Cushing weighs 262!

[Keith]

Steriod rumors as they relate to Cushing are fair game in here (heck, this is an internet message board after all), but let's please move on from any misunderstandings in this thread and rejoin the convo about Cushing.

[Bigtinylittle]

Originally Posted by Keith

Steriod rumors as they relate to Cushing are fair game in here (heck, this is an internet message board after all), but let's please move on from any misunderstandings in this thread and rejoin the convo about Cushing.

The silliest thing about Cushing, in my opinion, were those analysts who were knocking him because they thought he watches his diet too closely. Talk about reaching!

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by Bigtinylittle

The silliest thing about Cushing, in my opinion, were those analysts who were knocking him because they thought he watches his diet too closely. Talk about reaching!

I'm actually torn on this. While it's clearly not a bad thing that he works as hard as he does to stay in shape, I think the point some were trying to make is that Cushing may already be tapped out physically with no room for growth. If he has to work this hard to maintain his current form, I can see why some might consider this a question mark.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by Joshua

I'm actually torn on this. While it's clearly not a bad thing that he works as hard as he does to stay in shape, I think the point some were trying to make is that Cushing may already be tapped out physically with no room for growth. If he has to work this hard to maintain his current form, I can see why some might consider this a question mark.

Actually I think the concerns were more that he is too obsessive about his appearance/diet/physique as compared to the game. In that, his diet/body building would take precedent over, or be a detriment to his film study and/or play on the field.

I think that's a legitimate, yet unlikely concern. I'm more worried about his injury potential (which, coincidentally, could also be a result of his body building) than anything else.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

Actually I think the concerns were more that he is too obsessive about his appearance/diet/physique as compared to the game. In that, his diet/body building would take precedent over, or be a detriment to his film study and/or play on the field.

I think that's a legitimate, yet unlikely concern. I'm more worried about his injury potential (which, coincidentally, could also be a result of his body building) than anything else.

That more closely resembles my impression of the concerns over his prepared meals. It led to an image that he is a pretty boy more concerned with how he looks in the mirror than how he plays on the field. Lifting weights to look good at the beach isn't necessarily the same type of workout that would help you get better as a football player.

[kravix]

Originally Posted by papabear

That more closely resembles my impression of the concerns over his prepared meals. It led to an image that he is a pretty boy more concerned with how he looks in the mirror than how he plays on the field. Lifting weights to look good at the beach isn't necessarily the same type of workout that would help you get better as a football player.

Bill Romanowski was a workout warrior and nutrition junkie. Id say that worked out pretty well for him. Do not think I am comparing the two physically or on the field, just their dietary and workout habbits.

Alot of players have personal chef's to regiment their diets, probably half the team does if not more. I watched the videos of his workouts and judging by the success he had at USC, you could definatly say that he isnt working out just to "look good at the beach".

This just seems like nit picking to me. It is easy to find something in every player that could be misconstrued any way you wish in able to project them as something they arent. All the commercials and TV appearances by Peyton Manning show me he isnt really interested in football and would rather be in holywood..

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Joshua

I think the point some were trying to make is that Cushing may already be tapped out physically with no room for growth.

What do you mean by that exactly ? We are talking about a young man who is 22 or 23 who at that age is surely at the height of his physical maturity in terms of pure athleticism, we aren't talking about a 17 or an 18 year-old HS athlete. Now he will improve mentally (hopefully), both thru psychological maturation and learning the game and becoming experienced as a pro, as an NFL player which should make him a better football player. But his pure physical prowess will never exceed where he's at now, atleast I don't think it will ?

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

What do you mean by that exactly ? We are talking about a young man who is 22 or 23 who at that age is surely at the height of his physical maturity in terms of pure athleticism, we aren't talking about a 17 or an 18 year-old HS athlete. Now he will improve mentally (hopefully), both thru psychological maturation and learning the game and becoming experienced as a pro, as an NFL player which should make him a better football player. But his pure physical prowess will never exceed where he's at now, atleast I don't think it will ?

Well, first off, it wasn't really my point, just one I had heard others make (as well as the body builder point that others have also made). In short, I think some were concerned that it took an incredible amount of dietary efforts (regimented diet/supplements/etc.) and working out for Cushing to be the 245 guy he was at the Combine. Unless he were to keep up what many have viewed as a pretty rigorous routine, he might not maintain his physique. Thus, it may require a tremendous amount of discipline by a freshly made millionaire to maintain the strength and speed you drafted him for. Maybe you get that discipline, maybe you don't.

In all honesty, I really don't have a problem with Cushing or his workout routine and he seems like a guy who is going to go all out to try and be successful. I was just chiming in on one of the concerns raised at the time of the Combine.

[Keith]

You know, in light of the first round project that Amobi Okoye has been, I'm not that opposed to more of finished product athletically in Cushing. Hopefully it helps him to be better able to make a more immediate impact, at least physically, especially since rookies all seem to hit a wall sometime past the midway point of their first seasons.

Also, I would hope that Cushing takes care of his body for the next ten years as he supposedly has since at least high school. That'll keep his body fresher for longer I hope. Just need to also hope that he hasn't been slowing putting too much strain on any joints or ligaments with any premature or overdone muscle growth.

[Nconroe]

I might be wrong but looks like Okoye is still the youngest guy on Texans, by six months, and second youngest is Cushing.

Looks like Cushing is pretty likely starter at SAM, big, strong, athletic, smart, works hard, keeps learning, and good team player. might be a question on third down, probably not as he learns all of the playbook.

We have DeMeco entrenched in the middle, but have 10 linebackers in camp, perhaps all pretty good. so that puts lots of competition for the WILL position , perhaps flexibility to play multiple defensive sets and contribution on special teams making the difference on how many of the 10 we keep for how long, and of course injuries come into it. I guess in the end Texans will keep between 5 and 7 LB's.

Sounds like Adibi put on 10 pounds of muscle, so up to 240 or so in offseason and looking pretty good, as is Diles, and likely Bently. Tough cuts coming.

And nice to see we have depth finally, hope it turns into a great defense this year.

[painekiller]

My reason for posting this was is Cushing going to be able to cover the pass? Is he going to be a 2 down player? He already is not the best cover LB, will the slower speed due to the higher than average playing weight hurt him. IIRC he did not blow me away with his forty time at the lighter weight. Did our team get dooped by a work out?

And yes I was not in favor of our drafting of Cushing at the time of draft.