We’ve had a little bit of back and forth on this site about Brian Cushing’s role in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense going forward. I’ve always been of the opinion that he’d be positioned on the inside alongside DeMeco Ryans, while others say he’s a better fit to be an outside linebacker.
This isn’t a definitive statement by any means, but now that new LB coach Reggie Herring has officially been hired, he talked a bit about Cushing for the first time in two updates from CBS Rapid Reports.
The two quotes are as follows:
“I don’t see why (Cushing) can’t be a very effective middle linebacker. He can be just as effective a pass rusher up the middle as he is outside.” He also added: “(Having Cushing in the middle alongside DeMeco Ryans) gives us tremendous security inside.”
I’m sure Herring is far from making final decisions on personnel and where current guys on the roster are going to end up, but this is obviously a strong indication as to what he plans to do with Cushing. This should also help fuel the already existing draft speculation that the Texans will take an outside linebacker with the first pick in the NFL Draft.
Feb 16, 2011 at 22:23:52
yeah, i also vaguely remember Phillips mentioning Cushing as an inside linebacker.
I remember Cushing had the best disruption/penetration when he’s right on the LOS blitzing btwn the tackles.
With his durability though, just not sure if he can take the vigorous beatings from the o-line…
I would like to see us draft Wayne Daniels from TCU in the later rounds
Feb 17, 2011 at 08:39:53
I think he could play inside or outside, but his ability to cover the TE might keep him inside. I think we could get a really good inside LB in the 2nd or 3rd round, whereas pass rushing 3-4 OLB of the same quality will go in the first. So, that’s a NT, OLB, FS, ILB, and WR thast I’d like in the first two rounds. Maybe by 2014, our defense will be respectable.
Feb 17, 2011 at 12:12:48
I’m just happy we’re even mentioning linebackers being used in a pass rushing role for once, regardless of position. Refreshing.
Feb 17, 2011 at 15:45:08
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/21494/vance-joesph-cbs-will-challenge-routes
Great read
I’m glad to hear the word blitz as well. I really think Cushing will thrive as a 3-4 ILB, and not as an edge guy. His #1 strength is rushing up the middle.
Not to be a downer, but I’m also not like most others in the fact I’m not very optimistic that ryans comes back 100% and that cushing will ever be the same
Feb 17, 2011 at 17:59:18
AllenOU,
Thanks for the link, and I’m kind of with you on our guys returning to form. Have the Texans ever had a guy return from a major injury? I guess Andre, but I can’t think of anyone else. I mean, we lost a 1,000 yard rusher to a bruised knee.
Feb 17, 2011 at 18:38:43
many times these solb’s in the 4-3 tend to operate better as inside ‘backers in the 3-4.no knock on cushing,but his athleticism probably wouldn’t translate well to an outside ‘backer in the 3-4,what with the demands of the position calling for different sets of skills required of the a 4-3 outside ‘backer. it’s one thing to every now and then blitz or even delay as a wrinkle or surprise as a 4-3 outside guy as opposed to possessing pass rush skills matched against a tackle assigned to the outside guy in the 3-4 where there is no surprise. that’s why many former undersized de’s have more success than 4-3 lb’s
Feb 17, 2011 at 20:50:34
I love this post I’ve been wondering what will happen with Cushing in the 3-4. I think it would be great to see Cushing move to the inside and maybe pick up a good rush linebacker in the draft which this one seems to be full of. However, if I can play devils advocate for a sec didn’t Cushing play DE some at USC and wouldn’t his hybrid size and speed make him a good fit to rush from the olb in a 3-4?
Feb 17, 2011 at 21:57:26
@T Will
Andre Johnson is not human
Thank you