Steelers Now
T.J. Houshmandzadeh has never been someone to say nice things about the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Cincinnati Bengals receiver still hasn’t really changed his ways.
With Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy reuniting — have you heard about that? — the black and gold are hoping their offense receives a boost this upcoming season. The Steelers ranked No. 25 in the league in total yards gained per game (305.6) last campaign, but have added Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard at receiver and Rico Dowdle at tailback.
Pittman joined Rodgers and a handful of other teammates on a trip to Wyoming — that still might be going, the details aren’t clear — but Houshmandzadeh isn’t sold on the excursion changing Pittsburgh’s fortunes.
“I believe the Steelers, because of the experience that Aaron Rodgers has playing for Mike McCarthy, understanding the offense, that transition should be somewhat seamless for him, so he’ll be able to explain it to the guys,” Houshmandzadeh said Tuesday on “Speakeasy.” “But when you’re in a division with the Bengals, who I believe will be improved; with the Ravens, who I believe they will be improved with just defense … The Steelers will kind of be what they’ve always been — 9-8, 10-7 type of team. I can see that.
“So will they be better? They may be a game better, but I don’t expect them to get in the playoff and cause any problems.”
To say the Steelers have “always been” a middle-of-the-road team is a stretch. They do have six Super Bowl titles, but with the playoff wins drought dragging on, it’s easy to see where Houshmandzadeh is coming from.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Same Old Story? Former NFL WR Pokes Holes in Steelers Hopes
