Photos: Linebackers in 2009

LB Brian Cushing (56) disrupts a play in the win over the Rams, as SS Bernard Pollard (31) helps.

LB Brian Cushing (56) and LB DeMeco Ryans (59) help gang tackle a Rams ball-carrier in the win at Saint Louis.

LB DeMeco Ryans (59) wraps up a Rams' ball-carrier, as LB Brian Cushing (56) and LB Zac Diles (54) get set to chip in on the tackle as well.

LB Brian Cushing (56) smacks the quarterback on the first play of the win over Seattle.

Rookie LB Brian Cushing (56) returns a Peyton Manning interception at home against Indianapolis.

LB Brian Cushing registers a tackle at home against the Colts.

LB Brian Cushing (56) celebrates a sack in the road win over the Bills.

LB Zac Diles (54), LB Brian Cushing (56) and DT Amobi Okoye (91) drop a ball-carrier at Buffalo.

LB DeMeco Ryans (59) and LB Brian Cushing (56) bring down Marshawn Lynch in the win at Buffalo.

LB Zac Diles (54) gets in for a stop against the Bengals.

Rookie LB Brian Cushing gets stretched before the win over the Titans.

Team captain DeMeco Ryans had another great season leading the defense, and stretches before the win over the Titans.