looking forward to the meeting.
"I think it's special," Cushing said. "It's pretty cool. How many guys can say they're playing against their quarterback, their roommate, in the first game of their NFL career?"
Coach Gary Kubiak has said Cushing probably can't play the entire game after no preseason game work. Sanchez is certain his friend will be back to his old self when he's out there.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090912/SPORTS0301/909120323/1095/RSS05