I take Cushing over Ryans all day. Demeco was a tackling machine, but rarely made impact plays. He could usually be found tackling a ball carrier a few yards downfield. Cushing had way more impact plays and averaged more sacks, INTs, and TFLs during his time, and far more during the respective peaks. Additionally, Cushing was a key part to far better teams and defenses.
Overall Demeco was healthier, a better tackler, and was better at play recognition. But he couldn't take on blocks, was far worse in coverage, made far fewer impact plays, and was way less physical. Even though Demeco's peak was in Houston, he actually set career highs for INTs and Sacks in Philly. In Houston he was a low impact volume tackler. Jamie Sharper actually compares favorably to Demeco and played on better defenses.
If Clowney keeps it up he surpasses them all.
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