There was plenty to like coming out of the Houston Texans game in their win over the Baltimore Ravens. The defense shined on a Sunday afternoon, where the unit held one of the top the offenses in the NFL to only 211 total yards (178 passing and 68 rushing).

One of the biggest positives came from the game that inside linebacker Brian Cushing put together. The stat sheet showed two total tackles, two quarterback hits and 71 of 74 total defensive snaps taken by Cushing. Coming into the game, he had been averaging a little over 50 snaps a game, and only played 27 snaps in the game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Cushing has been dealing with a knee issue majority of the season, but versus Baltimore, he finally looked the healthiest he has all year. Throughout the season, Cushing struggled with speed and explosion and it looked like the player he was before the two devastating knee injuries was in the rear view mirror.

Against the Ravens, Cushing jumped off the film and started to look, once again, like the linebacker that had imposed his will against offenses. Cushing moved well, covered, and played downhill to the ball carrier better than he had all season.

“I think it’s been frustrating at times, but there’s ups and downs to every season,” said Cushing of the season. “I have my health. I know that. I’m not where I was the past two years at this time of year, so I have to be thankful for that. Like I said, just focus on this week. Just try and have the best game I can have of the year coming up.”

His knee injuries have limited him to twelve games between the 2012 and 2013 seasons, but Cushing is listening to his doctors on how to handle the issues with his knee.

“I listen to my doctor with what to expect. I mean, I feel great. I feel great. I feel like I’m playing just fine, so I don’t know. Where I am right now, I’m pretty happy.” said Cushing.

As the season has progressed, Cushing has improved week to week and his two game absences, plus a bye week, seemed to help the healing process. In 13 games this season, Cushing has 71 total tackles with one sack and one forced fumble.

Cushing vs. the Ravens

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