The Ravens have definitely worked hard to add extra nuts and bolts to an already well-oiled machine in an attempt to make the team into a fierce juggernaut. Wide receiver T.J Houshmandzadeh and cornerback Josh Wilson, both teammates on the 2009 Seattle Seahawks team, are now new faces in Baltimore a week before the season opener versus the New York Jets. How well can these guys really play in the first game?
On the 6th of September, T.J Houshmandzadeh was added to the roster. For my convenience, I will refer to him as "the Housh". In case you are unaware of who he is, "the Housh" has been a detested face in the Ravens community for years now because of his role as an outspoken team leader with division rival Cincinnati Bengals. He received over 1000 yards in both his '06 and '07 seasons, 904 receiving yards in his last season with the Bengals and 911 yards just last year with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite an impressive resume, he is on the decline so he is not the threat he once was but he can still be a potent third receiver in this offense.
Josh Wilson, 25, is a young player with his best performances ahead of him. So far in his career he has been most dangerous when returning kicks. He returned 69 kicks for 1,753 yards in his second year. Last year he started 12 games at the cornerback position snagging two interceptions and returning both of them for touchdowns. According to defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, his transition from Seattle's defense to the system in Baltimore has been smooth and could play either the nickle position or even starting corner as soon as the first or second game of the season.
Both veteran players came onto the roster after the final preseason game so they have NFL experience just not with this team. Their experience should allow them to contribute in a limited fashion against the Jets. Houshmandzadeh can immediately play in the slot and catch a few balls. Wilson is capable of returning kicks on Monday night if Chris Carr doesn't assume that role.
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