Houshmandzadeh: A Cincinnati Perspective

Posted by: Shaun Dolence

After Colin Cole signed with the Seahawks, I posted an entry featuring a Packers blogger. Now that we’ve signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh, I’ve decided to pursue similar commentary: a genuine perspective of Houshmandzadeh from Cincinnati.

As a marquee receiver in the NFL, I’m sure we already have our own opinions of the guy. Regardless, there is no better spot to look for an authentic, unique view than the city who watched him blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber player.

Bryan Burke, who writes his own Cincinnati Bengals blog (he is also featured at NFL GridIron Gab and Bengals Gab), responded with an interesting angle on Houshmandzadeh. Here is what Burke had to say regarding Houshmandzadeh:

"While some receivers are able to get by on size or athleticism, T.J Houshmandzedah is truly a craftsman at his trade. Seahawks fans can expect from him excellent route running, a fearlessness to catch passes over the middle, and, most importantly, a pair of reliable hands. Housh won’t blow by corners on deep routes and isn’t much of a sideline receiver, but he does have a knack for pulling down ‘jump balls’ by leaping earlier than defenders, and is also very tough to bring down for a guy his size. After catching the ball, he often times takes a step backward in order to find a seam to gain additional YAC yards. His best strength might be his ability to convert those crucial third-and-medium scenarios on a fairly regular basis.When on the field, it’s necessary for T.J. to become very angry in order to give it his best effort. This usually takes shape in the vehement trash-talking he feels comfortable engaging in with opposing defensive backs. Occasionally, he may focus his ire on the closest referee that apparently missed a penalty call, sometimes, but rarely, invoking a flag for generally disagreeable conduct toward the offending zebra.Off the field, however, Housh willingly and honestly provides sharp, insightful commentary and analysis to whichever microphone asks for such a thing. His post-game interviews became the most accurate and most believable voice coming from the Bengal locker room within the past five or so years. His ability to teach young players the ropes – on life and on football – and line up the strays to the line of scrimmage before the snap, has prevented the Bengals offense from deteriorating even faster than it has.Housh will arrive in Seattle with glowing reviews from the Bengal nation. While once an unpopular player in Cincinnati (due largely to many dropped passes and a knack for fumbling punt returns very early in his career), he resuscitated himself brilliantly winning the hearts of every knowledgeable, legitimate Bengals fan by being nothing more than an extremely hard worker and an honest person. We’re all sad to see him leave, but everyone here wishes him nothing but the best. Enjoy him; we sure did."