Houshmandzadeh Signing Great for Oakland Raiders
T.J. Whos-your-mama. T.J. Whose-your-whatta. He’s gone by many names, at least in fantasy football commercials.
On Tuesday, Nov. 1 the Oakland Raiders signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, adding a former target of Carson Palmer to a young Raiders receiving core.
Palmer and Houshmandzadeh played together for five NFL seasons on the Cincinnati Bengals from 2004-2008, where Houshmandzadeh was one of Palmer’s favorite targets. His number of receptions increased every year, except his final year in 2008. Twice Houshmandzadeh eclipsed 1,000 yards, including his best season with the Bengals in 2007 where he had 112 receptions, 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Those seasons were also the best in Palmer’s young career, where twice he threw for 4,000+ yards and threw for a total of 107 touchdowns. Palmer also had two more great seasons after Houshmandzadeh’s departure. Palmer’s disputes over being traded shifted to Palmer planning to retire, until he was traded to the Oakland Raiders following Jason Campbell’s injury.
The reuniting of Carson Palmer and T.J. Houshmandzadeh has added another great threat for the Oakland Raiders. Teams like to stack the box to stop the run and contain Darren McFadden, and Houshmandzadeh can keep teams honest and allow McFadden running room. The best seasons of Houshmandzadeh’s career was the time he spent with Palmer, proving they had a great connection. While they adjust to their new teammates, the duo can rely on their chemistry that has lead the to a playoff appearance in the past.
Not only does the chemistry come with the signing, but Houshmandzadeh has the chance to teach a young Raiders receiving core. Houshmandzadeh has been to the playoffs twice in his career, and once with Palmer. He is now playing in his 11th NFL season, and the chance to teach these young Raiders receivers veteran moves comes when the team is 23rd in the NFL in passing yards per game. The most experience the Raiders had at the wide receiver position before signing Houshmandzadeh is Chaz Schilens in his 4th season, who is currently injured.
The signing of Houshmandzadeh gives the raiders a new, proven slot receiver that can draw coverage away from Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has emerged this season as the Raiders go-to receiver. It also give them the chance to throw the long ball to Heyward-Bey over the top of the field as Houshmandzadeh stays underneath. This, coupled with McFadden catching swing passes out of the backfield makes for certain trouble with opposing defenses, as now the Raiders have multiple threats that can hurt you.
Call him whatever name you wish, but T.J. Houshmandzadeh has the chance to make an immediate impact in the Oakland Raiders offense. His rapport with quarterback Carson Palmer gives the Raiders a fail-safe option while they adjust to their new teammates, but if he can teach these young Raiders receivers a few moves, this team is posed for an AFC West division title, and even a playoff victory or two.
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