The focus of today's game, whether we like it or not, will be on the Texans secondary. That's what happens when you play a team that features at least four bona fide weapons in the passing game. So, I figured today was as good a day as any to discuss the future of that unit.

So far in 2007, Dunta Robinon has played like a bona fide NFL CB1. I am hoping that this is really the season where he establishes himself as a true lockdown cover corner. Now, I realize that I am in the minority of Texans fans when I suggest that Dunta has not been stellar throughout his career, but--at least according to KC Joyner--the stats bear this out. In Scientific Football 2006, Joyner pointed out that Dunta was tied for 68th in completion percentage, 63rd in tight/good coverage percentage, 61st in deep completion percentage, and 74th in short completion percentage in 2005.

Anyway, the 2007 version of Dunta is looking like he is finally putting it all together. I mentioned it the other day, but while Dunta was defending him, Steve Smith managed all of 3 catches for 23 yards and Dunta notched an INT. That's solid defense. So, for now, let's labor under the assumption that Dunta is finally the real deal.

On the other side, Demarcus Faggins spent the first two series against Carolina as the poster child for poor coverage. Now, I think I have mentioned once or twice my distaste for Petey as a CB2, so the fact that he was abused so thoroughly last week did not come as a surprise, at least to me. Unfortunately, as of right now, I have to agree with Stephanie and Kubiak that Faggins is the best option we have out there. Jamar Fletcher has played well (at times) as the nickel, but he hasn't shown me anything that would suggest he can make the move to CB2. And, while Fred Bennett still might develop into that role, his penchant for getting lit up on deep routes gives me pause.

So, just for a second, let's assume that the Texans end this season in the same position as last season--with one real CB. Just like the lack of depth at safety in the upcoming draft, which we've already touched on, 2008 does not look like the year to snag another top flight corner.

So, what's the answer? Nnamdi Asomugha.

Asomugha can opt out of his contract and become a free agent at the end of this season, and he will likely demand Nate Clements money. While that's a steep price tag, Nnamdi is arguably second only to Champ Bailey as an NFL corner. Also, we look to have some decent space left under the salary cap going into the 2008 signing season.

In addition to giving the Texans the best 1-2 CB tandem in the league, signing Asomugha would also allow us more flexibility in dealing with our safety situation. Hopefully, Boulware can come on and be a contributor. In addition, we get Earl back. With that kind of CB coverage in front of them, it is entirely possible that you could piece together a good safety duo out of existing parts, meaning that you would be able to address other areas (RB, SLB, OL) with your draft picks. So, yes, it would cost a lot to sign Nnamdi, but--at least by my count--the benefits to the defense would far outweigh the price tag. I mean, in a division where you will be forced to defend Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison twice per season, can you think of a better way to do it than with Robinson and Asomugha?

UPDATE: Well, sure enough, Faggins continues to be atrocious in coverage. At this point, merely being "bad" would be an upgrade.

Labels: 2008 Draft, Demarcus Faggins sucks, Dunta Robinson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Posts that list too many players, Secondary issues are primary, The Fred

Posted by matt on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 10:39 AM | Permalink