Merged: T.J. Houshmandzadeh Signs With the Ravens

[CorvusCorax]

I would like to know what happened to either Smith or Reed.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283791798' post='466536']
The guys behind Wallace give me a lot of confidence. It's not that your WR's aren't to be feared or that you don't have a great RB/FB tandem, I just think our D-Line and LB's (welcoming back Troy and Aaron Smith) gives us a huge boost. Flacco doesn't scare me. We also addressed areas of weakness.

[b]I'm still shocked the Ravens didn't address their secondary.[/b]
[/quote]

The secondary has been addressed. Hamlin was signed a while back to add depth and Wilson was traded for.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1283791670' post='466528']
I'm not too worried about him having drama Queen moments, because Boldin and mason will set him str8 quite quickly, and also how can you complain when you are contributing to a Superbowl Calibre football team? He's going to get throws his way, he may not get the playing time to which he is accustomed to but he will have catches and big plays.
[/quote]
Terrell Owens found ways to complain when he was on Super Bowl caliber teams. Terrell Owens always found ways.

In all seriousness, though, I'm not overly concerned, unless the Ravens sign Houshmandzadeh to a multi-year extension [i]before[/i] he proves himself as a reliable receiver in this offense. His talent and stat sheet may speak for itself, but no guarantees that he'll show improvement in the coming years or that he'll behave beyond this season. Again, the fact that he was let go so quickly by the Seahawks after fulfilling only one year of a 5-year deal, speaks not just to Seattle's rebuilding process, but also his attitude in the locker room.

Veteran leaders aside, you have to keep in mind that this is a grown man with a lot of money in his pocket; respect for the veterans means nothing to him if he's a veteran himself. I don't think Houshmandzadeh could be nearly as big of a malcontent as T.O., but I'm merely concerned that he might grow discontent if he's not centerpieced in Baltimore like he wanted to be in Seattle -- and that concern is [i]only[/i] if he stays beyond this year.

Otherwise, I could see Houshmandzadeh having a modest but productive year.

[CorvusCorax]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283791798' post='466536']
The guys behind Wallace give me a lot of confidence. It's not that your WR's aren't to be feared or that you don't have a great RB/FB tandem, I just think our D-Line and LB's (welcoming back Troy and Aaron Smith) gives us a huge boost. Flacco doesn't scare me. We also addressed areas of weakness.

[b]I'm still shocked the Ravens didn't address their secondary.[/b]
[/quote]

With who?

[J-man]

I got an ESPN text and at first glance thought it said Raiders ... then I got a WNST text and went crazy in my car. Wow, I'm starting to like this offense a lot.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283791798' post='466536']
The guys behind Wallace give me a lot of confidence. It's not that your WR's aren't to be feared or that you don't have a great RB/FB tandem, I just think our D-Line and LB's (welcoming back Troy and Aaron Smith) gives us a huge boost. Flacco doesn't scare me. We also addressed areas of weakness.

I'm still shocked the Ravens didn't address their secondary.
[/quote]
Fair enough, Smith and Troy are huge and I would argue Smith is as important to the front 7 as Troy is to the secondary. I think we did all we could short of trading someone or something of extreme significance to our future to help our secondary. Wilson may not be a close to a #1 but he can be a decent #2 and definitely a solid #3.

Hopefully Flacco gives you a reason to start scaring you lol.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283791876' post='466546']
I don't recall him not being a team player. He just hates the refs (should fit right in here - lol) and the Steelers. He's vocal when he get's frustrated during a game.
[/quote]
He was divisive in that Seattle locker room, according to some friends of mine who are Seahawks fans. I'll have to ask a Seattle native to verify later when I get a chance. Houshmandzadeh was allegedly unhappy with not being the star of the offense, and he was frustrated that he didn't have an easier time in that division, as the NFC West was perceived to be a cake division when he first joined.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1283791896' post='466548']
The secondary has been addressed. Hamlin was signed a while back to add depth and Wilson was traded for.
[/quote]

Hmmm. I forgot about that. Yea, those are definitely upgrades. Hamlin hates the Steelers too. You guys are loading up on Steeler haters. lol

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1283792019' post='466561']
Fair enough, Smith and Troy are huge and I would argue Smith is as important to the front 7 as Troy is to the secondary. I think we did all we could short of trading someone or something of extreme significance to our future to help our secondary. Wilson may not be a close to a #1 but he can be a decent #2 and definitely a solid #3.

[b]Hopefully Flacco gives you a reason to start scaring you[/b] lol.
[/quote]

This is where we'll have to disagree, because I'm hoping not. lol

[Clutch Ravens]

If he plays 100% then we have the best #3 receiver in football. If he doesn't or causes a problem he's cut costing the team 850k. If he does the latter then he's replaced by Clayton with a returning Stallworth.

There really is no way we can lose in this acquisition...touch wood.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Perfekt' timestamp='1283791876' post='466545']
personally i hope jason phillips gets let go but thats just me.
[/quote]

Why? His glaring weakness(pass coverage) won't be a problem on special teams.

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283791876' post='466546']
I don't recall him not being a team player. He just hates the refs (should fit right in here - lol) and the Steelers. He's vocal when he get's frustrated during a game.
[/quote]

By "nuisance", I meant venting to the media about not seeing enough balls.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283792089' post='466565']
This is where we'll have to disagree, because I'm hoping not. lol
[/quote]
would love for Flacco to give you fear like Ben gives most Ravens fans fear...

[grape drank]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283790513' post='466448']
You know better than to count your chickens with us Buddy. I am not concerned about your offense. I am MILDLY concerned about our week 4 match-up based on our QB issue, but that's about it.
[/quote]
Obviously your not concerned about our offence cuz your not the one playing! I'm sure the whole Steelers secondary is incredibly concerned about playing Boldin, who blocks like an offesive tackle, and catches balls like he has black holes in the palms of his hands. Or mason who is one of the savviest vets in the league, and also never drops the rock. and your 3rd corner must be terrified of playing TJ housh who holds a couple of franchise records. And Clayton must be licking his chops for the opportunity to roast any 4th corner he goes up against. But if that all fails, our O line is one of the best in the league and will pave the way for our Pro Bowl Running back, and Full back. and if Rice gets tired We have a former pro bowler to take a few reps for him in McGahee. Anyone who doesnt fear our offence is clearly intoxicated. Not to mention your defence is gonna be dead tired because they're going to be playing a lot of snaps, as our Defence will be more than capable of causing multiple 3 and outs.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='CorvusCorax' timestamp='1283792005' post='466558']
With who?
[/quote]

In the Draft, but it's been pointed out that two key players were added via FA and trade.

[Ed_Reed20]

This ad just got funnier for some reason:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs1N5NYyb24&feature=player_embedded[/media]

[thewarden86]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1283792146' post='466571']
Obviously your not concerned about our offence cuz your not the one playing! I'm sure the whole Steelers secondary is incredibly concerned about playing Boldin, who blocks like an offesive tackle, and catches balls like he has black holes in the palms of his hands. Or mason who is one of the savviest vets in the league, and also never drops the rock. and your 3rd corner must be terrified of playing TJ housh who holds a couple of franchise records. And Clayton must be licking his chops for the opportunity to roast any 4th corner he goes up against. But if that all fails, our O line is one of the best in the league and will pave the way for our Pro Bowl Running back, and Full back. and if Rice gets tired We have a former pro bowler to take a few reps for him in McGahee. Anyone who doesnt fear our offence is clearly intoxicated. Not to mention your defence is gonna be dead tired because they're going to be playing a lot of snaps, as our Defence will be more than capable of causing multiple 3 and outs.
[/quote]

Settle down tiger. Something tells me you haven't been part of this rivalry for very long.

[edreedfromtheu]

This is just a great move because... it's such a bargain. The Ravens get this guy for nothing. Seattle is still paying all his salary this year. Then, you keep this guy from going to any other team you might have to face this year. That's another HUGE plus. And hey, he's got at least SOME insider info on the Bengals.

Funny though, wasn't Housh the one who spoke up against the Ravens years back when we beat them? And he claimed they were still the much better team, and had more talent? Wonder how things will be patched up. Not that it will be an issue, but I think it's intersting to see how he feels about the Ravens now.

Either way, this is one move I just NEVER expected to happen. I turned on the TV today and was like HUH? TYPO MAYBE? Did they mean Raiders instead of Ravens?

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283792233' post='466576']
Settle down tiger. Something tells me you haven't been part of this rivalry for very long.
[/quote]

He almost had me jump up and down shaking my fist. Ha

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1283792135' post='466569']
Why? His glaring weakness(pass coverage) won't be a problem on special teams.



By "nuisance", I meant venting to the media about not seeing enough balls.
[/quote]

That is a product of weak leadership in Seattle. Baltimore doesn't have that problem. Besides, he just took a huge blow to his ego and the Ravens can cut him at any point if he gets out of line. No lose for the Ravens.

[Clutch Ravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1283792223' post='466575']
This ad just got funnier for some reason:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs1N5NYyb24&feature=player_embedded[/media]
[/quote]

Why do I feel the urge to punch that guy?

[Bltravens]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1283792146' post='466571']
Obviously your not concerned about our offence cuz your not the one playing! I'm sure the whole Steelers secondary is incredibly concerned about playing Boldin, who blocks like an offesive tackle, and catches balls like he has black holes in the palms of his hands. Or mason who is one of the savviest vets in the league, and also never drops the rock. and your 3rd corner must be terrified of playing TJ housh who holds a couple of franchise records. And Clayton must be licking his chops for the opportunity to roast any 4th corner he goes up against. But if that all fails, our O line is one of the best in the league and will pave the way for our Pro Bowl Running back, and Full back. and if Rice gets tired We have a former pro bowler to take a few reps for him in McGahee. Anyone who doesnt fear our offence is clearly intoxicated. Not to mention your defence is gonna be dead tired because they're going to be playing a lot of snaps, as our Defence will be more than capable of causing multiple 3 and outs.
[/quote]
lol you make it sound like we just inherited the 2007 Pats offense and our defense is back to the 2000 form. Make no mistake man, it will not be easy to beat anybody. Our offense got better on paper, and looked better against the Giants, our defense however did not get better. We dont have Ed or our #1 or #2 corner. I have confidence in our defense as they are our bread and butter...but our D isnt going to be as suffocating until Ed and Webb get back.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1283792321' post='466580']
This is just a great move because... it's such a bargain. The Ravens get this guy for nothing. Seattle is still paying all his salary this year. Then, you keep this guy from going to any other team you might have to face this year. That's another HUGE plus. And hey, he's got at least SOME insider info on the Bengals.

[b]Funny though, wasn't Housh the one who spoke up against the Ravens years back when we beat them? And he claimed they were still the much better team, and had more talent? [/b]Wonder how things will be patched up. Not that it will be an issue, but I think it's intersting to see how he feels about the Ravens now.

Either way, this is one move I just NEVER expected to happen. I turned on the TV today and was like HUH? TYPO MAYBE? Did they mean Raiders instead of Ravens?
[/quote]


Is that all? Dude, he shined his cleats IN Heinz Field with the Terrible Towel. lol
It doesn't get more disrespectful than that. Of all the hate between the Ravens and Steelers, no Raven ever did anything to the towel.

[berad]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283792483' post='466591']
Is that all? Dude, he shined his cleats IN Heinz Field with the Terrible Towel. lol
It doesn't get more disrespectful than that. [b]Of all the hate between the Ravens and Steelers, no Raven ever did anything to the towel.[/b]
[/quote]

I did

[MKdave]

Pretty much shocked by this. The earlier parts of this thread, before the signing are funny in light of the fact we actually got him. I just hope he *is* the number 3. Mase is a better ball player in my opinion and his chemistry with Joe cannot be understated or overlooked. At the same time Joe needs to get away from the security blankets that he had last year in Rice on dumpoffs and Mase on short curls.

In response to a few comments about his attitude, while he was in Cincy he was regarded as a true professional, the ying to Ochocinco's yang if you will. All this diva stuff popped up in Seattle, a bad team with a mediocre quarterback that wasn't winning games. Maybe he's just a sore loser. It'd explain him coming here against the odds. I think so long as we're winning and he's seeing a #3 receiver share of the ball, he should be fine.

[MKdave]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1283792583' post='466594']
I did
[/quote]

I have to question your decision to wipe it on your head afterwards...

[eandb17]

I wonder who will be the #3 WR when Stallworth comes back from injury

[ROH522155]

[quote name='thewarden86' timestamp='1283792089' post='466565']
This is where we'll have to disagree, because I'm hoping not. lol
[/quote]

Warden its becoming harder and harder for me to hide my disdain for you. I guess its because we're getting closer and closer to the season haha....The season can't come quick enough..Im pretty confident Flacco and the offense is going to scare a lot of people this year.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Give it to Clutch Clayton' timestamp='1283792361' post='466586']
Why do I feel the urge to punch that guy?
[/quote]

Because he's a great actor. LOL!

[FlaccoFlicker]

wow as simba posted in another thread the ravens have Clayton on the trading block and if not traded they will release him

[Rinbee]

Feel like Oz and the FO are slipping into panic mode and trying to force fit too many pieces. Housh will not fit. We have too ma offensive weapons to keep everyone happy or develop a grove with core players