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T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Current Bengals: 'They're Better Than We Were'
CINCINNATI — Bengals great T.J. Houshmandzadeh has never been afraid to speak his mind. The former Pro Bowler is buying stock in Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and this current iteration of the team.
Houshmandzadeh admits that these new-look Bengals are better than the 2005 team that finished 11-5 and were considered to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders before Carson Palmer suffered a devastating knee injury in the playoffs.
"I'm realistic in saying that they're probably better than we were because although me and Chad (Johnson) were really good, [but] we didn't have that third receiver that was as good as what they have. We didn't have that," Houshmandzadeh said during an exclusive interview with All Bengals reporter Lindsay Patterson. "They're better than we were and I can be honest about that and they're young like we were. The difference is they're not gonna get to the playoffs and have one good year and be great on offense. I think this is sustainable and they'll do it for a long time."
This current team certainly feels more sustainable than that team was, but it would be a battle if the two squads went head-to-head.
The 2005 team didn't have as good of a defense, but they forced a ton of turnovers. They also had a much better offensive line than the current squad.
It's a fun hypothetical, but clearly Houshmandzadeh is bullish on Burrow and company.
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