Dolphins, please just say NO to Ochocinco

Jun. 11 Opinion 9 comments ---Bill

The Miami Dolphins don’t have a whole lot left to do with their roster before the 2012 season.  Sure, they still have to sign Ryan Tannehill, Olivier Vernon, and Michael Egnew…but those contracts should be done in the next couple of weeks.  All that’s really left for Jeff Ireland and the Dolphins front office, is to find ‘acorns’ that are cut from other NFL teams.  In my humble opinion, Chad Johnson Ochocino should NOT be one of the acorns the Dolphins sign.

According to reports, Ochocinco will workout with the Dolphins sometime this week.  Coincidentally, the Dolphins are holding a 3 day OTA, beginning today.  Ochocinco is a personality, no doubt about it.  BUT, is he still a good football player?  If his 15 catches in 2012 with the New England Patriots is any indication……no, he’s not a good football player any longer.  I mean the guy averaged less than 1 catch a game WITH TOM BRADY AS HIS QUARTERBACK!!  How is that possible?  I think the guy that sells popcorn at Foxboro caught at least 2 balls a game.

According to the Boston Globe, sources indicate that Ochocinco does not have a very high football IQ.  Because of this, he struggled to pick up the complex Patriots offense and route tree.  If a receiver doesn’t know what route to run, it is difficult for the coaches to put him on the field because it messes up the flow of the rest of the offense.  Here’s a quote from the Globe’s story:

“According to multiple sources, he just doesn’t have the football I.Q. that he appeared to have while with the Bengals. The Patriots would literally tell him to run a route a certain way, and a minute later he would run it the other way. It happened all the time.”

I remember seeing stories of Chad sleeping at the Bengals facility, showing he is a motivated and dedicated football player.  Perhaps he was there doing extra studying just to stay on par with teammates.  Ochocinco is a South Florida native and has lobbied in recent years for the Dolphins to sign him.  Personally, I hope he doesn’t get his wish because I don’t see Chad as a difference maker anymore.  If the Dolphins were to sign Chad it would leave one less roster spot for one of their young receivers.  I’m not going to tell you that the young receivers will be great…or even good, but at least see what the kids have.  Ochocinco, even if he is a fraction of what he used to be, is only a short term fix.  Instead, why not see what the Dolphins young receivers can offer.  I think the Dolphins should just say NO to Ochocinco.

Now, you and I both know that what I think really doesn’t matter.  In fact, rumors are circulating on Twitter this morning that Chad could sign with the Dolphins within the next 24-48 hours.  Will I be thrilled by this?  Obviously not, if you read the above article!  If the Dolphins do end up signing Chad, I’ll obviously root for him and hope he can bring something to the team.  Even if he can’t bring a knowledge of the offense, he could bring experience at the WR position.  Chad could help teach the young receivers how to beat press coverage, technique, etc.  Who knows, we’ll see what happens!  Agree?  Disagree?  Let us know in the comment section below.

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  • newengfinfan

    Sure he’s a bad egg, but so wasn’t Marshall and he dropped so many balls that I would put him up there with Ocho. I think if the money is right and I’m sure he would love to play the patriots at least twice this season to show them what they missed out on, I say take a chance on him if the price is right. I think it wasn’t his catching ability that had him catching an average of 1 per game but the lack of the play book.

  • GADOLFAN

    This guy is poison and will only tear the locker room apart ala T.O., I wouldn’t want him if he were in his physical prime, T.O. has proven over and over again what effect attitudes like that have on a team, just cancel the workout.

  • Paul

    Just Say NO !! to ochocinco…let him retire

  • kingkupa

    why sign him..because of who he “HAS BEEN”..at this time of his career, he’s just a name and has been..you read it..he’s dumb..it would be too much distraction..if you have a throwing qb in tom brady, and you get 15 receptions in new england, how many do you think he’s gonna get with matt moore..
    chad is a bum and an idiot..
    it’s a waste of money and a slot that can be given to an up comming young reciever..

  • kingkupa

    i would rather give it to TO who has proven over and over again, that he can put his game where his mouth is at..
    if you’re willing to live with his bs..then the fins should get TO, then a dumb idiot who changed his name to get attention and leave his family name behind..
    leave the idiot, don’t sign him please..

  • FinTim

    Just because Tom Brady didn’t throw him the ball doesn’t mean he is not a burner who can get open everyone knows Brady would be keyed on Welker and others before even considering throwing the ball to Chad.Why pass up the chance to see if a veteran burner receiver that can stretch the field and can catch the ball may gel with a new team where he would prefer to play and perform for?I feel it would be a great acquisition.Sure the younger guys have to get their shot at making the team,but throwing a veteran in the mix may make the younger guys try even harder knowing they would have to beat out a proven pro bowl receiver

    • kingkupa

      chad is not a slot reciever..he play’s the same position randy moss does..the go to guy..if you look at chad’s status with the last couple of years with the bangals… you would see that his numbers have been sliping.and even TO out performed him in cincy…now if you want some veteran help…hmmmm..how about moss, reciever use to play for redskins, edwards, brandon loyld..and even TO maybe..chad is making noice because he realizes that he’s at the end of his career, wants to come home..that’s find, but he’s stupid, dumb, and an idiot..we’re better off with nenee…i use to be a fan of chad, but after the years he has become more hot air and less action..

  • lou

    Now thats it official ..i like the signing…low risk, high reward, colorful personality to lighten up the stigma of players not wanting to play in miami..i see him as a 45 recs 500-600 yards anda handfil of TDS..no receiver on the team has the potential to be a number 1 guy..it now leaves open the middle of the field for bess hartline and bush…throw in lamar miller out if the backfield and our offense can be potent..even with moore at the helm..good work ireland…yeah
    i did just say that

  • phinfan4sure

    I see this as a good move. He still has to make the team and if he beats out one of the young receivers for a position then the better receiver won. Simple as that! But I can’t wait for this season to start!

    Fins up!!!!