For someone who'd notched just 32 plays this season, and hadn't logged any gametime since Week 1, Brian Cushing had a strong return to form on Sunday.
The franchise's leading tackler finished with five tackles and a half sack in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. The linebacker returned from a 10-game suspension and played in his 101st career contest, and while he wished it had come in a victory, he was back doing what he loves.
"It's frustrating when you can't get that done, but at the same time like you said its bittersweet and just being out there is a pretty good feeling," Cushing said.
Cushing, along with rookie linebacker Zach Cunningham, dropped Jimmy Garoppolo for a loss of 4.5 yards in the fourth quarter.
Earlier in the game, Cushing wasted no time in making an impact. He logged a tackle on the second play from scrimmage, and finished the first half with three stops. Head coach Bill O'Brien was pleased with what he saw from the nine-year veteran.
"He made some plays," O'Brien said. "I thought he competed. I think it's hard when you're off for 10 weeks. It's hard to jump right back in, but I thought he played a competitive game."
Cushing now has 12.5 sacks in his career and 56 quarterback hits.
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