Expect a rebound from Texans’ No. 1 corner

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, July 20, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Houston Texans
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After a stellar season in 2004 that saw him narrowly miss out on Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was expected to continue his stellar play into 2005. However, thanks to a decrease in his own play and other extenuating circumstances, the 5-10, 174-pounder saw his numbers take a major hit as an NFL sophomore.

In his abovementioned first season in the league, Robinson tallied 87 total tackles, three sacks, 13 pass deflections and an eye-popping six interceptions. Many questioned former Texans general manager Charley Casserly for selecting the defender with the 10th overall pick, but Robinson did more than enough to prove Casserly right, and detractors wrong.

Although Robinson's coverage in passing situations as a second-year pro was solid, his lack of game-changing plays left a lot to be desired for Texans fans, who watched their dismal team finish 2-14. Not only does the organization have a new mindset, but their No. 1 cornerback should, too. After all, he has a chance to develop into one of the league's foremost defensive backs.

Last year, Robinson's interception total went down by five from his sensational first season, as he finished with just one pick. However, much of that can be attributed to a lack of help from the rest of the his defensive teammates. In fact, Robinson was one of Houston's only competent defenders in '05, and it showed.

Of course, much of Robinson's interception issues were a testament to opposing teams' respect for him. Being mindful that throwing toward Robinson wasn't usually the most intelligent thing to do, offensive coordinators tended to shy away from the 24-year-old.

Having said that, few on the Texans should be happier about the team using its No. 1 overall pick in April's draft on Mario Williams, a dominant defensive end from North Carolina State. The 6-7, 295-pounder will finally put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which will lead to more takeaway opportunities for Robinson. Why? Because when signalcallers are pressured, they tend to panic and heave the ball up for grabs, and that can obviously lead to golden opportunities for defensive backs.

In 2006, things should begin to look much brighter for a Houston Texans franchise that has been hapless in its five-year existence. While they certainly won't be competing for the Lombardi Trophy anytime soon, Robinson and Co. will be ready to compete on a weekly basis.

And by the way, look for the ex-South Carolina Gamecocks star to put up numbers similar to his first season, when he was a dominant force in the secondary.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

- Did you know that we crank out fresh, original football content from Monday to Friday? Get more on Dunta Robinson at Realfootball365.com
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