The man formerly known as Chad Johnson is famous for running his mouth. He continued to live up to his reputation after the Bengals played their first pre-season game. When asked about a catch, Ochocinco attributed his move on cornerback Jason David to his offseason boxing training. Chad had worked out at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club to improve his elusiveness. Apparently, 85 thinks there are more big things to come this season. The Bengals receiver remarked that his game is “going to be totally bananas.” If “totally bananas” means “solid but overrated”, we agree.
Via Cincinnati.com:
Before the Tweeting and UStream shows, Chad Ochocinco’s workout regimen, which included time in a boxing ring, was one of the more well-discussed topics of the offseason.
In Friday’s preseason opener against New Orleans, the ninth-year wide receiver showed off some of those moves learned in Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club.
During the fourth offensive series of the 17-7 loss to the Saints and with the Bengals facing third and five on their own 32, Ochocinco caught a quick 7-yard pass from Carson Palmer in the left flat. He spun and caused Saints’ cornerback Jason David to miss before turning up the left sideline for a 55-yard gain deep into New Orleans territory.
“It was a boxing move,” said Ochocinco of the play. “It was like I’m standing in the ring, catch the ball and then the dude is coming. It’s like a swim or dodge move where I get myself out of the corner. You’re trapped in the corner, wait for him to swing and ole, you turn around. That’s the same move.”
Ochocinco also showed a little finesse near the sideline as he high stepped and eluded a diving Charles Grant to get 11 more yards. That move he said was something more “T.J.ish than Chadish.” He was referring to former Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is now in Seattle.
“For me to add that part to my game with what I worked on over this offseason, it’s going to be totally bananas,” said Ochocinco, who finished with two catches for 73 yards.
After last year’s frustrations and the lowest production since his rookie season, Ochocinco has returned to the level of previous years. The 55-yard reception though was not his only highlight.
Earlier in that drive, with the Bengals backed up on their own 9 and facing another third down, Ochocinco ran a perfect route and Palmer hit him for an 18-yard gain and a first down.
“Chad was Chad. He’s looked like that every day in practice so far,” Palmer said. “On that play, Chad was at the perfect depth, perfect timing and when you play like that it makes my job easier when I know exactly where you’re going to be at. He did a great job of converting that for a big first down for us.”
Tags: chad johnson, chad ochocinco, cincinnati bengals, football, NFL
2008 Chad Johnson G13 GS10 Rec53 YDs540 AVG10.2 Long26 TDs4
It was hard to dislike this guy before, but now I'm sick of him. If you're a No.1 receiver and get 540 yards, don't say shit. Stop talking at all, those are worse than 3rd receiver numbers.
He's a not as funny/talented Clinton Portis and he's one of the most overrated players in the league. Look at those fucking numbers. Long, 26? My new SEA man TJ made Ocho Cinco look like a Cinco' Ocho" Mexican landscaper playing WR last year, Bengals suck.