Each week, we bring you a Q&A with a Ravens player to help you learn a little more about the team. Today's guest is wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who caught 30 passes for 398 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner against the Pittsburgh Steelers – today's opponent in the AFC Divisional playoff round – on Oct. 3. Houshmandzadeh talked about his reasoning for joining the Ravens, his assessment of his season, and his thoughts on his future.
Question: After the Seattle Seahawks had waived you on Sept. 4, how surprised were you that the Ravens expressed interest in signing you?
Answer: I was surprised. I didn't think they would have me just because of the guys they had. So yeah, I was surprised.
Q: What made the Ravens' offer stand out from other teams' inquiries?
A: Because they had a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl. I could've gone to other teams, and one of those teams is in the playoffs right now. And I probably would have had – individually – a much better season. But I chose to come here because I thought this team had a better chance of winning the Super Bowl than any team that I talked to.
Q: Did you have any trepidation about joining an offense that already had Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason as the starting wide receivers?
A: Yeah. And it wasn't what they had at wide receiver, but what they had as a whole. Now, wherever I go, I think that I'm the best, and I think that now. But it wasn't about what they had. It was about a coach's comfort level. That comfort level wouldn't be there with me because I hadn't been here. So that was my worry and it turned out to be true.
Q: So not being here for Organized Team Activities and training camp put you at a disadvantage?
A: It put me at a disadvantage because as coaches, they're human beings just like we are. They're going to go with what they're comfortable with, who they've worked with, who they've seen. I came in here when the plan was basically set, and you don't change that plan. You might add to it, but you don't change it, and that's what happens.
Q: As a player, how can you make an impression with the coaching staff so that they do feel comfortable with you?
A: It's hard. All you can do is practice hard and make the plays when the ball comes to you. But again, they're human. You can't change anybody's mind when they have it set. There's not too much you can do, really.
Q: Do you worry that your numbers this season might scare off potential teams interested in you during the offseason?
A: That's a possibility, but if you watch thE tape of all 16 games, you will see that's not the case. I had more catches last year, but I'm playing better this year. Running routes better. Last year, I kind of felt sorry for myself a little bit because I expected more, and last year taught me a lot about myself. I wouldn't say that it readied me for the situation I'm in now, but it kind of taught me how to handle certain situations that you think are going to go one way when they don't. It taught me how to handle them, and I think I've done a good job of playing hard on every play, in every game even though I know I'm not into the game. Last year taught me that, and I think that's why I've played harder and better this year. I'm getting open, I'm catching the ball, I'm blocking. Just go watch the games. You go back and watch the games and you tell me if I'm getting open. That's what I'm doing. So teams will watch that and they'll see that. This is a statistics-based business, but I've showed that I can get open my whole career, and it's just a matter of getting opportunities. My opportunities aren't there like they've been.
Q: So what do you envision in terms of a future with the Ravens?
A: I don't know. I wouldn't even begin to think about my future here. My future here is beating Pittsburgh. That's my future, that's what I envision. And then after that, whoever we play, it's about winning that game. That's my future because I came here to hopefully get to the Super Bowl and see what happens from there. Anything after that, I'm not even worried about it.
Q: If the Ravens approached you about signing something long-term, would you stay?
A: It just depends on how it is. Me, I'm going to give you an honest answer every time, and I think that's what is bad about me. But to be honest with you, I don't know. I don't know because why would I say no or why would I say yes when we don't even know how this year is going to turn out. To me, this is the best locker room I've ever been in. Cincinnati, our locker room was great, but I don't think it was like it is here. Everybody gets along. Everybody got along in Cincinnati, but you would have certain people that didn't like certain people. Since I've been here, I haven't seen that at all, and that's why I like being in this locker room.
Q: You played for the Seattle Seahawks last season. How surprised are you to see them at this stage in the playoffs?
A: Surprised? 100 percent. They won seven games [in the regular season]. I want the players there to do well because I still talk to them. But I was shocked. I'll tune in [Sunday] for sure.