Can Chad Ochocinco Be Productive with the Miami Dolphins?

When the Miami Dolphins sent Brandon Marshall packing in a trade with the Chicago Bears, we all wondered how the team would survive without a true No. 1 wide receiver. Well, that answer could have been just answered. 

Ochocinco News Network confirmed Monday afternoon the signing of Chad Ochocinco with the Miami Dolphins—but can he step in and play a large role in Miami's offense? 

Believe it or not, Ochocinco might actually be fairly productive with Miami in 2012. It doesn't matter how pathetic and lost Ochocinco looked in 2011 with the New England Patriots, as he caught 15 passes and just one touchdown in 15 games in his one-year stint with the Pats; he might be able to fit in with the Dolphins.

No matter who lines up at quarterback for the Dolphins, whether it be David Garrard, Matt Moore or rookie Ryan Tannehill, the offensive scheme will likely be simple, considering Garrard and Moore aren't the greatest quarterbacks and Tannehill is a rookie. 

With that being said, Ochocinco has a chance to step in and be the team's go-to man, but that's if he still has something left in the tank.

That leads me to one argument that many believe is the case why Ochocinco didn't fit in New England's offense: He's 34 years old and his skills and talent could very well be diminishing.

However, I'm not one that falls in that school of thought. Ochocinco just wasn't a strong fit in New England's offense, as he wasn't the primary receiver and couldn't master the team's complex system. If Ochocinco is used as Miami's primary receiver, he should be productive.

Let's be honest: Who else is that much of a threat in Miami's receiving corps? Davone Bess, Legedu Naanee and Brian Hartline don't bring much fear into opposing defenses' eyes—but Ochocinco could. 

If Miami's offense is watered down and ultimately constructed as "get the ball to Chad," he could put up some solid numbers as a Dolphin. 

It ultimately comes down to if Miami wants to utilize Ochocinco's talent—assuming there is some still remaining—and if Ochocinco can take the time and effort to understand offensive coordinator Mike Sherman's system. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus.