Linebacker Brian Cushing brought the Texans and the league’s PED problems plenty of unwanted attention this offseason, not to mention a major hole in Houston’s lineup to open the season.
That hasn’t dimmed Texans owner Bob McNair’s enthusiasm for last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, however. McNair sees Cushing as the ideal Houston Texan.
“Everybody I’ve talked to -- strength coaches, assistant coaches, what have you -- say Brian Cushing is the hardest-working athlete they’ve ever worked with, that his workouts are so strenuous that no one could compare,” McNair told Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
Asked what he’s learned in nine years of being owner, McNair essentially said he needs to find more Cushings. And fewer guys like David Carr.
“Maybe in the case of David Carr, that was probably the one thing we overlooked,” McNair said. “I think David enjoyed the game, but I don’t think he has that real burning desire, that passion, that not only do I want to play, but I want to be the very best at this position.”
Cushing is the exact opposite, according to McNair: “There’s not anybody on that field more intense than Brian, and the players know that,” McNair said.
The Texans couldn’t stand behind Cushing any stronger. They recognize he will be a huge part of the franchise for years to come and see his suspension as a temporary setback. McNair, in fact, hopes that Cushing’s intensity rubs off on Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye.
Well, starting in Week Five at least.