 They believed that he would not have the speed to get to the outside, despite the fact that he had always been an outside linebacker all through high school.In 2011, the Houston Texans finished the season with a 10–6 record and made it to the playoffs for the first time in team history.Cushing was named Team MVP and while he wasn't voted to the Pro-Bowl he earned AP 2nd Team All-Pro honors after finishing the season with 114 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.