dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
One month ago, I would have argued that our starting linebackers (including Cushing) were, perhaps, the best group of 4-3 backers in the NFL. Well, Demeco is out for the year, Diles is playing horribly the past few weeks, and Cushing has been inconsistent in his two games since returning from suspension. It is going to be very interesting to see how MLB is addressed over the next few days. Judging by Diles performance and the confusion of the defense after he slid over to MLB at halftime, I am doubtful he is the solution there. However, there are a host of problems if it is someone else. First, Xavier Adibi is the linebacker the Texans like first off the bench. However, he is exclusively a WLB. So, starting Adibi would mean Diles has to move to the middle. Bentley is a solid option at MLB. Hes a good tackler and can handle the defensive calls. However, his lack of speed is a serious liability in coverage. And, if he is inserted at MLB due to his ability to run the defense, he will still be removed in nickel, which would mean someone else would take over quarterbacking the defense. Daryl Sharpton has the ability to play every down at MLB. However, not only is he a rookie, but he has been inactive most of the regular season due to injury. And, Im not sure how excited the Texans are about replacing the defensive leader with a rookie in the midst of all the issues with the youth in the secondary. That hardly seems like an ideal way to create stability and lessen the confusion that has been evident.
All of that being said, this is a deep and talented group of linebackers. Replacing Demeco may actually improve the athleticism at the position and could be especially beneficial in coverage. At least the staff has the extra week to work on the solution.
Below is some unpleasant video of Cushing and Diles from the KC game. One thing for certain: these two will need to play much better if this team can prosper without Demeco and, maybe the Ryans injury will serve as a wakeup call for them.
(We didnt have the heart to film David Nixon lowlights. The FCC would probably levy a hefty fine for indecency if we did)
VIDEO OF Diles and Cushing
All of that being said, this is a deep and talented group of linebackers. Replacing Demeco may actually improve the athleticism at the position and could be especially beneficial in coverage. At least the staff has the extra week to work on the solution.
Below is some unpleasant video of Cushing and Diles from the KC game. One thing for certain: these two will need to play much better if this team can prosper without Demeco and, maybe the Ryans injury will serve as a wakeup call for them.
(We didnt have the heart to film David Nixon lowlights. The FCC would probably levy a hefty fine for indecency if we did)
VIDEO OF Diles and Cushing