Cushing Moves Into Lead Role On Texans' Defense

By: Associated Press

Posted: Thu 2:28 PM, Jun 07, 2012

HOUSTON, TX -- It may be the most indelible image of the Houston Texans' 2011 season - blood pouring down the face of linebacker Brian Cushing after a scrap with Cleveland guard Shawn Lauvao in a November game against the Browns.

The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Cushing led the Texans with seven tackles and a sack that day, helping Houston to a 30-12 victory. The Texans' defense evolved into one of the NFL's best last season, the main catalyst for the franchise's first division championship and playoff berth.

Expectations are higher than ever in Houston for this season, and they are for Cushing, too, with one-time defensive cornerstones Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans now playing for other teams. Cushing has his own tough act to follow after leading the league's second-ranked defense in tackles (114).

Brazos Valley FCA Thrilled With Success Of 2013 Ray Dorr Golf Classic

We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:

Comments must not be profane or vulgar.

Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.

We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.

Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.

Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html