I think Cushing had a monster rookie season but followed up with a not so great season. Clay Matthews obviously had a great 2nd year. It's too early to tell who will be the better of the 2 but if the Texans had a redo do you think Matthews would've been the better pick?
I mean I like Cushing because he works so hard his body produces steroids but... Gonna have to go with Clay.
Its only been 2 season Cushing was one of the best defensive players in the NFL in 2009 while Clay was one of the best in 2010 we will have to wait and see
Were gonna have to wait until after this season. Clay is an elite pass rusher but now we have to see how Brian can do as an ILB in the 3-4
I actually wanted the Texans to draft Matthews. I thought with his rise at SC and his bloodline, he was on his way too a nice NFL career. Now with the 3-4 being implemented, I think he may be a better fit. Cushing is no slouch, great rookie year, but he has something to prove after this past season. Hopefully it was missing the four games that set him back and not the ped's.
I'll have to wait after the next season and see how cushing does, but as of now I'll take Clay no doubt about that.
I'd still rather Cushing. Matthews is a great human missile, but swap them out and put him on last year's Texans D and he's not saving anything. Cushing brings a lot more to the table with his ability to cover TEs and lock down the run game (in addition to blitzing). To me, that's more important than a one trick pony. That said, Matthews is as good as it gets with his one trick. And like others have noted, they're both major roiders.
I mean, is this even really a debate?? The results speak for themselves, do they not?? Clay Matthews has put together TWO massively productive seasons for the Packers, and was the centerpiece of a Super Bowl-winning defense, whereas Cushing had one ROTY-winning season which was subsequently put into question by steroid use. His second season was not only shortened by suspension, but even his time ON the field did not cause any waves. Both players' careers are still in their infancy, and Cushing will have every opportunity to succeed in this league, but as of right now, I think Clay Matthews blows Cush out of the water.