Numerous reports have emerged this week regarding former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason and how he suggests the team should part ways with Chad Ochocinco. He claims the Pro Bowl wide receiver only cares about himself, and not what's important for team.
Esiason criticized Ochocinco for his acts leading up to games throughout the season during the Westwood One Pro Bowl broadcast last Sunday. He claimed all of the trash talking provided to opposing defenses worked as a disadvantage to the Bengals since opposing teams would become more focused and motivated to prove him wrong.
While Esiason may see Ochocinco as a distraction, it would be difficult for owner Mike Brown and head coach Marvin Lewis to part ways with the six-time Pro Bowl receiver. In eight seasons with the Bengals, Ochocinco has recorded just two seasons with fewer than 1,000 receiving yards—including six straight seasons from 2002-07 with at least 1,100 yards. His antics off the field may be questioned at times, but he’s backed up all of the talk on the football field.
There’s nothing wrong with Ochocinco having a little fun playing the game he love. There are times where he may fall short of living up to his talk—such as New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.
However, that’s just part of the game of football. Ochocinco can’t be expected to come through each time he calls out opposing defenders or plans a special touchdown celebration.
As far as Esiason’s comments are concerned, the Bengals’ passing game is already in need of improvements for next season. By releasing Ochocinco, the team would only be digging themselves a deeper hole in an area they finished 26th in last season.
Therefore, it’s safe to say Ochocinco’s not going anywhere next season. Expect No. 85 to be back looking to help Cincinnati to a second-straight AFC North title and cross the 1,000 yard mark for the eighth time in his career.
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