Fred

Bennett

Bennett started three games last season, but the fourth-year man isn’t even being considered for a starting gig this year. He’ll have to make up ground on backups like Jacques Reeves and Antwaun Molden to make the team.

After 2006, “Petey” was expected to face a challenge for the job, but Houston only drafted fourth-rounder Fred Bennett and signed journeyman Jamar Fletcher to add depth. The Texans’ pass defense remains suspect on paper.

Bennett has good size and has been excellent in practice, while Faggins was the victim on several long pass plays through the first four games. The general belief is that Faggins could be an elite nickel corner for Houston.

Bennett, the second of Houston’s picks to sign, has a shot to play on nickel downs as an outside corner if he beats out Jamar Fletcher. Right CB DeMarcus “Petey” Faggins could then move inside to cover the slot receiver.

X-rays after Sunday’s win revealed the injury. Robinson is one of the team’s two best defenders, and their only stable cornerback. With fourth-round rookie Fred Bennett and DeMarcus Faggins now starting, Houston’s pass defense could be among the league’s worst in the second half of the season.

Bennett replaced DeMarcus Faggins in the first quarter of Week 8’s game and finished with two tackles. Faggins will likely be moved to nickel back, where it is thought he will excel. Meanwhile, reserve Jamar Fletcher had his appendix removed and will miss three weeks.

Houston desperately needs its top DB after making Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez look like a borderline Pro Bowler Sunday. Reeves figures to replace Fred Bennett in the lineup, playing opposite RCB Dunta Robinson.

Joyner breaks down tapes of every NFL game, and he takes into account yardage on medium, deep, and long passes. Bennett didn’t become a starter until Week 9, but he allowed just 4.7 yards per attempt on the season.

Opponents are going to go at him early and often. Fred Bennett, who posted the best YPA in the league last year, is taking Dunta Robinson’s spot at right corner. Rookie Antwaun Molden and Jamar Fletcher are vying for nickel duty.