Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has a fine line to walk when discussing cut blocking.
Sure, his season ended when his ACL was torn on an illegal block by Jets guard Matt Slauson. But he also plays for a team which uses legal cut blocks as an integral part of the offense.
The league is considering rules changes which would outlaw blocks below the waist, though few if any expect a total ban.
“I don’t know,” Cushing said, via Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle. “I’m obviously going to have no say in whether that happens or not. It’s been a huge part of the game the last couple years, especially with our offensive scheme. I’m not sure. I’m not sure what to feel about that.
“Obviously feel a little strongly about it since something did happen to me. Obviously players it’s never happened to before could care less.”
Texans coach Gary Kubiak said he had no comment when asked about a potential rule change, and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison emphasized the Texans were within the rules, and would change if the rules changed.
“I think if it’s head on and within the rule book, and if you see the guy I think [it’s OK],” Cushing said. “But my situation, I don’t want it to happen to any other players out there.”
It’s no accident that players on teams that don’t cut-block as much as the Texans have stronger feelings.