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People's Choice Awards
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People's Choice: Red Carpet
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People's Choice: Backstage
Records in sight for Houshmandzadeh
Thursday, November 01, 2007
T.J. Houshmandzadeh stood by his locker the other day and pondered the Bengals' single-season receiving records.
Carl Pickens' 100 catches? Easily in sight. Chad Johnson's 1,432 yards? That's harder since Johnson is on pace to break that this year by 200 yards.
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Pickens' 17 touchdowns? Houshmandzadeh said that's a lot to ask.
The receiver made it clear he'd rather have fewer catches and have the Bengals be 5-2, not 2-5. But if fewer catches didn't mean more wins? "I wouldn't be cool with that," he said.
Now that's a guy you want on your fantasy football team.
Houshmandzadeh has 58 catches for 629 yards and nine touchdowns. That level of production translates to 132 catches, 1,437 yards and 20 TDs.
He's been the brightest spot in a strange season for the Bengals' offense. Probably taken behind Ocho Cinco in your league, Houshmandzadeh averages just 10.8 yards per catch. But he gets the tough yards, the first downs and the scores.
A look at other Bengals through the fantasy football perspective.
Quarterback Carson Palmer: Fear not, Palmer owners. His overall production has been OK and his 6-TD day against Cleveland probably iced a victory.
But Palmer has many things going his way in the season's second half. His line is getting better. The schedule gets easier. Chris Henry returns. Rudi Johnson might return.
Running backs Rudi Johnson/Kenny Watson: Johnson, Mr. 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, has been banged up all year. The offense has missed his toughness, but he may not be 100 percent again. Watson has run hard and can catch the ball.
Receiver Chad Johnson: Did you catch the recent ESPN feature on 85? It noted Chad hasn't been dancing as much since the Bengals started losing. Glossed over in that discussion: CJ hasn't scored since Week 2 and he doesn't celebrate unless he scores. Duh.
Receiver Chris Henry: "Slim" is undoubtedly talented and adds a dimension most offenses don't have. With CJ and T.J. on the field, Henry dominates other teams' third cornerbacks — when he's not suspended.
Kicker Shayne Graham: He's been the benefactor of the Bengals' red-zone issues. That's good for you, not for Cincinnati.
Tight end Reggie Kelly: He's a good blocker and better guy. You probably don't get points for that, though.
Defense/special teams: Remember the last time the Bengals returned a kick or punt for a TD? No, you don't. Remember the game this season the Bengals held a team under 20 points? No, you don't.
