Houshmandzadeh Guarantees Bengals Won’t Go 0-16, Doesn’t Say Anything About 1-15

As the holiday season approaches, the fine folks of Cincinnati don't have much to be thankful for. The economy is in shambles, and the local football club is in even worse shape.

The franchise quarterback is all but done for the year, the team's biggest play-maker has disappeared for long stretches (but could make an appearance this weekend to throw his support behind presidential hopeful Barack Obama), and the only perceivable bright spot is that, at 0-8, there's a great chance the Bengals get the first-overall pick in the 2009 draft.

But wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh -- along with the Lions, no doubt -- won't let that happen. In fact, he guarantees the Bengals won't go 0-16 this season. Guarantees it. From Adam Schefter (via PFT):

"If the season ends and we don't win a game," Houshmandzadeh vowed, "I will walk from my house to the NFL Network studios."
Houshmandzadeh's house is in Cerritos, Calif., 27 miles from the NFL Network studios in Culver City. If that weren't challenging enough, the majority of the walk would have to take place on I-405, a heavily driven interstate.
"I never thought about if we will go 0-16," the Pro Bowl wideout said. "It never crossed my mind until you said it and asked me the question."

I'm quite certain Houshmazilly has thought plenty about not winning a game this season. I mean, what else is there to occupy his mind every Sunday from 1PM to 4PM? You know, other than, "Man, Ryan Fitzpatrick is awful ... but still miles better than our defense. Oh, and Chad, I really, really hate you."

Taking a quick gander at the schedule, the Bengals' best opportunity at a W might be in Week 17, when they host the Chiefs. And, frankly, there's a solid chance they'll be 0-15 heading into that game. Oh, the drama.