Giants vs. Patriots Predictions: Chad Ochocinco Will Have a Major Impact

Chad Ochocinco has been a major disappointment for the New England Patriots this season, but after reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in his Hall of Fame-worthy career, there is little doubt he will play well in Super Bowl XLVI with his legacy at stake.

It's a pretty bold prediction, but there are some important factors to consider.

Remember when Ochocinco wore the Hall of Fame jacket as a touchdown celebration? Well, there's no question his legacy is on the line in this game against the New York Giants. He's been one of the best wide receivers in football for over a decade, and until this season he had caught at least 67 passes in eight of the last nine years.

Ochocinco's talent hasn't disappeared, but for whatever reason he has not been a factor in the Patriots' prolific offense. However, there's no doubt that playing in his first Super Bowl will bring the best out of Ochocinco. After waiting 10 years to reach football's biggest stage, it's quite likely he'll never get here again.

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"This playoff run, this Super Bowl is very meaningful for me,” Ochocinco said. “Many say it didn’t go the way I expected, not up to my expectations. Everybody can see that, but don’t think this season negates a career of what I consider greatness, worth the fun.”

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With star tight end Rob Gronkowski battling a high ankle sprain leading up to the Super Bowl, the Patriots will need a receiver to step up even if Gronk plays on Sunday because it's quite unlikely he will be at full strength.

If Gronkowski isn't effective, then the Giants will clog up the middle of the field and dare the Patriots to use the outside of the field in the passing game. New England doesn't have many receivers who excel on the outside, especially deep downfield. Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski are all better suited for the middle of the field.

When the Giants force Brady to throw to the outside, Ochocinco will step up and be a factor. The Giants don't have a good secondary and ranked 29th in passing defense this season. New York's tremendous pass rush has hidden the fact their pass coverage abilities are weak.

If they cannot get to Brady consistently on Sunday, he will pick them apart. With the Giants putting their best cover guys on Welker, Hernandez, Gronkowski and Branch, Ochocinco will have a favorable matchup on the outside.

Take a look at this video. This scenario could happen in the Super Bowl, where the Giants double Welker and pay close attention to the Patriots tight ends, leaving Ochocinco one-on-one on the outside. He's more than capable of beating the Giants corners in this part of the field.

With two weeks to prepare the offensive game plan, coaches Bill O'Brien and Josh McDaniels have certainly looked at scenarios that give Ochocinco the best chance to succeed.

Belichick will use Ochocinco as his secret weapon on Sunday, and while he probably won't win the Super Bowl MVP award, he will have a meaningful impact on the game whether the Patriots win or not.

When you question a great player's ability to perform and be a factor when it matters most, the best will rise up and help their team achieve great things.

Great receivers in the last decade such as Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce waited many years to finally reach the Super Bowl, and when they did, there was little surprise when they played well.

Ochocinco has a chance to erase the hardships of this season and cement his legacy as a Hall of Fame player on Sunday, and for someone as competitive as Chad, there's little doubt in my mind that he will play well against the Giants.

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