Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco: Can The Two Stars Co-Exist?

Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco co-existing on the football field?

After T.O. agreed to terms of a one-year deal worth $2 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, we all find ourselves asking this very question.

The two most flamboyant players in the NFL? Playing together?

This could either be a match made in heaven, or a new television drama starring the two attention craving veterans. 

And even though there's a chance it could come back to haunt them, was this a good move by the Bengals?

In more ways than you think.

When you watch film of Terrell Owens, no matter where he is lined up on the field, he demands attention from opposing defenses.

Whether it is a cornerback and a safety, or a cornerback with a linebacker spying the possible route across the middle of the field, defenses always know where T.O. is and make sure he is accounted for.

This helps the Bengals in two ways: opens up the field for Ocho and opens up the running game.

Last season, the Bengals really only had one option going deep and that was obviously, Chad Ochocinco.

What T.O. brings to the table is physicality along the line of scrimmage and a threat after the catch.

He is a big body capable of turning a five-yard catch into a big play. If defenses are respecting T.O. in the short game, that gives Ocho the opportunity to do what he does best—get behind defenses.

The Bengals were 26th in the NFL in passing last season with Carson Palmer, who is considered a premier quarterback in the league.

Palmer suffered from having only Ocho as an option once he was under pressure.

With T.O. and Ocho on the field together, it gives Palmer another option, and defenses can no longer concentrate on one receiver in Cincinnati.

With defenses concentrating on T.O. and Ocho, this leaves less defenders left in the box allowing for Cincinnati to run the ball more effectively.

The Bengals' offensive line has struggled the past couple seasons, but defenses could double or triple team Ocho and send the rest on a blitz.

As an offensive line, it's a daunting task to pick up all the assignments of a blitz every time the ball is snapped.

With less defenders in the box, the offensive line will have an easier time dealing with the blitz—opening up holes for the running game.

Cedric Benson will certainly like this move by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The addition of T.O. also brings an improvement in red zone efficiency.

It's no secret the Bengals struggled in the red zone last season, and T.O. brings a big target for Carson Palmer.

When Ocho and T.J. Houshmandzadeh were the two receivers in Cincinnati with Carson Palmer under center, the Bengals had a prolific offense capable of scoring points in the red zone.

Palmer flourished having two premier options at the receiver position, and now with Ocho and T.O. together, Palmer has a tremendous opportunity to rack up the points this season. 

I know what T.O. would say right now.

"Get your popcorn ready."