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BENGALS NOTES
Houshmandzadeh could get 'tagged'
Thursday, December 18, 2008
CINCINNATI — To keep wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season, the Bengals may be forced to use the franchise tag at a cost of at least $8 million for 2009.
The positive? A monster payday. The negative? No signing bonus or long-term contract.
"I don't know how I can put this," Houshmandzadeh said. "Would I be happy with it? Yeah, because it's a lot of money. But would I be happy with it? No, I wouldn't. I don't know if that makes sense.
"It's going to be my ninth year (in 2009). I didn't play (much) my first three, so I look at it as being my sixth year. You just want to know what's going to happen. If you get a franchise, they want to keep you for one year and that's it. It'd be cool, but it wouldn't be cool."
Payback time
Houshmandzadeh was asked if he was disappointed that he didn't get voted to his second straight Pro Bowl.
"A little bit," he said. "I didn't really think I would go, but I expected to go, if that makes any sense. When you lose, that's what happens, so you can't do much about it.
"I can't wait to play this week and the next week (against Cleveland and Kansas City), because these are teams in the AFC and I don't know if they voted for me. I've got a lot to take out on people."
'Vicious' fans
The last time the Bengals played at Cleveland Browns Stadium — a 51-45 Browns' victory on Sept. 16, 2007 — Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick watched from the sidelines as Carson Palmer threw six TD passes and Cleveland's Derek Anderson tossed five TDs.
"It's similar to a lot of other places," Fitzpatrick said. "It's tough to play on the road in the NFL. Their fans are pretty vicious. And it's a fun place to play because of the atmosphere and how into it their fans are.
"We've been practicing outside to get ready for something like this, so we'll do well in the cold just because we practice in it so much."
Been there
Chad Ocho Cinco's streak of five straight Pro Bowls has ended. He has higher goals.
"I've been to Hawaii over and over and over," he said. "It's like getting married and seeing the same thing over and over. I've done the record book thing. It's time for something new. The only thing I have left to do is win a ring. My window of opportunity is getting smaller and smaller."
Maxwell returns
The Bengals re-signed free agent linebacker Jim Maxwell to fill the roster spot of Victor Hobson, who was cut on Tuesday. Maxwell, a fifth-year veteran, upgrades the special teams coverage units.
"Effort and attitude is a lot of it," he said. "Having some experience helps, too."
Comments
By MattH
December 20, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Has anyone asked TJ if he wants to stay longterm? If he actually said yes then WOW, thats kind of a NO- BRAINER. SIGN HIM……. Oh wait I forgot, Mike Brown has no brains.
By thad
December 19, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
hey let him come to the Cowboys!!!! b/c The Bengals is not trying to improve their O line why bother playing for them if they r not trying to improve their O line TJ have been my money fantasy football these past three years but his year the ZOline let me down!!!
By trent weaver
December 19, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
MIKE BROWN YOU FU**ING SUCK. YOU HAVE DESTROYED THE LEGASY THAT YOUR FATHER HAS BUILT. QUIT QUIT QUIT QUIT
By bill
December 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
agree with Mr. Ross- the real pros on the team should be somehow given a chance to play with a professional club. I realize they do make a lot of money and there’s no reason to feel sorry for them,but I do. The real pros I speak of are T.J., Carson, and yes, Ocho. Perhaps the place kicker should also be included.
By photoman
December 18, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Let TJ go. The Bengals are still a few more years from their next playoff game. By that time TJH will be too old to be of any real value to Cincinnati. The Bengals have replacements; so they should go (spend money) for an offensive line to protect CP.
By Joe
December 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I agree with Tom, I think that TJ has still got a few years left on him because he did not play alot in his first few years here. Besides, we NEED leaders in the locker romm and he is definitely that. I cant remember another guy who leads on the field and in the locker room as well as TJ. Mike Brown dont be stupid, give this man a long term contract or you will lose even more season ticket holders.
By CB
December 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I agree..resign TJ and i also think we should keep Chad. Both can help Cincy win. And both “should” cause problems for defenses. Lets fix that O-line and get everyone to training camp on time next year and win. Come on Mikey Brown lets spend some money.
By CB
December 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
keep both TJ and Chad. both are great - gifted athlets and could help win in Cincy. Plus the duo “should” cause problems for defenses. Come on Mikey Brown…lets spend some money and WIN for a change.
By kelly in da ville
December 18, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Who cares? The bengals will stink as long as Mikey Boy is in control.
By stoney
December 18, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Look- just trade CJ to Baltimore. We’ll take him. Joe would target him like a sniper. My advice to Bengals fans: Pray for Carson to come back strong. You could be good next year. As long as everybody keeps their noses clean and visits their parole officers on time.
By Tom
December 18, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
The bengals would be very foolish not to resign TJ, he has been the ultimate professional on and off the field. The bengals are hopefully negotiating a 3 to 4 year extension at this time, we need to show the fans and TJ that we want to win and that he is a big part of that future turnaround. Lets trade Chad and make TJ our primary receiver as he already is. Bengal fans respect TJ and appreciate his style of play and leadership. GO Bengals lets get this fixed.
By tjrules
December 18, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
As miniscule as the numbers are this year, imagine what this offense would look like without its only offensive player who gives maximum effort on every play and rarely makes mistakes…
By Steven Ross
December 18, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
For his sanity, they should let him walk. Nobody should play their entire career for the Bengals and never taste a playoff victory. High paycheck torture.