T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Current Bengals: 'They're Better Than We Were'

The former Pro Bowler is buying stock in Joe Burrow's present and future.

USA Today Images

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. 

Watch Patterson's entire interview with the Bengals great below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. 

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest NFL news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Exclusive: Marvin Lewis Weighs in on Joe Burrow, Mike Brown's Desire to Win

Shayne Graham Bullish on Joe Burrow, Young Bengals

Bengals Announce Uniform Combo for Divisional Round Against Titans

Joe Burrow Has Posted Insane Numbers in Recent Weeks

Larry Ogunjobi Out For Season

NFL Divisional Round Schedule Revealed

Six Takeaways From the Bengals' Win Over the Raiders

Jessie Bates Wants the Bengals to Bring Back an Old Friend

Listen: Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham's Radio Calls From Win over Raiders

Joe Burrow Eyeing Bigger Things After Win Over Raiders

Postgame Observations: Bengals Beat Raiders, End Drought

Watch: Bengals Celebrate Playoff Win Over Raiders

VP of Officiating Explains Inadvertent Whistle on Tyler Boyd Touchdown

Young Bengals Aren't Playing With House Money, Need to Beat Raiders

Darrin Simmons Praises Joe Burrow Ahead of Raiders Game

Former All-Pro Makes Bold Prediction About Bengals' Playoff Chances

At Least One Team Interested in Bengals OC Brian Callahan

Cincinnati Should Sign Former First Round Edge Rusher Before Playoffs

Raiders Will Be Without Key Defensive Lineman Against Bengals

Bengals Release Hype Video Ahead of Super Wild Card Weekend

Exclusive: Tyler Boyd Enjoying the Moment, But Focused on a Much Bigger Prize

Angry Joe Burrow? C.J. Uzomah Explains "The Look"

Zac Taylor Weighs in on Ja'Marr Chase's Rookie of the Year Chances

Watch: Joe Burrow Mic'd Up During Win Over Chiefs

Column: Don't Look Now, But These Young Cats Are Different

Great Film Breakdown of the Special Connection Between Burrow and Chase

Film Breakdown: Analyzing Joe Burrow's Three Elite Traits

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow All Bengals on Facebook