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If the Texans stay with their winning ways(I'm seeing 12-4), Cush should definitely be in the DMVP discussion. Sacks are great and all, but the entire body of work that Cush has brought to the table through 9 games is very impressive. Enjoy the read.The blood streamed down Brian Cushing's face, red streams matching the red accents on his Houston Texans linebacker uniform.
Sunday at Reliant Stadium was the third time this season Cushing needed his face bandaged. The bridge of his nose and his forehead have turned him into gold for game photographers, leaving them jumping to capture a colorful, old-school image.
I notice a lot of people definitely like it, its gotten a lot of attention, Cushing said. Id rather it just heal up right now. Ive seen the pictures a lot. It definitely makes me look in character as an NFL linebacker. It fits the role.
That takes you back, Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. He seems to fit that well. He doesnt want to bleed, but thats toughness. I mean the guys a football player.
A bloody face that makes for a great picture is hardly all thats making Cushing look the part of an intimidating defensive force this season. Hes drawn raves from coaches, teammates, opponents and analysts as a central piece in what currently ranks as the NFLs top defense.
"Wade Phillips' influence and the 3-4 defense uses more of his athleticism and he can be more physical, said Derrick Brooks, the former Buccaneers linebacker whos now general manager of the Tampa Bay Arena Football League team. I believed that the new defense would have a good impact on him from day one.
He moves around very similar to the linebackers in Green Bay, Pittsburgh and with the Jets. He also has avoided being the story off the field. This speaks to maturity as a man. And when things are in order off the field, that makes playing much more enjoyable.
I had long talks with Cushing and Phillips this week. They break down best if we look at the three areas that have made a big difference for Cushing nine games into the season.