Trojans in the NFL: Week nine update

Photo by For Worth Star-Telegram

Trojans in the NFL focuses on USC Trojans, who were drafted into the National Football League this past NFL Draft, in an effort to follow the blossoming professional careers of some of your favorite players.

David Buehler (K, Cowboys):
While David Buehler's touchback streak came to an end this past Sunday after he was unable to reach the end zone on his five kickoff attempts, he is still an integral part of the Cowboys' resurgence on special teams.

Now that we are halfway through the NFL season, let us take a look at some of the grades being handed out.

At DallasCowboys.com, Buehler received the nod for being the best player on the special teams unit:

“David Buehler gets the nod for me on special teams, because the Cowboys are consistently winning the field position battles they lost last year...And rookie David Buehler's kickoffs have added a new dimension in coverage. He's also playing on the punt return team.”

Going into the second half of the season, Buehler's strong leg will be key for the Cowboys because, as winter approaches, the weather makes it more difficult on the field and in the kicking game.

Brian Cushing (LB, Texans):
Cushing has been the top rookie from USC this season and one of the main reasons that the Houston Texans have enjoyed a renaissance of sorts.

Following his AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance against the Buffalo Bills last week, Cushing led the Texans in tackles, with twelve, against a very good Indianapolis Colts team.

In a recent article by ESPN's John Clayton, Clayton gives the nod to Cushing as his early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year:

“Q: I think the Texans' Brian Cushing should be the defensive rookie of the year. What do you think? -S. in Houston

A: We've reached midseason, and I'd put my X next to Cushing's name. I was at the Texans' game against the Colts on Sunday, and seeing him in person confirmed my impression that he was the best defensive rookie in the season's first half. He makes every tackle and has great range. The Texans have enough confidence in him to let him go in man coverage against tight ends. To beat him, I think Redskins DE Brian Orakpo would need a big second half and get more than 10 sacks.”

Despite the tough loss to Indy on Sunday it has been so far so good for Cushing and the Texans this season.

Kevin Ellison (S, Chargers):
Since taking over a starting spot in San Diego's secondary, safety Kevin Ellison has been learning on the job, absorbing as much as he can as quickly as possible. The journey into the starting lineup has not been an easy one this season, but the former Trojan, Ellison, has been starting to show signs of his ability and maturation at the position.

According to the SD Bolt Report over at Scout.com:

“S Kevin Ellison, a rookie, is starting look comfortable in the starting role. He had 10 tackles, a quarterback hit and two passes defensed against the Giants.”

After many thought that he would be too slow to man the safety position and might be a bitter fit at linebacker, Ellison continues to have the last laugh as he develops his role with the Chargers.

Cary Harris (CB, Bills):
Cary Harris is a member of the Buffalo Bills practice squad.

Kaluka Maiava (LB, Browns):
Maiava and the Cleveland Browns enjoyed a much needed bye this past weekend.

Maiava’s role within the Browns' linebacker unit will continue to grow with the injuries to D'Qwell Jackson and, now, Eric Barton. Maiava is slated to start opposite David Bowens at the inside linebacker positions.

Clay Matthews (LB, Packers):
Matthews was not much of a factor in the Packers latest loss. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Matthews recorded two tackles.

Matthews has been brought along slowly within the Packers defensive unit; but, if Green Bay keeps losing, he may be called on to make more of a contribution on the field.

Rey Maualuga (LB, Bengals):
Maualuga did not make any contributions in the box score in Sunday's win against the Baltimore Ravens. However, that does not mean the former Trojans' linebacker has not had an impact on the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to an article at Cincinnati.com by John Erardi, Maualuga has made at least one impressive special teams’ play. Said Erardi:

“Safety Kyries Hebert and linebacker Rey Maualuga made a terrific play on the punt team to down a punt from Kevin Huber at the Ravens’ 1-yard line that gave the Ravens no chance to score any points right before halftime. Just before the ball – and Hebert – went into the end zone, Hebert batted the ball back to Maualuga”

Fili Moala (DT, Colts):
Moala was back on the inactive roster for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. It remains to be seen if the former Trojans' defensive tackle will make any kind of impact for the Colts this season after being on the inactive list for much of the first half of the season.

Kyle Moore (DE, Buccaneers):
Kyle Moore has finally returned after missing much of the first half of the season while rehabbing a torn meniscus injury in his knee. Moore was active for the Buccaneers victory over the Packers on Sunday and, while he did not make a box score contribution, he should see more playing time in the second half of the season.

Mark Sanchez (QB, Jets):
Mark Sanchez and the Jets enjoyed a bye this past weekend. While Sanchez got a week off, that did not stop him from dropping in on his former team and giving the Trojans a pep talk while visiting the Los Angeles area.

Patrick Turner (WR, Dolphins):
Turner made it as far as the Miami Dolphin's inactive list for week nine.