Vikings, Bengals, and Seahawks All Waiting on Housh
by Christopher Gates on Mar 2, 2009 8:14 AM CST
in Minnesota Vikings
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PrintYesterday came and went with much drama, but without WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh signing a contract with the Vikings. Apparently he wanted to discuss things with his wife. . .something that, as any married man will tell you, is an advisable tact. . .and sleep on it before making his decision today.
Now, to those of us Viking fans who are incredibly biased towards our team, this decision is a no-brainer. Sure, Minnesota would appear, on the surface, to be the best situation. But what could be going through Houshmandzadeh's mind at this point? In an attempt to take an objective look at this, let's attempt to weigh the pros and cons of all three teams that he's considering. I'll put these in the order that I feel represents who has the best chance of signing Houshmandzadeh.
Minnesota
Pros: Most ready to win now, top-notch running game, top-notch defense, weather not a factor in most games.
Cons: Instability/uncertainty at quarterback, not terribly spectacular on offense in Brad Childress era
If Houshmandzadeh is looking for somewhere that he can win now and, hopefully, compete for a championship, then Minnesota should be his choice. As he's already pointed out himself, with Adrian Peterson in the backfield and Bernard Berrian lined up on the other side of the formation, T.J. probably wouldn't see double coverage for the entire time he was in Minnesota. However, one can only hope that he hasn't seen any video footage of the Prevent Offense to this point, because that would sour damn near anybody on coming here.
The instability at quarterback is probably going to be a big factor for him to consider, too. Yes, the Vikings just traded for Sage Rosenfels, and I think that Rosenfels is going to be the Vikings' starter in September. . .but how much confidence does that really inspire in a guy that's going to be 32 when the season starts?
Cincinnati
Pros: Familiarity, best friend (Chad Johnson) plays for team, outstanding quarterback
Cons: Not overly competitive, very tough division, quarterback has health issues
I firmly believe that the Bengals are the Vikings' main competition for Houshmandzadeh's services. He's played his entire eight-year career in Cincinnati, and he's known Chad Johnson ever since his college days at Oregon State. If Carson Palmer is healthy, then the Bengals have (in my opinion) the best QB situation of the three teams that are in this race.
However, the Bengals don't have much in the way of a running game, Palmer is apparently a bad pass away from needing Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm, and it's Cincinnati. . .with the Marvin Lewis situation, things could blow up there at pretty much any time. Then again, maybe Houshmandzadeh is thinking that it's better to stick with the devil he knows.
Seattle
Pros: Closest to home, apparently offering most money, good chance at a turnaround in 2009, solid QB situation
Cons: Zero running game, not a great defense, new coaching staff installing new system
The Seahawks are, from all accounts, offering Houshmandzadeh the most money and Seattle is the closest market to his home. Matt Hasselbeck gives the Seahawks stability at QB, even if he is getting up in years and has had trouble staying healthy in recent seasons. With the 4th overall pick in this year's draft and the turmoil going on in Arizona at the moment, the Seahawks have a chance of getting back to the top of the NFC West this season.
However, their running game is not very good, and their offensive line isn't anything to write home about, either. Also, Mike Holmgren is no longer in charge and Jim Mora, Jr. has taken the reins in Starbucks country.
If I were to put Vegas-type odds on this, I'd have to put the Vikings at even money, the Bengals at 2:1, and the Seahawks at around 4:1. And, no, I'm not accepting wagers.
All there is to do now is hurry up and wait. If anything happens, we'll be sure to have it up here ASAP. Continue enjoying your Monday, folks!
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My F5 key...
Is seriously wearing out. I promised myself I wouldn’t get worked up and excited over Housh because it would be too smart of a thing to do for Childress and company, but dammit if I’m not giddy.
I just want tthe news to come soon so I can stop worrying about it. Gah. Come on Vikes, sweeten the pot with a few extra million for him. Make it an absolute no-brainer. He’d look damn good in Purple.
Visit:
http://www.vikingvigil.com
Skol Vikings!
Woot Woot!
Guy on ESPN said he thinks Seattle which sounds odd but moneys money. I think he came here to Minnesota for the free food and is gonna bail. But damn we need better WR’s Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade aren’t it.
If he signs with Seattle or Cincy I think it shows that winning isn’t the most important thing to him. The vikings are the one team he is looking at that isn’t in flux or with a ton of holes. I think choosing between a playoff team and a team with nothing going for them is a easy choice.
Jared Allen is to football what Jason Voorhees is to Lake Crystal.
Michael Smith said Seattle
Saw it on SportsCenter this morning as well. If he wants the best chance to win he’ll come to Minnesota, but I think the Seattle offer is going enough money to make the “west coast guy” (he’s an Oregon State grad) move out west.
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 2, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
Wife, west coast
Don’t underestimate these factors. The wife may not want to live in Minnesota during Nov., Dec. an our home playoff run in Jan. And Seattle is a much easier comute to their off season home. That being said, Minnesota is the best choice from a strictly football point of view. And let us hope this factor rules the day!
Flight times
From Minneapolis to LA = 3 hours, 3 minutes
From Seattle to LA = 2 hours, 18 minutes
Big whoop. It is all about the $$$$$$$$$$, not the commute.
Go Hawks!
Only the wife would commute
And maybe only once week or every other week. But it still is an easier trip to Sea. than Mpls. And SHE would be making the trip, not TJ.
I agree frost
The momentum is lost thus lowering the odds. But, the fact he spent the night "sleeping on it " means he is a smart guy. Most experts say don’t buy anything until you sleep on it. TJH is here which is still a plus. I think sticking around here does mean something. Otherwise he would be sleeping on it back in Cincy or Seattle. Tells me his head is telling him Minnesota but it is hard to leave those familiar surroundings and friends. For some guys the $ does not always do the talking. Ya gotta remember that this (cincy) was an organization he was around for a long time.. Maybe the reason some FA’s are a flop is they made a choice they were sorry with and their passion was never the same.
Seems to me a man who can think things thru can live with his choices better. So don’t count TJ out yet. This just makes me think we are getting a smart man if he signs.
I don’t think Zigi is going to let him leave town so easy and he must be doing something right in the negotiations to get this far. I respect our owner for that effort.
You forgot $$$
Perhaps the most important factor in Housh’s decision is the contract, in which case the Vikings will lose out. I heard Cincy is offering him a 5 year deal while the Minnesota and Seatle have 3 year offer sheets.
This is the last significant contract that he will sign. It’s an important deal for him and I’m betting he wants another year from either the Vikings or the Seahawks let alone more money.
I can’t help but feel this is a lost cause.
The number of years hardly matters.
Aging players, particularly those whose production wanes as the dollar amounts rise towards the tail end of contract either restructure or are released. This is all about the money. He needs more guaranteed dollars regardless how long the contract is for.
The Haynesworth 7yr $100 million is actually only a 4yr $48 dollar deal. He’ll never realize the fifth year which would pay him $29 that year. He’s cut or restructures at that point.
if I the vikings i would have a backup plane not saying the Vikes dont but i would be calling Laveranues Coles agent ,Devery Henderson,Nate Washington just in case Houshmandzadeh dosent sign with us
Danoo
The Dome
One of the cons against the Vikes also has to be the facilities. Cinci and Seattle might not be the new Dallas stadium but they are a step above the Dome. The Vikes need a new stadium not only to be competive as far as income goes but also to lure in free agents.
This post would be better if I wasn't screwed by the refs!
The Star is reporting that TJ was on a flight to LA at 9:35 today
Jared Allen is to football what Jason Voorhees is to Lake Crystal.
Housh gone...
Left town last night. Don’t look good for home team. So much for wanting to play on same team as AP.
Article from..Acess Vikings....
We are no longer working on a tip that T.J. Houshmandzadeh has left town. We are now confirming that the free-agent wide receiver is no longer in the Twin Cities and was on a 9:35 flight last night to Los Angeles.
As we said in the blog posted moments ago, this does not mean the Vikings are out of the running. But it certainly isn’t a good sign. Houshmandzadeh was supposed to sleep on his decision at a Minneapolis hotel. But it appears he had second thoughts and decided to depart.
Pure speculation on my part is that if Houshmandzadeh went back to Los Angeles that’s a good sign if you’re the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, yesterday I wrote that Seattle might be out of this race. Anyway, the news is that T.J. is no longer in the Twin Cities
When a guy leaves without signing
And he doesn’t have any more scheduled stops on his free agency tour, it’s usually a bad sign for the city he just left. Unfortunately it looks like Housh is leaning towards money and location over the best chance to win. Here’s to hoping I’m wrong…
by Eric J. Thompson on Mar 2, 2009 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
Latest Word!!
It’s been confirmed! This morning when Housh went to breakfast, he sat in a chair facing directly towards the Metrodome. Despite the intervening distance of thousands of miles, our stalking reporters confirmed from beneath the chair that Housh was indeed, like a homing pigeon, facing the Viking’s stadium as he ate and SMILING. We take this is an absolute certain sign that he’ll be playing in the Purple this year and we can all breath a sign of relief.
I think I’m starting to lose that lovin’ feeling…. :)
espn poll
lets hope housh checks out the espn poll on its nfl page…60% think minnesota is the best fit for him…
"Somewhere in Minnesota, a child becomes a Vikings fan and wonders if they will win a Super Bowl in their lifetime"
Sources Warner to Visit 49ers
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3942897
Any chance that Warner could make a stop in MN. I havent heard anything about that. I think it is just wish full thinking on my part.
Vikes
are the best fit for him. Although I would have if the Vikings moved, TJ knows that its a possibility that they move to LA in the near future.
The City of Industry (10 miles east of LA) unanimously approved to have a stadium built there. It was the last hurdle and the City cleared it. Now the stadium owners have to entice a team to play in the stadium before it gets built. TJ knows this, which gives the Vikings a leg up.
P.S. My refresh button has never taken this kind of abuse! lol.
Im checkin them all (Norseman, ESPN.com, SI.COM, NFL, Vikings.com, Yahoo Sports)
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