I agree that finding talent at WR in the draft is obviously crucial. I also agree that I have had many down moments right from the beginning regarding the signing of #85 on this team. However, it does seem that Brady honestly believes that they can help him contribute--at least on some level. Either that, or Brady is giving his greatest oscar nominated performance ever of being patient, and helping him to adjust and get on the same page.
Interestingly enough, the Jets were stacking the line/middle more in the beginning, just like DAL, PIT, and the NYG did in recent games. Once Brady connected to #85 on a huge 56 yard gain, they did not seem to do that as much at all. This in turn, created some space in areas at/off the line, and we seemed to take advantage of that as the game progressed.
It's possible that is what they envisioned Ochocinco doing at times, simply drawing attention and coverage away from other receiving options? (once, of course they realized that he would not be contributing as much as first hoped)
Just remember that he does not have to be much more effective than say, Brandon Tate and his whopping 22 catches last yr. Ocho should be able to achieve that output, although he likely won't achieve Tate's yardage. To bottom line it though, Ochocinco may end up opening up the field a bit at some crucial times--in a worst case scenario. In a best case scenario, he and Brady get on the same page; and he ends up catching 3-4 passes a game, including some crucial playoff grabs.
I agree that he isn't my favorite Patriot, by any stretch. But Brady and Belichick seem to think that he has some kind of role here, at least moving forward; and I am starting to actually respect the fact that he is at least shutting his mouth, his twitter account, and seems to be trying hard to be more of a 'team' player. I still think that he obviously has some kind of talent as a WR, and his experience/knowledge or even flat-out route running should at least be an upgrade over last yr's choice of Brandon Tate.
It could have been a lot worse. Let's see if they can take advantage of some easier games, and get him some more reps and opportunities. If it works to our advantage come late December/early-mid January, the whole damn thing will be worth it.
I still don't agree with his cost vs. production aspect, but the salary cap factor has pretty much come and gone this yr, so it's too late to cry over spilled milk.
They obviously feel as though he's still an upgrade and best option vs Taylor Price, who by all accounts was a healthy scratch tonight and could have played if needed. I, like all of us, still want to see what/if Price can offer; but in the meantime #85 may be our best shot at beating some press man coverage down the stretch and into the playoffs.
The best defense is an offense that scores points, and keeps the defense off the field as much as possible. We all know that Brady and the offense is the best bet to take us somewhere this yr, so if Ochocinco is any small part of making that happen--I'm all for moving forward with him and showing my support. I'd say that the past couple weeks certainly don't look as if he's moving in the wrong direction, so that should certainly make some of us feel a bit more optimistic.
