Where Will T.O. End Up?

I was reading a sports message board recently when I saw the following comment:

"Terrell Owens to the Bengals is a good idea.  Chad Ochocinco would have a career year with another receiving threat on the field to draw double the coverage.  Cedric Benson should also benefit from T.O.'s presence because he won't be running against eight in the box.  This move could only make them better.  T.O. seems to be a different player now.  He knows that window for getting a ring is closing faster and faster by the minute.  I think he'll keep his mouth shut and play his ass off for Marvin Lewis."

I've read comments and articles of fans would want him not only in Cincinnati, but Baltimore and San Francisco as well. I don't remember who said it, but the quote, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it," seems applicable when it comes to Owens.

Here's my two cents - Change the names and teams and we've heard it all before.

Take a look at 2006, Owens first year on the Cowboys (when he was on his "best" behavior).

85 Catches, 1180 yards, 13 TD's  -  Mighty impressive, yes?

So how did he do against good, average, and ugly teams?

Well, www.pro-football-reference.com is a beautiful thing.

Against teams with poor records (7-9 or worse), Owens in 7 games, caught 39 passes for 529 yards, and 9 touchdowns. 

Against teams with 8-8 records, Owens in 5 games, caught 34 passes for 457 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

Against teams with good records (10-6 or better), Owens in 4 games, caught 12 passes for 194 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

It might be worth noting that the Cowboys lost 3 of those 4 games against good teams, all by at least 14 points, and Owens did not score in the lone win.

Did you ever notice that the only teammates who ever stick up for Owens are defensive players who don't have to deal with him near as much as fellow receivers or quarterbacks?

The moral of this story is the same as the old joke about when a guy is singing in a bar and someone asks him if he can sing, "Far, Far, Away." With Owens, it can never be far enough.