So maybe former USC linebacker Brian Cushing doesn’t have NFL defensive rookie of the year honors locked up just yet.
Another former Trojan linebacker could be giving Cushing a run for his money.
According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has been named the NFC defensive player of the week.
Matthews had two sacks, a forced fumble, and six tackles during the Monday night victory over the Ravens.
Cushing, who plays for the Texans, recently was named defensive rookie of the month for November.
Both Cushing and Matthews were selected in round one of the 2009 draft. They also were the subject of a false report that they had tested positive for steroids at the Scouting Combine.