Only The Black Remains

The Raiders are betting on long odds that veteran slot receiver and all around loud mouth T.J. Houshmandzadeh will regain former glory with their other late starter, Carson Palmer. Carson, of course, played with Housh in Cincinnati where the tandem were partially responsible for both of the Bengal's winning seasons over the last two decades.

Houshmandzadeh had been out of the league after being released by the Baltimore Ravens before their season opener. Like T.J., Carson had been on the couch as well after refusing to honor his Contract with the Bengals and following through on his threat to retire if not traded. The duo had been working out together and preparing for a team in need to call their number. Apparently, the Oakland Raiders are in need.

The most interesting twist here might be how well they play. At 34, Houshmandzadeh is not getting any younger and Palmer, 32 is right behind him on the very short road to NFL decrepitude. However, the tandem has always performed well together and, as stated, have some recent reps with one another. This means that, rather than coming into their new offense individually and trying simply to assimilate, they will be able to approach this as a tandem. They will therefore be more willing to find what about the Raiders offense fits them rather than the other way around.

If that happens, the Raiders will not have to worry long about Carson picking up the offense. Neither one of these two players appeared to do well anywhere else, especially Housh who has disappointed both the Seahawks and the Ravens since his Cincinnati departure. T.J.'s mouth and lack of total production rubbed both franchises the wrong way. Carson certainly followed that path in Bengal-town as well. But the possibility still remains that a bad attitude might just be exactly what Oakland is looking for.

With the Chiefs riding a four game winning streak and the Raiders coming off of a bye having lost to the division rival Chiefs 28-0 in week seven, the silver and black are hoping for some angst. They just may have found it.

Fantasy points might come surprisingly quickly for this duo. If they can fall into their old rhythm again between crushing runs by Darren McFadden, the AFC West may just have gotten interesting!

Personally, I hope not. I am already sick of typing Houshmand..... whatever.