Brian Cushing moves to the middle to solve Houston Texans linebacker problems
Houston Texans outside linebacker Brian Cushing is being moved by head coach Gary Kubiak into the middle in order to replace injured middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who is out for the season. The move is aimed at solving a crisis in the Texans defence as
they look to shore up some holes.
Second-year Cushing has been starting on the outside since he was drafted last year. By moving to the middle, he will be looked upon to lead the Texans defence, which no small order for the 23-year-old who started the season serving a suspension for violating
the league's policy on banned substances.
"We thought that was the best thing for our team," Kubiak said of his decision to move Cushing to the middle. "We want him to lead the defence, take over the defence. That's where we're going."
When asked what he thought about his coach's decision, Cushing responded by saying, "I'm just doing what they want me to do. I'm excited about the new opportunity. With DeMeco down, somebody had to step up. Coach asked me, and I'm more than willing to do
it."
Cushing, last season's defensive rookie of the year, is not shying away from the added responsibility.
"I've just got to lock in a little bit more...I'm going to have to be the quarterback of the defense, and I'm fine doing that."
Cushing believes in himself and appears to have the support of his team-mates as well.
"I think he can jump right in and get it done," defensive end Antonio Smith said. "I've got confidence that he can handle it. You see what he can do on the field, and the mike linebacker, for his type of motor and energy and (ability) running sideline-to-sideline,
it's kind of like the best position for him to play."
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