HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Brian Cushing #56 of the Houston Texans walks off the field prior to the start of their game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on November 30, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Houston (CBS Houston) – After a season where he was often scrutinized for his play on the field, Brian Cushing knows this will be a much different offseason that last year’s.

“I can really focus on a lot of stuff this year and really come into next year 100 percent,” Cushing said.

According to Cushing he didn’t get to “train and prepare” the way he wanted to this offseason due to the recovery from his knee surgery.

A knee which Cushing said was feeling better as the season progressed.

“I felt better, especially after the bye week,” he said. “I got the swelling in my knee under control. Was really able to focus on my knee and on my game and improve every week.”

Cushing missed the two game prior to the bye week but returned against Cleveland. He had 22 tacklesin the 7 games after his return.

To go along with his training he will have what he called a “good year” from the Texans to look back on.

“Ended with a winning record, obviously turned around a lot of things and played good football,” Cushing said. “I think we’re a very competitive football team. We played hard. Played physical. Dealt with a lot of adversity and just kept going in a positive direction.”

For the first time in a long time Brian Cushing won’t be dealing with the adversity of a knee injury recovery, which allows him personally to head in a positive direction for the next year of his career.

“Having this time and being able to prepare, and recover, is very important.”

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