During WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh's press conference earlier this week, Mora described Houshmandzadeh as a physical receiver who would bring swagger to the team.After watching the first four games of Cincinnati's tumultuous season, the tape doesn't lie: the man is tough.
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In 2008, Houshmandzadeh proved himself to be the most reliable wide receiver on the Bengals' roster.
Here are a few plays that defined him on the field for the first four games of the year. Seahawks faithful will be pleased to notice his ability to shed tacklers as well as his willingness to meet multiple defenders and fearlessly push for extra yards.
While he only gains about two extra yards after contact, he is still able to shed the first defender, let a second roll off of him, before a third finally comes in to make the stop. His resiliency throughout this play is what should be most intriguing to Seahawks fans; he never decides to hit the turf, but instead mercilessly powers through an infamous Ravens secondary.
On this short cross, Houshmandzadeh makes light work of the first cornerback who attempted to tackle the 6-1, 200 pounder. What's more impressive is how Houshmandzadeh is met by three defenders a couple yards before the first down marker, but still manages to muscle through them to make the first down.
Houshmandzadeh runs the short The cornerback catches up to him but Houshmandzadeh forces him to slip off his back as Houshmandzadeh runs toward the sideline. It eventually takes two other Browns defenders to corral him short of the end zone.
There will be much more Houshmandzadeh tape analysis to come. In the meantime, check out this 2008 highlight reel.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
