Instinctive, fast and hard-hitting, Texans rookie inside linebackers Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole have done a nice job filling the void created when veteran Brian Cushing was hit with a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL performance enhancing drug policy.
A second-round draft pick from Vanderbilt, Cunningham has 30 tackles and one forced fumble. An undrafted free agent from Missouri State, Cole has an interception return for a touchdown, one sack and 17 tackles.
“I think both those guys are playing pretty well," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "For young players, it’s their first year in the league, both those guys really understand our defense.