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T.J. can't explain team's red zone woes
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
CINCINNATI — Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has no answers for the Bengals' red zone problems.
He's caught a team-high 11 touchdown passes this year, but just one in the past six games and none in the last four.
Extras
The drought is a sign that opponents have adjusted to the first time Pro Bowler, who is quarterback Carson Palmer's favorite receiver inside the enemy's 20-yard line.
An example came on Saturday night in San Francisco when Palmer forced a pass to Houshmandzadeh — who was triple-covered at the goal line — that fell incomplete.
"Everyone assumes it's going to be me (catching the TDs)," Houshmandzadeh said. "A lot of times, you can't just always go to the same guy in certain situations. I think we should just try to get other people involved."
Enter Chris Henry. With his towering height and leaping ability, the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder should be more of a factor in the red zone, where he can box out cornerbacks in jump-ball situations and on fade routes.
Since Henry's return from an eight-game suspension, he's been reduced to a one-dimensional deep threat.
Why isn't the club taking advantage of the mismatches Henry creates?
"Obviously, he hasn't made a difference when he's been out there during those red-zone snaps," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He's got to get himself open. That would be making a difference."
Practice squad moves
Defensive tackle Titus Adams (Nebraska) and strong safety Nick Turnbull (Florida International) were signed to the Bengals' practice squad following safety Jesse Daniels' release and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina's departure to the Chicago Bears.
Adams was a 2006 seventh-round draft pick of the New York Jets. He was claimed off the practice squad by the New York Giants and later obtained by the San Diego Chargers, who waived him on Sept. 1.
Turnbull, who entered the NFL in 2006 as a college free agent with Atlanta, played in two games for the Falcons and one game for Chicago. He was waived from Atlanta's injured reserve list on Oct. 25.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253
or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
| RED ZONE REPORT |
| BENGALS |
| Inside-20 possessions: 49 |
| Total scores: 44 (89.8%) |
| TDs: 22 (44.9%) |
| FGs: 22 (44.9%) |
| TD% rank: 24th |
| No scores: 5 (10.2%) |
| BROWNS |
| Inside-20 possessions: 47 |
| Total scores: 43 (91.5%) |
| TDs: 28 (59.6%) |
| FGs: 15 (31.9%) |
| TD% rank: 4th |
| No scores: 4 (8.5%) |
