Jim Turner

September 7, 2010

T.J. Houshmandzadeh aka Housh has experienced some serious highs and lows before a snap. First he gets bounced from the offensively challenged Seattle Seahawks even with a massive contract and decent numbers. That could be depressing but then he signs with the Baltimore Ravens boosting their chances of making a Superbowl run. The issue at hand is not if Housh is a good player but the Seahawks felt that Former USC standout, Mike Williams gave them more bang for their buck than the highly paid veteran. If you look at Housh’s numbers they are respectable but he is built to be a #2 guy. He is not a guy that scares anyone or creates matchup problems so bringing him to the Redskins does not represent an upgrade. The Redskins best (or at least most productive) receiver is Santana Moss. At 5’10 and 190 pounds Moss would be a slot receiver and you would have two bigger, more physical receivers in the first two slots. The Redskins hoped Malcolm Kelly would be the prototypical possession receiver and Devin Thomas would be the hybrid that could do it all with his blazing speed and size combination but thus far they have not lived up to expectations. If the Redskins are to pursue anyone it should be disgruntled San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson who is a walking matchup nightmare for most defenses. Jackson is 6-5, 230 pounds and runs like a gazelle. Jackson would cost the Redskins dearly unless the Chargers are interested in a disgruntled defensive tackle whose name rhymes with pains-worth. Here is another option…the Redskins could have the patience to develop the players they have for once. With a few notable exceptions you usually overpay for free agents. Seattle cutting Housh was more self correction of salary cap disorder based on the emergence of a better player than an indictment of Housh. For the first time in a long time the Redskins have a competent front office that selected the 53 best players for a competent coach that actually has a proven NFL plan. Coaching is about getting the best out of what you have and teams have won more with less than the Redskins in terms of the wide receivers. The Redskins may need some receiver help but Housh is not that guy. The good news for Redskins fans is that there was little to no interest expressed by the Redskins front office even though the NFL rumor mill always starts with Washington. I guess it will take some time before that pattern is broken.