Cincinnati Bengals Receivers: Ochocinco Has Always Been Numero Uno

The touchdown celebrations, cornerback checklists and plunge into the social media pool has caused many people to think of Chad Ochocinco as an attention-seeking prima donna.  His style and attitude seemed completely opposite from that of former Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who signed with the Seahawks as a free agent after last year.

Fans in Cincinnati loved the workman-like approach of Houshmandzadeh.  He wasn't going to burn a defensive back and streak to the end zone for a 70-yard touchdown. But with the reliable, sure-hands of Houshmandzadeh, there was no better option on third and eight.

When it became official that Houshmandzadeh was going to Seattle, I knew we would find out if he could be a No.1 receiver in the NFL.  Opposing defenses would no longer have to focus primarily on Ochocinco.  Houshmandzadeh would be numero uno.

For a Bengals fan, it has been very surprising to see and hear what has unfolded in Seattle.  Before the season, Houshmandzadeh told the Sporting News, "I'll put up stats I've never had before yardswise because they're allowing me to be a complete receiver."

That's fine, I guess.  He is certainly not the first person to take an indirect shot at his former team.  I'll give him a pass on that one.

There was also the ridiculous declaration that he is, "not playing Madden no more until they get my rating right".

Last week, Houshmandzadeh said the Chicago Bears were wrong for not pursuing him in free agency and that he would be open "95 percent" of the time in their upcoming game.  He ended up with four catches for 35 yards as the Seahawks fell to the Bears, 25-19.The "sure-handed" receiver also lost a fumble.

The worst part of his performance came in his explanation of why the Bears got the best of him.  Houshmandzadeh told the Chicago Tribune, "But I was open all game.  They just didn't throw me the ball."

Child please.

It seems as if Houshmandzadeh is trying to be Ochocinco, but is failing miserably.  His attempts at trash-talk make him look foolish.  That, combined with the lack of production, make him an absolute joke.

As a Bengals fan, I don't really care if Houshmandzadeh produces in Seattle or not.  I always liked the guy, but it appears as if his true colors are now showing.

These developments have also reinstated the fact that all of Ochocinco's antics are in good fun or with the best of intentions. This includes wearing a pink mouthpiece, gloves, shoes and wristbands for the entire month of October in support of breast cancer awareness.