Linebacker Brian Cushing lets out a primal scream after a tackle.
Linebacker Brian Cushing's impact on the Texans' defense is undeniable. The tenacious first-round pick from USC flies to the football with reckless abandon.
After the Texans' 34-31 win at Tennessee, people outside Houston are taking notice of Cushing, who led the Texans to victory with a team-high 10 tackles, including two for a loss and one pass defensed.
"I am a guy that will give you four quarters and will be running to the ball," Cushing said afterward. "I know that running back on the other side is going to get tired of me tackling him and I know the offensive line is going to get tired of blocking me. I am a non-stop guy. I am a guy that brings that intensity."
Cushing's performance earned him a nomination for Pepsi Rookie of the Week for Week 2 of the NFL regular season. Voting is open until Friday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. CT.
Other nominees include: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin, New York Giants cornerback Bruce Johnson, Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox and New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.
