In a chat on NFL.com today, Touraj "The Hardest Man in the NFL" Houshmandzadeh Jr. revealed some very interesting information regarding the Bengals supposed pursuit of the former Bengal as well as some entirely predictable news on Chad Johnson's commitment to the team.
Lou from Canada asked TJ: "Being a Bengal fan, I need to know, how persistant were the Bengals in trying to keep you a Bengal?"
Here is how he responded: "They were persistent, but it wasn't persistent with good intentions, in
my opinion. They weren't as persistent as it has been reported that
they were....If they wanted to keep me, I would be there. After four years, I
re-signed, because they wanted to keep me. I didn't re-sign after
eight, because they obviously didn't want to keep me...." "
WDR Take: We were split on our thoughts regarding bringing TJ back. The team has gaping holes on the offensive and defensive line where we hoped they would use their free agency dollars. But then we signed another aging vet WR (L. Coles) to a deal similar to TJ. We all knew that the Bengals made a play for TJ but it is now clear that the Bengals were not in the running.
What is the Bengals reasoning for not pursuing Housh and opting for Coles instead? It is one thing to go after and lose TJ and settle for Coles. It is another to not really pursue TJ and then sign Coles soon after. But when has a solid offensive and defensive line even proven successful?
CJ from Texas asked: "What was Carson and Chad's feelings about you leaving Cincy? Did Chad ask you to hide him in your suitcase?"
TJ: Chad basically said, "Do what you have to do." He said he'll be right behind me.
Carson was happy for me, but wondered why it got to that point.
WDR Take: No matter what you hear from Chad, Chuckles or anyone else involved with the Bengals, Chad Johnson does not want to be on the Bengals. He is not putting in 100%. He is not committed to the team. WHY are the Bengals keeping him around?
As for Carson, we wish he would express these feelings in public. His potent offense has been decimated over the past few years and the team parts ways with his favorite target in favor of a new guy who has no relationship with their franchise QB. Carson - please join the Revolution!
WDR - I disagree ever so slightly with your analysis above. I think Carson wonders how the promise and excitement of this QB WR threat became an non producing Chris Henry side show in 24 months with no major personal changes. I think he laments the way the whole situation has unfolded not that he doesn't understand why TJ would bail. All I can say is that I wish them both the best as they deserve it. Happy trails TJ, my 84 jersey will not be retired anytime soon.
Posted by: Boomstick | March 09, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Boomstick - we agree and have made the changes in the article. We just wish that Carson would let his feelings be known in public and join the revolution.
Posted by: Brosef Stalin | March 09, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I agree that Carson needs to speak up. He is the only player with enough clout to get the team (a.k.a. MB) to listen. It is a sin to allow such a talented QB to waste away because ownership does not want to win. I wonder how often Carson regrets signing his long-term deal.... and how long it will be before he asks to be traded to someone that really wants to win.
Posted by: Robinsgr | March 10, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I agree it would be quite a boost to our cause (and our egos) if Carson were to join the Revolution. It would certainly bring us more national attention. I also think that many ( but not all) local "journalists" would brand him the latest "cancer in the locker room" if he spoke out against management. The team needs leadership, no doubt, but Carson would be better served to work for change from within the organization, not by issuing public criticisms (as deserved as they are).
Posted by: Leo deTrotskyo | March 10, 2009 at 09:40 AM
If Carson gave a shit he would do more. Lobbying f.a.'s to come to Cincy is a nice start. But it is something he should have started doing years ago. As well as been in managments ass as soon as the season ended to get T.J. re upped. When Boomer was here if there was a problem he was letting them know about it. Carson will never be a winner if he continues to allow this to happen, I have stopped feeling sorry for him. Geez if we had a qb with Carson's ability, Boomer's leadership, and Kenny's saavy he would be ......Greg Cook?
Posted by: JMo | March 10, 2009 at 03:06 PM