Ex-Bengal takes on JuJu Smith-Schuster, criticizes Steelers draft strategy and offensive line building

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Before Vontaze Burfict and Adam “Pacman” Jones played in Cincinnati, the Bengals had plenty of other irritating players to Steelers fans.

Perhaps none were more squeaky than wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. Yes, it from the infamous Terrible Towel Desecration.

Well, Houshmandzadeh is still shooting the Steelers. And now he’s focused on another receiver: JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Speaking on the “Extra Points” podcast, Houshmandzadeh criticized Smith-Schuster and the rest of the Steelers’ offense.

“I think JuJu is their third best wide receiver,” Houshmandzadeh said. “It’s Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, then JuJu. If someone gives JuJu more than $ 10 million a year (in free agency next year), then that executive or GM needs to be fired.

Not that I don’t agree. After all, Smith-Schuster is averaging just 9.3 yards per catch. But it’s a bit ironic since Houshmandzadeh got a contract that averaged $ 8 million per year (5 years / $ 40 million) before the 2009 season. And in 2008, he had on average. only 9.8 yards per catch.

I guess it’s neither here nor there. But, please, TJ, carry on. Do you also have ideas about the racing game?

“They drafted (ed) Najee Harris out of Alabama. He had (38) rushing yards last week, ”Houshmandzadeh said. “They can’t run the ball. “Oh, it’s James Conner. Ah, that’s it. That’s it.’ No, it’s that offensive line. Pittsburgh, I have a message. Write offensive linemen instead of writing these guys. And then you will probably be able to run the ball.

Again, I cannot dispute this. The Steelers have failed to properly resupply that offensive line to replace missing players such as David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster and Alejandro Villanueva.

However, I still think the top two picks in this year’s draft – Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth – will be very good players. Having said that, Houshmandzadeh is correct that until offensive online play improves, I may not be able to see much evidence of that.

And, once again, do I need to point out the irony of Houshmandzadeh complaining about a team stocking up too much talent and not building enough foundations on either side of the line of scrimmage?

Isn’t that one of the reasons Cincinnati hasn’t won a playoff game since 1990? And why have they fought the Steelers so often in clutch games over the years?

Well, that and an epic series of emotional and mental breakdowns, of course.

Oops sorry. I left the topic.

Either way, Houshmandzadeh’s reviews have merit. The Steelers’ offensive line stinks, and Smith-Schuster is unlikely to get the money from the No.1 receiver in free agency.

You’re just going to have to forgive me if I’m having trouble separating the message from the messenger.

Did I mention that the Steelers ended up beating the Bengals in the 2005 playoffs after Houshmandzadeh pulled that move with the towel during the regular season?

I did not do it ? Hmm. I usually do it right away. I have to slide.

Tim Benz is an editor for Tribune-Review. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication, unless otherwise specified.



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