Mickey Mentzer writes for WhoDeyFans.It is with a heavy heart that WhoDeyFans says goodbye to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. I for one am interested to know how long it takes the Seattle fan nation to learn how to spell his name correctly. Most Bengal fans still can not.
This is bittersweet for me because I have been a T.J. fan for some time. It wasn't until his fourth year in the league when he had the breakout season with 70-plus catches that Bengal fans actually got behind this guy.
Read more for T.J.'s strengths and weaknesses...
Up until then he was "that guy with the long name and pony tail" that couldn't hold onto a punt to save his life. After the 2005 season when the Bengals went 11-5 and made the playoffs, T.J. was a crowd favorite. However, the Bengals have a ton of pressing needs that makes me happy they are not spending this much on another wide receiver.
Here is what Seattle can look forward to with T.J.:
1. Tough as nails wideout that does not hear footsteps or short arm a ball. Ever.
2. On 3rd down and any distance you will find him just deep enough to move the chains.
3. Tons of energy on the field, he will pump other players up around him.
4. Excellent routes and great blocking for the run game.
5. Zero off-field incidents.
Here is what may concern you:
1. T.J. wants the ball. This was over shadowed in Cincinnati by the flamboyant Johnson (Ocho Cinco) but was evident on the sidelines when yelling at coaches and quarterbacks. In T.J.'s mind, he is always open.
2. An excellent #2 receiver. Meaning, he is not a deep threat and will not spread the defense. He works because another wide out is faster and the defense respects that.
3. He is old. Fact is, the NFL gets a little tougher each season.
4. T.J.'s success in Cincinnati coincided with Chad Johnson's breakout and a young QB named Carson Palmer. Would he be the same without this cast? (I think so, but I guess we will see)
Overall I think Seahawk nation should be ecstatic to have T.J. in the house. He is an excellent player and will improve the offense. I would be lying if I said I will not be tuning in to the late Seahawks game this fall to see how old Whoseyourmama is doing, and I don't generally do that with departed Bengals players.
For NSS's write-up on Houshmandzadeh, click here.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Posts
