SEAHAWKS: Houshmandzadeh: red zone threat

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is being tagged as a versatile receiver by Seahawks coaches, one who'll draw double teams, be physical enough to fight for yardage and competently block down field.

"We'll use him each week in the way we feel is best to win that game," head coach Jim Mora said. "We won't put any parameters on it. We'll just be as creative as we can."

That's because the man is versatile. One thing the Seahawks haven't always had in the past is a go-to receiver in the red zone, but Houshmandzadeh gives them that big reliable target.

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After watching tape on Houshmandzadeh, it's clear that most of his touchdowns come off 15-plus yard passes. But that is just how the Bengals offense operates. Here are some short red zone touchdowns.

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Houshmandzadeh crosses short and in then switches direction toward the left end zone. QB Carson Palmer throws up the fade and Houshmandzadeh has enough speed paired with misdirection to burn the cornerback and make the easy touchdown catch.

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In the Bengals' famed 4-wide receiver set, Houshmandzadeh runs the shortest route, slanting in at five yards. The linebacker is supposed to pick him up but Houshmandzadeh makes the catch, then blows by him, and everybody else, to go untouched into the end zone.

Seahawks
The Seahawks' three and four wide receiver sets should be much more feared come 2009. Assuming everyone stays healthy, opposing teams will not be able to stack the box with eight or nine and completely shut down our run game while getting constant pressure on the quarterback.

Branch and Houshmandzadeh could start on many NFL teams and Burleson is a viable no. 2 option. Who knows, he could have had a breakout no. 1 caliber season in 2008. The fact is, most teams will be hard-pressed to cover all three in any situation.

Expect dramatic improvements, especially with the emergence of John Carlson as a top-notch receiving tight end.

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Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com