As a rookie in 2009, Brian Cushing burst onto the fantasy scene, recording monster numbers from the OLB position. Looking every bit the IDP Fantasy Football star, his 133 total tackles would have been impressive numbers from a MLB, which predominantly post the leading tackle numbers. Along with his incredible tackle numbers, the rookie Cushing also displayed incredible big play potential, recording 4 sacks, 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles, along with 10 pass deflections, providing huge point’s totals week in week out to anyone who put their faith in the Texans rookie.
That production didn't last. In 2010, after serving a four game suspension for testing positive for banned substances, Cushing was unable to return to the heights of his rookie season success. He registered double digit fantasy points 4 times out of the 12 remaining games, and struggled to make much of an impact. His tackle production fell off completely, with a near 50% drop, and his big plays also suffered, with only 1.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble on the season.
Entering the 2011 season, the Texans defensive overhaul will require Cushing to pick up an entirely new system. With Houston changing to a 3-4 defense under Wade Phillips, he'll be required to learn the new system, as well as, a new position, as he transitions to ILB. With a lockout shortened off-season, Cushing will have his work cut out for him if he is to rebound from a disappointing sophomore season.
But there is reason to believe he could return to the heights of his rookie success. His transition to ILB should put him in a better position to make plays, and judging by his 2009 numbers from OLB, there is no reason to think that the move inside can’t yield another 100+ tackle season. As with most ILB/MLBs, tackles will make up the majority of their points, providing a steady fantasy value, boosted by big plays. This is where Cushing could really come into his own. Known as one of the heavier hitters in the league, provided Cushing’s tackle figure increases, his forced fumbles should also rise with it.
Cushing should also still get chances to rush the QB, but more value lies in tackles for loss (TFLs). Throughout his 28 game career, Cushing has 15 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks (7 TFL and 1.5 sacks in ’10). This should provide a big play boost to what promises to be a steady stream of tackles. In addition, Cushing cannot be ruled out of making big plays in the passing game, as he shows good coverage skills and good athleticism, registering +5.5 in PFF’s grade for pass coverage in 2009. Although this figure dropped to -2.2 in 2010, if he can improve to anywhere near his rookie levels, his interceptions and pass deflections should net a few extra points every week.
One reason for concern about Cushing tallying triple digit tackles would be the presence of DeMeco Ryans playing alongside him at ILB. Ryans has been solid, if not spectacular, manning the MLB spot in the Texans D for the past few seasons, recording 572 tackles (435 solo) since 2006. With both Ryans and Cushing displaying such a good nose for ball, and with both being put in positions to make plays, it’s possible that they will end up eating into each other’s fantasy value. What will give Cushing the edge over Ryans in fantasy terms is his big play potential, as Ryans has contributed little else apart from the solid tackle figures, recording 2 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, 20 pass deflections and 5 forced fumbles through his 5 seasons in the NFL. Add to that the fact that Cushing out-tackled Ryans in his rookie ’09 season, despite playing outside. This shows that Cushing has a clear edge in fantasy value, not only in big play potential, but he also could put up higher tackle numbers in 2011. It should also be noted that Ryans is returning from a torn Achilles tendon sustained last year, which has several experts questioning his continuing durability and range when he hits the field.
Although he does have obstacles in his path, 2011 should provide Cushing every opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing 2010. Picking up a new position in a new scheme in a shortened off-season could provide some challenges, but looking at the success he had as a rookie with many of the same obstacles (new position, new scheme, transition to NFL, etc), I’m confident 2011 will become a bounce back year for the ex-Trojan. Of course, the red flags shouldn’t be ignored completely, and Cushing still has to prove that 2009 wasn’t a fluke. However, based on his projected draft position (he’s currently ranked as the 11th LB by PFF IDP guru Ross Miles) you could be getting an absolute steal, as Cushing has as much upside as any fantasy IDP LB.
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