Linebackers coach Mike Vrabel sets bar high for Texans' Brian Cushing

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From his vantage point, Mike Vrabel watched every tackle, every blitz and every block shed by Texans middle linebacker Brian Cushing last season.

And the Texans linebackers coach observed a resurgent, healthy season from the former first-round draft pick.

Years removed from having his left knee surgically repaired, the 29-year-old New Jersey native started every game last season and led the NFL's third-ranked defense with 110 tackles. It marked the first time in four years that Cushing hit the century mark for tackles and also had four tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He also had an interception during the Texans' 30-0 AFC wild-card playoff loss to the Chiefs.

"Yeah his attitude, his energy his love for the game," said Vrabel, a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the Patriots. "He knows we expect his leadership, his physicalness, and his relentless to the ball. That's what he expects from himself."

A former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cushing tore his anterior cruciate ligament four years ago against the Jets. Signed to a six-year, $58.653 million contract extension that included $31 million guaranteed to become the highest-paid middle linebacker in the NFL, Cushing broke his leg and tore his fibular collateral ligament Oct. 20, 2013, against the Chiefs on a low block from running back Jamaal Charles.

Now, Cushing is nearly three years removed from two devastating injuries. Entering his eighth season, Cushing has recorded 583 career tackles, a dozen sacks, eight interceptions and nine forced fumbles.

"There's a lot of ball left for me, both physically and mentally," Cushing said. "When you get to this part of your career, you only get better or you get worse. I'm just trying to get better every day. I think I've trained hard in the offseason but at the same time, the further I get away from my injuries, the better I'm going to get.

"I'm going to continue to heal and get back to where I was, not worrying about rehab or injuries or trying to figure out what's wrong with my body. But instead, training like I was able to, training like I'm used to and continuing to build momentum. Get to where I need to be again and if I can, I think I can help this team greatly."

The 2015 season marked the first time in four years that Texans linebacker Brian Cushing recorded 100 tackles. The 2015 season marked the first time in four years that Texans linebacker Brian Cushing recorded 100 tackles. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Linebackers coach Mike Vrabel sets bar high for Texans' Brian Cushing 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

Beyond his physical improvements and increased knowledge of defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel's 3-4 scheme, Cushing benefits from the continued presence of Vrabel. Vrabel declined an offer to become the 49ers' defensive coordinator, getting a raise to remain with the Texans.

"You know, him and I can butt heads sometimes, but I wouldn't want anyone else in that room leading us and being our coach," Cushing said. "He's a great coach to play for. He's extremely smart, tough, he's got grit and it just rubs off on us. I know we all appreciate him in that room."