Seahawks player review: WR TJ Houshmandzadeh
This is the first in a long series of articles reviewing the Seahawks players of 2009. Did they under perform, over perform or just be average? We kick off the series with the Seahawks biggest free agent acquisition from last off season, wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh.
The Seahawks rewarded the NFL’s most consistent wide receiver with a five year $40 million dollar contract with $15 million guaranteed.
With the Seahawks finishing 5-11 in TJ’s first season with the team, needless to say it wasn’t happy times in Houshmandzadeh-ville. Houshmnadzadeh looked to some fans and reporters like a smaller in scale version of T.O. Running in with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and questionable actions on the sideline with former head coach Jim Mora Jr.
However from a statsical stand point Houshmandzadeh did about avgerage for what he’s done in his career. He didn’t have a good quarterback or a great offense in general for many reasons, some of which have been fixed. The firing of offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will help fix those problems. In at offensive coordinator is Jeremy Bates who was in Denver with Jay Cutler when he lit up the NFL through the air.
TJ couldn’t be more happy to have Bates as the offensive coordinator. Now for Houshmandzadeh’s stats from 2009.
TJ fininshed 2009 playing in all 16 games and recording 79 receptions (team high), 911 yards receiving (team high) and three receiving touchdowns. Houshmandzadeh also had 11.5 YPC (yards per catch).
Houshmandzadeh never was really apart of the Seahawks offense, which was almost nonexistent this season. Housh, along with Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and tight end John Carlson all never became apart of what was suppose to be an explosive offense for the Seahawks.
TJ, Nate and Deion caught national headlines when Nate and Deion hosted their weakly talk radio show in Seattle on 950 KJR Seattle. The Branch and Burleson Show went from being a fun an interactive talk session with the passionate 12th man to a show that had the trio of receivers (TJ, Deion and Nate) calling out Matt Hasselbeck, Jim Mora Jr, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp as well as local TV analyst Hugh Millen, who TJ took personal exception to.
However TJ’s first season in Seattle can not be taken as a bust or a desaster because he let the team in receptions and receiving yards. The letdown came on the offensive line and at quarterback and running back with the exception of Justin Forsett.
So we will list TJ Houshmanzadeh’s first season in Seattle as average.
Hopefully with a new head coach in Pete Carroll and a new offensive coordinator in Jeremy Bates the Seattle Seahawks offense, including TJ Houshmanzadeh will be alive and firing on all cylinders in 2010.
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Very well put! I was/still am a huge fan of TJ coming to SEA. I have had so many friends come to me and say “He ain’t even doing anything.” I love the Seahawks, but let’s be honest, the team didn’t do anything!
This offseason (as young as it has been), is bringing great change already! With the staff changes the Hawks have made/are making, things can only get better! I see his stats in regards to Yards & TDs going up next year. Depending on all the changes made to the offense (line, WRs, RB, QB), I also see TJ stepping up and taking a huge leadership role.
Go Seahawks!!!
Thanks for the comment patrick. Yea I know I have heard sooo many people say he’s not worth the contract. IT’s the first year of a five year deal, and the entire offense was horrendous so it’s not even close to being TJ fault.
Yea the offensive coorinator, like I mentioned in the article will drastically help improve the passing game. Think Jay Cutler and the Broncos’ offense when they were top 5.
Yea I agree on the needs but not in that order.
Bates will bring good things! Hopefully B Marshall is on the way!!!
We have to wait at least a month or until there is a decision on the CBA before we get a new Marshall in Seattle
Given that TJ had attitude problems this year, I’d say he was a bad investment for the team.
He was frustrated just like anyone who is talented and doesn’t like losing. Not to mention the system there was in shambles… I don’t blame him and I see nothing but great things coming from him
Ted: Read the part in the article where I don’t blame TJ for what he said or what he didnt because he doesnt have an attidude problem. Seahawks fans havnt been use to an outspoken winner in a LONG TIME.
Patrick: Yea I agree I don’t blame him or Deion. I guarentee that my Hasselbeck and Branch review will get varied comments haha.