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Bengals’ Ochocinco fights through frustrating season
The Cincinnati Bengals are on a 10-game losing streak, and the season is essentially over for the franchise’s abysmal 2-11 season. Thoughts of post-season play were erased from the minds of fans midway through this lost season. The team’s debacle left many wondering what went wrong with the underachieving Bengals.
What was missing was the excitement and bravado star wide receiver Chad Ochocinco brought to the offense. He didn’t play with the same flair fans have grown to love. He hasn’t scored enough to showcase any new touchdown celebrations. There has been no element of surprise from the flashy receiver.
As the season comes to a painful close, Ochocinco is a shadow of the player we know him to be. And regrettably, he is no longer the center of attention.
As he noted in his autobiography, “Chad I Can’t Be Stopped,” which he recounts how he has persevered in life, Ochocinco reflected on getting through a frustrating season.
“It’s all about pride for me,” he said. “We could lose every game, and you know what you’re going to get out of me. That flamboyant part of the game that I bring is exerted more when we’re winning. When we’re losing like this, it’s more so on the back burner.
“I still have that same drive, but it just doesn’t show up the same. It’s like the sun is shining, but a dark cloud is over it. I’m still shining, but not the way I want to be. It’s been a frustrating year, but I’m going to keep on working hard and finish strong. When you turn on the film, regardless of what that record shows, you’re going to get the same 85.”
With receiving yards and touchdown catches down this season 65 receptions for 795 yards and four touchdowns, Ochocinco could have easily become a disruption under these circumstances. Instead, the receiver said he is taking a positive approach by not letting his past accomplishments as the Bengals’ main receivers, create controversy for the organization.
“How I feel about the season we’re having doesn’t matter,” Ochocinco said. “I just have to keep my head on right and not be the problem child of the past. I want to be a part of the solution and not the problem. I don’t know all the ins and outs of the coaches’ decisions being made. There is nothing I can do, but go out there and do the best I can to help the team win.”
Ochocinco led the team with six receptions for 71 yards in the loss against Pittsburgh on Sunday. But future Hall-of-Famer Terrell Owens remains the team’s leading receiver with 72 receptions for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. Last year, it was all Ochocinco, who lead the team with 72 receptions for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns as the Bengals swept and won the AFC North, only to lose in the first-round to the NY Jets.
Knowing Ochocinco as a perennial all-star receiver, defensive coordinators focused schemes to take him out of the Bengals offense; a move that allowed Owens, Jordan Shipley and others to flourish in the offense. But Ochocinco is quick to point out there is no animosity between the players. Their frustration is united against another losing season that began with such high hopes.
“People won’t know that from the outside looking in,” Ochocino said. “People don’t study film and don’t see me being double covered on ever play of the game all year long. But it’s a part of the game.
“I like the way people say it’s a compliment that I have been able to maintain a level of frustration throughout adversity. There is only so much we can do as a team creatively to allow me to get open and find ways to get me the ball. That’s the way it is and I’m cool with it.”
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Comments
By william ayers
December 13, 2010 11:03 PM | Link to this
Oh spare me! Him and that other loudmouth press hog Owens and loud mouth has beens.
By mike
December 14, 2010 6:19 AM | Link to this
bungle fans how is that AMOS&ANDY working for u
By worldclass
December 14, 2010 6:35 AM | Link to this
the bengals went away from the (running) game plan. problems starts from the top .
By irishguy
December 14, 2010 6:51 AM | Link to this
I have to admit I’m a little surprised Chad hasn’t gone all Diva this year.
By c'mon man
December 14, 2010 7:01 AM | Link to this
Ochocinco?! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!
By ohiodale
December 14, 2010 7:58 AM | Link to this
Do not blame Chad for Palmer and the OC’s blunders. If you read this article closely it said Chad isn’t getting many passes thrown his way because he is be doubled covered. What part of that do all of you not understand? The Bengals do not lose games because of Chad they lose them from interceptiopns and fumbles. If you look at this season just about every game was lost due to multiple turnovers. If Palmer used his head he could be a great QB but he makes terrible decisions. Palmer should be traded and the Bengals should pick up a QB in the draft. Yes next year will suck with a new QB, but can it really be any worse than having Palmer who hasn’t had a good year in 5 seasons.
By Bengal 4Ever
December 14, 2010 8:00 AM | Link to this
I still am, and always will be, a Bengal and Chad fan! Bringing in T.O. was the worse thing we could have done this year — disruptive the offense we did have.
By Tony
December 14, 2010 8:10 AM | Link to this
As a few others have said, abandoning the running game was the wrong move. Instead of going with a plan that won the division for them last year with smashmouth football, they go to a pass first offense. Last year, the big problem was we did not have reliable receivers to take advantage of the play-action but now we do…we just don’t run enough to set it up. Having 15 players on IR doesn’t help either.
By bungles
December 14, 2010 8:52 AM | Link to this
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
By life long Steeler fan in Dayton
December 14, 2010 9:07 AM | Link to this
“THAT’S why I root for a REAl football team! GO STEELERS !!
By m
December 14, 2010 9:11 AM | Link to this
Predicted this would happen in preseason only I said 5 wins tops. Palmer was always overrated and since his injury is probably worst QB in league. He cant even throw down field anymore lacks arm strength. new stadium needed to field a winning team, anyone remember that statement? They will be rebuilding again for the next 3 years. Poor ballclub from top to bottom and it all begins from the top. marvin will end up in the booth next year.
By BORNBENGAL
December 14, 2010 9:26 AM | Link to this
Chad is awesome and should retire as a Bengal if and when that day comes. Bringing TO in was a mistake. Chad has always been our go to guy and Palmer and the OF cooridinator forgot that in planning plays. I don’t how many games we’ve had where Chad was open yet Carson still tried to force the ball to TO. TO has given up on plays, let perfect throws go through his hands and avoids a hit instead of cathcing the ball. TO needs to leave and Marvin Lewis as well as Bratkowski should be fired along with the trainer. We should not have that many people injured and most have the same type of injuries. We need to draft a new quarterback. You can no longer win with a pocket passer. The good quarterbacks need to be able to run, think on their feet and scramble if need be and Carson can’t do any of those things. We also need to get a new running back to replace Cedric. He fumbles too much and will not run side to side when the middle isn’t open. Look at the film and you will see what I mean. A light at the end of the tunnel — My girlfriend who works for Cox/Dayton Daily News has received word through the grapevine that TJ WHOSYOURMAMA will be making a trip back to Cincinnati— Wouldn’t that be sweet. If he comes back, you can bet TO will be gone :) We can only hope —- WHO DEY
By BORNBENGAL
December 14, 2010 9:26 AM | Link to this
Chad is awesome and should retire as a Bengal if and when that day comes. Bringing TO in was a mistake. Chad has always been our go to guy and Palmer and the OF cooridinator forgot that in planning plays. I don’t how many games we’ve had where Chad was open yet Carson still tried to force the ball to TO. TO has given up on plays, let perfect throws go through his hands and avoids a hit instead of cathcing the ball. TO needs to leave and Marvin Lewis as well as Bratkowski should be fired along with the trainer. We should not have that many people injured and most have the same type of injuries. We need to draft a new quarterback. You can no longer win with a pocket passer. The good quarterbacks need to be able to run, think on their feet and scramble if need be and Carson can’t do any of those things. We also need to get a new running back to replace Cedric. He fumbles too much and will not run side to side when the middle isn’t open. Look at the film and you will see what I mean. A light at the end of the tunnel — My girlfriend who works for Cox/Dayton Daily News has received word through the grapevine that TJ WHOSYOURMAMA will be making a trip back to Cincinnati— Wouldn’t that be sweet. If he comes back, you can bet TO will be gone :) We can only hope —- WHO DEY
By Jon
December 14, 2010 9:31 AM | Link to this
Ever since Palmer got hurt he’s not been the same. We need a QB that can scramble and be a threat to run. A QB with experience in the NFL is the key for an awesome year to come. Draft an offensive lineman and trade Palmer.
By nexsis24
December 14, 2010 9:47 AM | Link to this
It,s like the gentleman said,it,s not chad fault.If u follow the Bengals it,s a compilation of things.1-Palmer trying 2 hard to get T.O.the ball 2-Fumbles by cedric 3-defense can,t get off the field 4-no imagination from offensive cord and defensive cord.In other words no one is on the same page.
By NO LEADERSHIP
December 14, 2010 9:49 AM | Link to this
Herein lies the problem with Chad…In his OWN words..“It’s all about pride for me,” he said. (FOOLISH) PRIDE = EGO A BIG EGO does NOT equate to being a member of a T-E-A-M. The Bengals MAIN problems are lack of quality LEADERSHIP on the field and INSIDE the Locker room. Carson Palmer is simply a LIMP DIKK. T.O. is the only REAL LEADER on that time! The Bengals lack quality (and quantity) in their SCOUTING department as well. You can NOT win Championships with TALENT ALONE !
By And 5,6,7,8
December 14, 2010 9:53 AM | Link to this
Ocho-cheerio can always go back to dancin’ with the stars runner up show.
By nexsis24
December 14, 2010 9:58 AM | Link to this
Hopefully Chad will retire as a Bengal.Chad is responsible for keeping the Bengals on the map during all those bad years.He kept the Bengals in the light when no one was actually thinking about them.
By HadEnough
December 14, 2010 10:16 AM | Link to this
nexis24, isn’t there a difference between the defense not being able to get off the field and the offense not being able to stay on the field? Three problems: 1) No Run Game, 2) Palmer, 3) Mike Brown! It’s that simple.
By willbill
December 14, 2010 12:05 PM | Link to this
sorry franchise,sorry team,sorry owner,sorry QB,sorry coaches,sorry owner.Mikey Brown’s favorite song is “Im sorry”by Brenda Lee
By PB
December 14, 2010 12:34 PM | Link to this
To all you morons saying we need a new QB, well your morons! Maybe Palmer looks at TO because he knows where he will be, TO runs good tight routes that Palmer likes (similiar to TJ) Chad does NOT run good routes, he often creates things on the fly. if he just ran his route correctly then maybe he would see the ball more.
By J
December 14, 2010 1:00 PM | Link to this
I personally couldn’t care less. The NFL is nothing but a bunch of millionaire entertainers playing a GAME on Sunday afternoon. Their win/loss record makes absolutely no difference in my life.
By James
December 14, 2010 1:25 PM | Link to this
who cares about chad or anyone else for that matter. just win a game will ya?
By John
December 14, 2010 1:56 PM | Link to this
PB What are you talking about??? Palmer throws to more then O.T. and Chad. He throws to the other team as well. It has nothing to do with the tight routes that Chad doesn’t run. Name a game that was lost because of Chad’s bad route?? They all come from a QB who couldn’t hit a semi if he tried!!!
By Mike Brown
December 14, 2010 3:54 PM | Link to this
Chad who? Do I write this clown a check every week? As for TO, the only time he extends his arms is pay day. He sure doesn’t when he is going across the middle.
By TrooperHook
December 14, 2010 6:09 PM | Link to this
As usual, the Sheepish beat reporters miss the crux of the Bungle issues. Back when Palmer, Brat and Marvin were celebrated in 2005, they had a genuine Offensive Line. And the receivers were younger. Now the O-Line is populated by Practice Squad garbage and the aged receivers have only retained premeir athleticism in their mouths. The Sheep among us bought into the preseason storyline that this is a talented team. It is simply a talent-starved team. It doesn’t deserve to win and doesn’t deserve to be defended.
By tam38
December 14, 2010 9:14 PM | Link to this
God, I hate you non-Bengals fans—especially you loud mouth cheating Pissburg fans. Just shut the hell up.
By c'mon man
December 15, 2010 6:41 AM | Link to this
You gotta blow up the whole team right now. Start with firing Marvin. I dont know who would step in. Who in their right mind would want to work for Mike Brown. You gotta get a quarterback. Get a new guy. He starts out 2nd string next year. Rotate him in and out with Palmer next year. Then the Palmers are out!