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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Inside linebackers

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium . Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium . Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

The veteran starter, Brian Cushing

The 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Brian Cushing is entering his eighth season in the league for the Texans, and is coming off a solid season in which he played all 16 games for the first time since 2011.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 249 Pounds
Age: 29
Career tackles: 583
Career sacks: 12
Career INTs: 8

Cushing entered the league on fire, racking up 133 tackles, four sacks and four interceptions as a rookie. However, his career hit a wall when he started struggling with freak injuries and played just 12 games in 2012 and 2013 combined.

He was able to play in 14 games during the following season and recorded 72 tackles, but never looked completely comfortable. Last season, Cush looked more like himself as he played in every game and finished with 110 total tackles on the season and even recorded a post season interception for Houston.

Look for the veteran to play with even more confidence following his first full season is several seasons. Also, with a new run stuffing starter entrenched next to him, look for Cushing to freely attack the opponents in 2016.

Season prediction: 125 tackles, 10 for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions

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