The good part about Chad Ochocinco’s role in New England: He’s only one weapon on an offense that includes Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Deion Branch and a gang of running backs.
The bad part, at least for Ocho: The former Bengal may not be any more important than the guys above.
Tom Curran of CSNNE.com writes Friday that Ochocinco has a long way to go to integrate himself into the offense, despite his short touchdown on Thursday. Ochocinco got pulled off the field at one point by Bill Belichick and chewed out, apparently for failing to block.
Another drive was spent on the sideline with receivers coach Chad O’Shea in his ear.
“It’s like a machine out there and I’m that one part that’s not up with anybody else,” Ochocinco admitted. “I got a long way to go, personally. … “I’m behind the 8-ball tremendously.”
Curran points out that Tom Brady isn’t fully confident in Ocho yet. It sounds like Ocho isn’t confident in himself either.
“I need them to stay in my ear constantly, especially during the preseason,” Ochocinco said. “The more I hear, the more I can absorb and become a sponge. The more relaxed I am, the better I play.”
