Nick Scurfield @NickScurfield Cushing named 2011 #Texans MVP http://www.houstontexans.com/news/a...xans-MVP/191901b1-6810-4dc9-946f-089c8f4860b4 Inside linebacker Brian Cushing has been voted the Texans’ 2011 Most Valuable Player by a vote of his teammates. Cushing, who was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl, led Houston’s No. 2-ranked defense with 114 tackles. He had almost as many solo tackles (76) as Texans strong safety Glover Quin, who finished second on the team in tackles, had overall (77). Cushing also had 4.0 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and five passes defensed. With Cushing leading the way in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense, the Texans allowed only 285.7 yards per game after giving up 376.9 in 2010. That 91.2-yard average improvement was the best in the NFL this season and third-best since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. The Texans’ defense improved by 9.3 points per game, from 26.7 to 17.4, also the best turnaround in the league. Defensive end J.J. Watt was selected as the Texans’ Rookie of the Year. The 11th overall pick from Wisconsin, Watt started every game and had 56 tackles, including 49 solo. He had 5.5 sacks, a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and four passes defensed. Inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans won the Texans’ Ed Block Courage Award. A defensive captain, Ryans came back from a 2010 season-ending Achilles injury to start all 16 games. He finished third on the team with 64 tackles. The Ed Block Award recognizes players for extra efforts on and off the field and their ability to overcome great adversity. Past Texans winners include tight end Joel Dreessen (2010), linebacker Zac Diles (2009) and wide receiver Harry Williams (2008). Ryans also won the Texans’ Mark Bruener Award for Community Service.
Cushing is the man. Glad the players voted for him. show he is without a doubt are defensive leader glad JJ Watt and Ryans got some love too.
