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Texans Down 'N Dirty: Praise Cushing Edition

There's been a lot of rough comments thrown out around here regarding Brian Cushing. More than likely there is still disdain among many for the Cushing pick that took place on draft day. Part of it is the ponytail. Some of it is the alleged steroid use. And the main reasons fans question the pick are for his questionable coverage ability heading into training camp and the other players available at the time the pick was made. I still firmly believe it's just the hair. Regardless, players, coaches, and analysts alike all believe they have seen enough from Cushing already to believe the Texans will finally have solidified the strongside linebacker position come the regular season.

Paul Kuharsky is on board with the pick and believes he will be the "breakout player" of the AFC South division, over players such as Anthony Gonzalez of the Colts, new Titans receiver Nate Washington, and even our very own Amobi Okoye. Those are some pretty decent players Kuharsky passed on for Cushing, however, what's more important than what Kuharsky or any other analysts says is the opinion of the players and coaches. If what has been said about him is true, Cushing will shine.

This from DeMeco Ryans: "I haven't seen him in the pads yet, but I just feel like he's going to be that hard-nosed, tough, physical guy doing a lot of punishing out there. I'm looking forward to him bringing that aspect of the game. I think he has the natural ability to rush off the edge and I'm just eager to see him in game-time action and see how it goes."

Ok fine, so he hasn't quite said anything about his coverage ability yet. Patience, we're getting there (though admittedly, Cushing didn't handle those duties in OTAs or mini-camps... shh).

Eric Winston had a great interview with ESPN yesterday and in it he talked about Ponytail. Winston believes Cushing "can do it all", "go up against elite tight ends", and most importantly, "cover the flats".

So there you have it. Yes, this post really has no meaning since we haven't actually seen him participate in any coverage drills yet, but it's nice to see the players hopeful of Cushing before they've even donned pads. I'm trying to keep you entertained, damnit.

Poll
How much have you lightened up on the Brian Cushing pick?
Not at all.
10 votes
Eh, it's alright.
30 votes
I love Brian Cushing!
100 votes
Why are you asking me this? We haven't even seen him put pads on. Idiot.
92 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 18 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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No vote = No opinion

this is one that I’m just hoping for the best. He’ll win me over or lose me forever pretty quickly, I’d say. That’s just how I ride the fence.
I was pretty ticked about the selection, but I do see how it could turn out to be solid, so I guess I’m warming a little.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Jul 8, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions  

I trust the front office.

And I think we’ll all be big Cushing fans by week 5.

by WhiskeyR on Jul 8, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions  

Agreed.

I think he’s going to be a pretty big playmaker.

"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Artest4Prez on Jul 8, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

If loving a ponytail is wrong.

I don’t want to be right!
Notwithstanding his folicular disaster…I am getting a positive vibe from this pick.
While I doubt that I’d be buddies with the guy (just from the look of him) he kinda seems like he’s our first defender with a legit mean streak…which might not be a bad thing at all for this defense. I am optimistic!

by Smittybaby on Jul 8, 2009 10:21 AM CDT reply actions  

Guess How I Voted?

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Jul 8, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions  

Hmm...

I should’ve given you your own special option: “Fuck Brian Cushing”

"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady

Still waiting...

by DreKeem on Jul 8, 2009 10:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

I had you

BFD and MDC figured.

I wonder who the fourth “no” vote was.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 8, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

It has to be Shake!

"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady

Still waiting...

by DreKeem on Jul 8, 2009 5:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Crush

Crush said something on one of the interviews I saw on houstontexans.com that I really liked and gives me more hope for this pick than anything else. They where talking to all of the rookies about how tough it was to learn the playbook and what they had to do, everyone else said that they where trying to figure out their own job. Cushing said "I have been working hard to know where EVERYONE is supposed to be on each play. I like this because it says he will understand not only his part but the whole system and that he is a pretty smart guy if he is working on remembering everyones spot while the other guys are just trying to figure out what they are supposed to do.

by Texans-Brocos on Jul 8, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Confidence in in the coaching staff . . .

is all one needs to get behind the Cushing selection. Was I in love with the pick on Draft Day? No, but once I heard Kubiak’s reason for taking him it was easy to get behind it. He was the one of the guys (along with Malcolm Jenkins) this group had targeted from the get go, and to argue that they don’t know how to draft is just ignorant. How many more examples on top of Mario Williams, Eric Winston, DeMeco Ryans, Owen Daniels, and Steve Slaton are needed to prove that – they know what they’re doing! They addressed a need with a physical guy who was a four-year starter in the same system they run. At USC no less! If somebody chooses to pre-judge Cushing before he even plays a down as a Texan, then that’s on them. You have to give Kubiak the benefit of the doubt here.

The nickname “Ponytail” sticks. That shit is funny.

by carsonwayne on Jul 8, 2009 12:52 PM CDT reply actions  

what I mostly like about Cushing

is the dedication he’s shown to football. Look at his blog, look at his interviews: it seems like he really only cares about getting better at football. He says he isn’t partying much, he’s eating a special diet to make sure he stays in top condition. The scouts, if I remember, said that he responds well to coaching and has good football IQ. We know the guy can hit and I am pretty sure they can teach him to cover. Then we’ll finally have a good SLB.

I didn’t like the Cushing pick at first but I have really come around. Or maybe I’m just being an optimistic homer.

by cubic on Jul 8, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions  

This guy is going to deliver the blow we are asking for

Y’all want someone who is going to dish it out, don’t ya? I read Texans-Brocos’ Fanpost Attitude the other day and a lot of you were dreaming up nicknames that will imply some level of nastiness. This is your guy! This guy will be handing out bloody noses and he will get his share too, doing it. But, he won’t be backing down. He will leave it all on the field. Cushing will run through a brick wall if he has to, to get to the ball. WGAF how he wears his hair? A homophobic moron, if you ask me! This guy lives football 365 days a year. Anyone who talks bad about Cushing in any way, shape or form is gonna eat his words in about two months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ………………….sorry for the rant…gasp…

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Jul 8, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions  

So now not only am I an idiot according to 42 people

But a moron also!? This is the worst day of my life.

"I'm just looking forward to something great happening in the city of Houston" - Tracy McGrady

Still waiting...

by DreKeem on Jul 8, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Take the rest of the day off

Start anew tomorrow…

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Jul 8, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

My favorite thing about Cushing

Is that he’s not afraid to bottom 12 inches of pipe, if ya know what I mean.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 8, 2009 5:04 PM CDT reply actions  

makin' a list

2 months, we’ll see who is bottoming pipe…just sayin’

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Jul 8, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

If you're keeping score

Please note that I voted with 41% of my fellow commenters in suggesting that it is too early to tell.

I guess the reference went over most people’s heads. Next time I’ll link.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Jul 9, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Bottom? Pipe?

Football related? Stick to what got you here.

by carsonwayne on Jul 9, 2009 4:30 AM CDT reply actions  

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