adam Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_...=fantasy,185004 Four years ago, Earl Bennett was a wide-eyed 18-year-old freshman absorbing the newfound freedoms of college life at Vanderbilt. Unbeknownst at the time, the relationship he immediately forged on the gridiron with then senior Jay Cutler laid the foundation for his future professional career. The chemistry between a quarterback and his receiver is a human element often times overlooked by the stats-crazed masses. Impeccable timing, confidence and feel for one another are vital components an airborne tandem must possess to ensure crisp execution. The "Bosom Buddy" bond between Bennett and Cutler is exactly that. On display last week against the Giants, the old Vandy Dandy tandem has rekindled the partnership that once dominated the nightmares of SEC defensive coordinators. In just over one quarter of play, the pair hooked up two times for 47 yards, including an impressive 27-yard strike on the fourth play of the game. In total, Bennett was targeted four times, the same number as fantasy mouthpiece lollipop. Nonbelievers will point to the Bennett's lack of experience and questionable musical taste as the main deterrents for avoiding him in drafts. But considering he's being selected on average at pick 195.04, the required investment isn't risky. Frankly, relative to his ADP, the second-year wideout has more profit potential than Hester (94.90 ADP), who has been a mainstay on pundit sleeper lists since Cutler was acquired. Bennett isn't equipped with Hester jets or brute Boldin strength, but he is a savvy route runner with extraordinary vision, secure hands and plus quickness. Though the Bears haven't rostered a 1,000-yard receiver since Marty Booker in 2002, the deceptive weapon has better-than-advertised odds of reaching the milestone. Chicago receivers coach Darryl Drake concurs: "What a difference a year makes on anybody, and that's what people have to understand. When you get to this league and you get into the offense we're in, it takes time. After two years, everybody was ready to write off Bernard Berrian when he was here: 'He can't play, this and that.' He's [now] one of the elite players in the league and it took him close to three years. It's not going to happen right away, it's just not. I haven't seen it. A guy can maybe go in and function and do some things, but he's nowhere near where he'll be in a year or two years. Earl is different [this year] because he is more confident, he understands the offense, and he understands where to be and where to line up in a lot of different formations." Whenever "elite" is attached to Berrian, talent evaluation skills should be questioned, but most of Drake's observations are far from outlandish. Last year, Cutler transformed little known rookie Eddie Royal into a fantasy behemoth, targeting him a robust 129 times. Although his looks total will likely be lower, the silky smooth Bennett has the tools to become virtual pigskin's next shocker special. Fearless Forecast: 68 receptions, 918 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns Wow, if Bennett does that we are going to be looking really good this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrackerDog Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_...=fantasy,185004 Wow, if Bennett does that we are going to be looking really good this year. If Bennett does that, Hester will only have 50ish catches but they'll all be deeper strikes. It's all good. Now we just have to see it happen on opening night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Alright enough already! Can we get the season started!!!!???? The anticipation is killing me!!!! If Bennett does that, Hester will only have 50ish catches but they'll all be deeper strikes. It's all good. Now we just have to see it happen on opening night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted August 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Alright enough already! Can we get the season started!!!!???? The anticipation is killing me!!!! Yes please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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