I suppose anything is possible, especially with Gary Kubiak’s staff no lock to be around next year, but I think it’s unlikely that Cushing gets moved to the middle and I think he’s proven himself such an asset at SLB that he’s unlikely to be moved into a flow and chase role on the weak side.
Though it’s certainly not common, Cushing isn’t the first strong side linebacker to put up big numbers. Derrick Johnson, David Thornton, Michael Boley, Karlos Dansby have all been big statistical producers this decade. Adalius Thomas and Marcus Washington may be even better comps. And I still have fond memories of the ridiculous seasons earlier this decade from Anthony Simmons at LOLB in Seattle.
All that aside, the key questions that must be asked are whether you think these numbers are sustainable and whether you think these numbers are closer to his ceiling or his likely long-term average.
I’d argue that a projected 87 solos with four sacks and four picks (ten passes defended) has to be considered near the top of expectations for a strong side backer. Though it’s worth noting that every-down strong side backers are rare, the Texans’ team tackle opportunity has been a little below average and Cushing has spent much of the second half of the season fighting injuries, I think it’s tough to project Cushing to 85 or better solos next year.
For now, I’d lean more toward calling him a sell high than considering him a clear LB1 in 2010. 87 solos won't crack the top fifteen overall tackling linebackers most seasons as-is and I think I'd be much more likely to project 77 solos than 87 next year.
