Ochocinco was out there yesterday for media day, and you could tell that he was basically embarrassed to be part of it. He only has 15 catches this year, and really had nothing to do with the Patriots making the playoffs. We have shit all over him, and it has been well deserved. He's been a bust in every sense of the word, yet I don't write this post to twist the knife. Actually, I just want to thank him for taking it all in stride.
“After a 10-year span, I finally had a year where it didn’t go well,” Ochocinco said on Tuesday during a 30-plus minute session with the media. “The year wasn’t everything I expected or what anyone else expected, but I did what I was supposed to do, worked and stayed quiet and I’m not sure being on this stage would be the reward. There’s nothing else I can do, I’m part of the team and I did everything they’ve asked of me.”
I honestly believe the Patriots really like Ochocinco. He will not be back here next year, because on the field he doesn't fit in, but you have to admit that if I told you he would have only 15 catches all season and be benched on multiple occasions that you would have said one (or both) of the following things would happen. Ochocinco would go all diva on us, and demand a trade, AND/OR the Patriots would cut him. It happened to Haynesworth, but the difference is Ochocinco has been nothing but a good guy. He apparently practices hard, and is well liked in the locker room. We all wish it worked out better, but sometimes it just doesn't.
I know the quick response to this will be he is getting paid and it'd what he should do, which is true, but it wasn't something he is known for and I really feel that he did what was best for the team and I just wanted to commend him for that.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Giving Ochocinco Some Respect
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6 comments:
I don't know why everyone is so quick to bash Chad.
The Patriots offense right now is primarily through Welker, Hernandez and Gronk. Now, along with Brady, the offensive linemen and a token RB, that leaves ONE more spot on the field. Yes, that could be Chad but it isn't. Instead it's usually Branch. And that's fine with me. The Pats are in the Super Bowl and they had another stupidly good offense this year that was primarily through the pass.
Yes, Chad's numbers aren't great but the Pats O was.
Don't worry about Chad. We got players producing terrific numbers already.
I'm not worried about Chad, but I never expected underwood and slater to be getting more playing time.
As much as they use everyone else he has looked lost out there.
I don't know, maybe it was just me but when Chad signed I just didn't see much of an impact happening.
He has "looked lost" out there but I just see this as a guy who was probably overrated to begin with joining an already loaded short pass game attack and his skill set simply didn't blend well with what the Pats do.
But definitely give him props though for sucking it up and practicing hard.
I'm interested to see what a full offseason of working out with coaches and Brady (among others) can do for his knowledge of the offense. We've seen that the guy still has talent, can still run crisp routes -- he just doesn't seem to know WHERE he's ever supposed to be...
With guys like Welker Gronk and Hernandez(ez) drawing attention, he should be having field days against 1on1 coverage. I still think he brings more to the table than Branch, who is too short and too slow to get open. Brady trusts him, yes, but he rarely even looks Deion's way anymore (Denver TD aside). Hopefully I'm wrong come Sunday and Deion and Chad both score 3 TDs each, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Ocho in training camp earning a roster spot.
He's done everything the Patriots want him to do except perform on the field. Thankfully, the Pats have other weapons. And thankfully for him, they don't have much experience or talent behind him on the depth chart.
And about Branch, I think he's great for what he is. He hasn't been catching many balls, but that's partially because Gronkowski is wide open even when he's covered.
Bob, I wonder how Chad would've been if the Pats went 8-8 or something and missed the playoffs. It's one thing to keep your mouth shut when things are going good but if the ship started to sink this year I just don't see Chad staying quiet.
Anyway, just something to think about and fortunately this wasn't a reality this year.
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