New England Patriots: Chad Ochocinco Opens the Door to Criticism

How can we not criticize Chad Ochocinco? What has the former All-Pro wide receiver done with the New England Patriots thus far? Virtually nothing. 

Ochocinco has played in two preseason games for New England so far, and has only caught two passes for one touchdown—keep in mind that both of his receptions came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where just about every Patriot did something positive. 

Granted, Ochocinco may have his touchdown as a Patriot under his belt, but don't let it fool you—he was wide open in the end zone, and there's no reason why he shouldn't have caught it.

In New England's recent exhibition match-up against the Detroit Lions this past Saturday, Ochocinco was horrendous. In fact, I think we can all agree that his performance was dreadful.

Ochocinco was targeted four times and did not manage to reel in one pass, as he dropped two of them—one of which hit him square in the hands. Pretty embarrassing, If I do say so myself. 

So let the criticism begin—not only does Ochocinco deserve it, but he told the media that he's welcoming it:  

"

"I like that. You guys have a job to do. You are not my friends. You guys have a job to do and I understand that. And I want you guys to critique the hell out of me. As I can also do to you. I hold no grudges. But as you fire upon me, believe (me), I will fire back."

"

Wait a second, Chad, you will fire back at the media? "Child, please"—you are now a member of the New England Patriots, a Bill Belichick-coached team, and you are willing to go at it with the media? This is nothing but trouble. 

Ochocinco needs to pick it up fast because as of right now, there is no reason why he should make this football team.

Let's be realistic here and put your homerism and bias aside—Ochocinco is not the next Randy Moss and has done nothing but prove to his critics that he may be a bit over-the-hill and his skills are diminishing.

As New England's preseason comes to an end this Thursday, as they'll play host to the New York Giants, Ochocinco still has a lot to prove. It's unclear if he'll play at all against the Giants, but either way, in game situations, what has he done? Absolutely nothing. 

Let the battle of Ochocinco and the media begin. 

For more articles like this, check out PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter.