Fred Bennett, Sophomore Slump or Draft Bust?

by stuart0908 on Mar 17, 2009 8:03 AM CDT

Any strong opinions on what happened to Fred this year? His rookie season, he played well, and was even thought to be a long-term solution paired with Dunta once he returned from injury. But this season, he stank up Reliant Stadium. He couldn't cover a grease fire with the lid of pan. His coverage efficiency this year was at the bottom of the list. What happened? Was it just a lack of help, a learning curve, a lagging injury? What? Should the Texans give up on him and look to draft a corner high this year, or give him more time to come out of the fog.

Look forward to getting your opinions.

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Richard Smith

We all have to tell ourselves this otherwise we’ll go mad.

Seriously though – I think with the right coaching he gets back to form. You don’t lose all of that ability randomly in a season.

by DisplacedTexan on Mar 17, 2009 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

DB Coach

Do you like your new DB coach to coach him up? I know nothing about your new DB coach, and I know that some guys coach, and some guys “coach” if you know what I mean. I agree with you on the ability thing, I’m just not sure if he’s dedicated to putting in the time and tape-watching needed to excel. I guess only time will tell.

Former New Orleans Saints RB George Rogers
"I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first"

by stuart0908 on Mar 17, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions

David Gibbs

Son of Alex “Manna From Heaven” Gibbs is our new DB coach. Truthfully, we don’t know much about him, but he’s got Ray Rhodes to work with him, so we’re optimistic.

Regarding Bennett…I don’t know. The guy went from steal of the draft to liability seemingly overnight. As DT said, it’s hard to imagine that he lost all of his ability. Maybe he simply got lost in the shuffle last season? Poor coaching (though it was the same coaching that he thrived under during his rookie season)? Overthinking? Dunta not around to keep him in line? No idea, but it’s definitely too soon to bail on him.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Mar 17, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

A Disappointment, But Not A Bust

Remember, he was a fourth round draft choice. If he contributes on special teams, and periodically fills in on the D for a few years, they’ve gotten good value for the pick. We just expected more from him after his rookie year.

by kozanack on Mar 18, 2009 11:50 PM CDT reply actions

Hey...

He is good in Madden 09 =) and if video games tell us anything…its that they are real life!

by schillingb on Mar 19, 2009 7:33 AM CDT reply actions

This shouldn't even be a conversation.

Labeling anyone a bust after two years is ridiculous. Even more so when the player you are talking about was one of the best corners in football for half of his rookie season. Last year sucked for him, no doubt, but there’s no reason to start throwing around “bust.”

Yay, sports.

by MDC on Mar 19, 2009 1:42 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

Plus, the entire defense regressed last year except Mario and Demeco, and I think they are the kind of talents that would produce in any situation, i.e. Richard Smith’s defense.

Let's get the Texans a better fight song.

by Jake on Mar 19, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions