You do realize the season before, the texans lost our pro bowl linebacker, quarterback, receiver, running back, and a former pro-bowler wiped of ability because of an achilles. We, as fans, do not want to see that happen because it honestly sucks.
I completely agree with you. JJ made 13 points worth of difference in that game. Prevented a TD that scored us a FG, and prevented a FG, all by himself. But it was just one game, and Jamison/Barwin are far more capable replacements for JJ than Dobbins and Sharpton are for Cushing. We have plenty of pass rushers, we only have one true MLB on this team worth a damn.
I was in attendance at Texans games when Corey Bradford was our top receiver and Aaron Glenn was our superstar. So yeah, I've experienced a lot with this team. Seriously, despite that we also came within a touchdown of going to the AFC Championship, with TJ Yates as our starting QB. Yes, it sucks. But my god, we have watched our team go from the laughing stock of the NFL to a juggernaut. Let's not act like the world is ending and we're going back to the bottom of the AFC South. Things that are elite with Cushing: Passing game Running game O-Line Pass Rush Run Defense Secondary Things that are elite without Cushing Passing game Running game O-Line Pass Rush Secondary Sorry, I'm going to be a little optimistic given that we're still elite in 5/6 major categories. Get a grip people.
^^ Ye of little faith. Cushing will be missed as nobody goes from sideline to sideline like our captain. but last I checked, Wade is still leading our kids on the defensive attack. From wade's own philosophy, " defense is about being in the right position." You won't see Dobbins being sent out on blitzing mission, which Cushing was awesome at. instead, wade will send it from somewhere else. He will scheme to hide the weakness of the ilbs. Wade, while in San diego basically resurrected Randall godfrey's career for a couple of seasons. But but we already suck at stopping the run up the middle!!? Dobbins specialty is plugging his assigned gap with no remorse. Who can forget stuffing the ravens. But but what about pass coverage, our kicker is faster than james!? A great TE is going to get over on most LBs, like how Dallas clark always gave cushing nightmares or O.D torturing Patrick willis back in 09'. You can't win every battle. Son of bum has this, don't press the panic button just yet. (at least give it three weeks.)
When we play Ray Rice, Frank Gore, etc. or other powerhouses in the playoffs, we would have greatly needed our leading tackler, defensive mvp of last year, team captain and defensive signal caller greatly. We might be fine now, but we have a good chance of getting exposed in the playoffs. I don't know if you have noticed either, but our line is not as good as last year, and other than Watt, our pass rush is lacking depth. What if Watt runs out of steam? there is some justification to be pessimistic.
Eh, I think it hurts the secondary a bit as well in a way. Cush was the only one that isn't a complete liability in coverage underneath, so I'd say that losing him probably limits Wade's plans a bit there. In any case, not a sky is falling situation, but it hurts the Texans strongest asset considerably.
Tough blow, Dobbins can adequately fill in on 1st and 2nd down, maybe drop Quin into the box to take Cush's responsibilities on 3rd. Really need Barwin, Reed, and Smith to pick up the pash rush. Watt will be doubled giving them 1 on 1 situations they've got to win.
The defense allowed 10 points last night. A TD coming after a turnover which gave them decent field position. Yes it was against a lowly Jets offense but we will have time to prepare. Cushing wasn't big in the pass rush so the best facet of our defense remains unchanged. Kareem Jackson has solidified his role as a good corner 2. So the Texans will be lucky to go 6-5 to finish out in your opinion. Have you even looked at the schedule?
I feel really ****ty and all. I've followed the texans since they were the Houston 2002ers. I've been into the team on a day to day basis the whole offseason. Watched every game. Wear my jersey all the time. Have a Texans garden gnome on my work desk. Having said all that, I feel infinity worse for Brian Cushing than I do for myself and the team. His whole family was at the game for gods sake. To work as hard as he does and to be such an emotional part of this team and have it end like that. He must have gone in shock. If he shed tears, those must have been the manliest tears ever. It's different than with any other player. For most of these guys Football is a job. It's a game. Cushing just seems to have his heart and soul into this. Poor Poor guy. Without all the work he has put into this team none of us would be enjoying the thril of being 5-0.
Cushing took on the leadership role as the defensive captain...his personality is contagious...and his teammates know that...Cushing is a significant loss for the team..but that just means that other players need to step up...
I want to rep this 1000 times. Some of you seriously need to nut up. Injuries are a part of the game, and while Cushing is fantastic and will be missed, this team is still on a ****ing mission for the Super Bowl. This offense is dynamic, and Wade Phillips is going to take it upon himself to figure out a way to keep this defense in the top 5. We have 12 weeks until the playoffs start, and hopefully 13 for the Texans if they can get a bye. Wade will have it figured out by then.
I hope they suspend the guy that did that to him, but I hope no one does anything stupid towards him.
As much as I like Cushing - losing an LB in a 3-4 scheme especially is nowhere near losing your all-star caliber QB. (Oh, and we still did well without Schaub if I remember correctly...)
It's a tough loss, but not enough to derail our glorious path to the Super Bowl. We will prevail. For the Motherland. For the fans. And for Cush. Onward! :grin:
This is a fun ride, but if you don't win the last game of the season nobody gives a ****. -Moneyball Yes, I have. I stand by what I said. Cushing anchored the defense.
