Patriots Release Chad Ochocinco

Yesterday, the Patriots released Chad Ochocinco. He didn't have too big of an impact last year and he was having trouble with the playbook still according to the team. That makes this move an easy one for the Patriots. However, I would caution all not to be too hard on #85 or downgrade his career.

Ochocinco, or Johnson as he should still be called was a fantastic receiver for the Bengals. Sure, he was over the top, sure he called attention to himself, but he was good. He was also entertaining. Would I want my kids or players acting like Johnson? No, not really, but I'd rather have them acting like Johnson than Albert Haynesworth. You could never question Johnson's effort and his willingness to be the best player he could be. You could question some of his antics, the dumbest of which in my opinion was the name change. Like it or not though you have to admit that everyone wanted to see what Johnson would do next.

Johnson may not have been the brightest, may not have been the most responsible, but he could play and people liked him. If this is the end then he had a good run. 7 seasons with 1000 yards receiving is quite the accomplishment. However, something tells me that someone will give him a shot and that his fans will still be cheering him on. Perhaps Baltimore or Jacksonville will be that team. Ray Lewis has always been a fan of Johnson.

-Noland