Cushing makes strong bid for Defensive rookie of the year
Brain Cushing has had a very good rookie campaign with the Houston Texans. He entered Sunday’s contest leading his team with 102 tackles. Against the Seattle Seahawks he defended TE John Carlson, holding him to 24 yards. He also recorded 10 tackles, six unassisted, three for a loss and a sack. For the year he has 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Given those numbers Cushing very well could be the 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the year.
Cushing was the 15th overall pick in the 2009 draft. He was the second highest rated OLB in the draft, and the Texans made him the second one selected. The game Sunday featured Cushing against the 4th overall pick, and highest rated OLB from the 2009 draft, one Aaron Curry. It is pretty funny that most Draft gurus had Curry as the best, can’t miss prospect of last year’s draft. While he has had a decent rookie campaign, 60 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles those stats pail in comparison to the job Cushing has done.
Granted Cushing has a better supporting cast, joining fellow first round pick DE Mario Williams, but it does show a decent draft day philosophy can work without taking big name offensive players with first round draft picks. The Texans passed on RB Reggie Bush to draft Williams, and passed some very tempting offensive players last year but took Cushing instead. At 6-7 they are in the hunt for a post season spot, and after finishing 8-8 last year they are building towards something great.
However the Texans are proving that a NFL team can build through the draft on the defensive side of the ball and still sell tickets. QB don’t sell tickets, winning does. The Texans sold 100% of their tickets in 2008, and look to do the same in 2009 in a tough economy. Winning sells itself, someone please tell William Clay Ford owner of the Detroit Lions.
