I hope he prove's me wrong. Cushing replay.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by kravix

I am not a fan of college football, so I have never seen any of his games. Cloudwasher brought up a good point that it was only one game, and against a weak opponent. My understanding is that USC likes to mix their Def up alot, and it is possible they were experimenting.

I know that one of Cush's supposed strengths was playing all 3 positions, but it may have been more from neccessity or creativity than anything else. I do know there was a period where he basically played a DE standing up becuase of injuries, that doesnt mean we are going to stick him on th line.

It was also a college game, and no player can go through college, or the pros and be dominate every single game.

Because USC is on TV virtually ever week, I've seen more than one game. Early in the season Rey Rey was on my must watch list, so I've seen the team and watched the LBs play.

I have not just watched Cush play on every play before. And IMO he has never jump out at me as a must watch player. Much less the 15th pick. Rey Rey jumps out, but he his flaws do too, IMO Rey Rey will be the better pro, I think Rick and Gary pulled a TJ*. A good player, but not a standout player.

And again, I hope he proves me wrong.


* IMO they pulled a TJ on Okoye and missed out on Willis, the best LB since Ray Lewis, I don't care if he played MIKE, one of the two could play the SAM.

[Bigtinylittle]

Originally Posted by painekiller

* IMO they pulled a TJ on Okoye and missed out on Willis, the best LB since Ray Lewis, I don't care if he played MIKE, one of the two could play the SAM.

This kind of thing often happens to teams in the first round. No matter how much they say they are going to go BPA, almost all teams draft for need in the first round. The Texans didn't need a Mike when they drafted Okoye, so they passed on Willis.

Going exclusively for need in the first is a mistake in the long run, but with coaches and GMs under tremendous pressure to produce immediate results, the 'long run' almost always takes a back seat.

Of course, sometimes GMs get lucky and the BPA happens to be someone who plays where they need help.

[Nconroe]

I'm gonna stay positive for now, not let any doubts creep in till atleast we see a few practice games, and maybe give the rookies a while to develop.

[painekiller]

FYI I like Okoye and I think he will have a bust out year, but Willis is the the better player. And I said that right after the draft.

As for who would I have taken instead of Cushing? I have not answered that on the forum. Why? Because I want the Texans to be right, and I not in love with anyone at 15, and trade downs take partners.

If push came to shove I take either Brown RB from UConn, and he would be early, or I take Matthews.

[HPF Bob]

There may have been injury issues or "stay at home" assignments that we wouldn't know about without talking to their coaches. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach but I'm still of the opinion that Maualuaga was the best of the three and will have the brightest NFL career.

[Nconroe]

Brian Cushing #10 LB
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2005 23 14 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0
2006 56 26 30 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2007 24 14 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2008 74 48 26 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0.0 0
Rey Maualuga #58 LB
YEAR TACK SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD
2005 36 25 11 0 1 1 0 1 9 0
2006 78 45 33 0 2 1 0 1 0 0
2007 78 41 37 0 6 0 0 1 19 0
2008 80 52 28 0 0 0 0 2 48 1
Clay Matthews #47 LB
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2005 8 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2006 15 9 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2007 17 15 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0
2008 54 26 28 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0

Stats from ESPN. Seems just depends what game you look at. Cushing had sacks and interceptions in 08, fwiw. ESPNU has 2009 Rose bowl on tonight where USC demolished Penn St. Matthews flying all over the place.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

ESPNU has 2009 Rose bowl on tonight where USC demolished Penn St. Matthews flying all over the place.

And I watched Cush the entire 1st half, then the blow out got boring. Cush did not look good against the run and he played weak at the line of scrimmage. He was at his best going back in coverage.

I am concerned, but as Bob said, I will wait and see, and I will say it again, I hope I am wrong.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

Brian Cushing #10 LB
ESPNU has 2009 Rose bowl on tonight where USC demolished Penn St. Matthews flying all over the place.

I recorded this game and watched it specifically to scout Cushing......While he didn't have a great showing, he was always close to the action and made a few stops. Not bad, but I think we could have gotten better value in Zach Follet in the later rounds who, IMO, will be just as good a player, if not better. That being said, Cushing is my guy now and I'll be rooting for him every Sunday.