New England Patriots: Can Chad Ochocinco Grasp the Patriots Complex Offense?

Since he joined the New England Patriots a month ago, Chad Ochocinco has referred to his new home as "heaven," but as evidenced by his preseason struggles, he's yet to grasp his role in his new home. 

The old belief is that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. So, when Ochocinco got his bell rung on an offensive pass interference versus the Detroit Lions, some held out hope that he would finally get his wings. 

Getting acclimated to New England's offense, however, is definitely not that easy.

This isn't about Ochocinco's off-field changes affecting his on-field play.

This isn't about Bill Belichick trying to prove a point. That is, unless the point he's trying to prove is that underperformance won't be tolerated no matter what your name is or what system you come from.

Whether he came from a number system or a words system, Bill Belichick's expectation is that the players can learn the Patriots system.

And whether your last name is numbers or words, it's hard to ignore Ochocinco's lackluster performance this preseason.

Eight targets. Three games. Two receptions. One touchdown.

Time to panic? No. Time to worry? Probably. 

Why not? Some great receivers have come to New England to die. Even Joey Galloway, who was once one of the most prolific and dynamic receivers in the league, couldn't make an impact in the Patriots offense. In three games, he had seven catches for 67 yards.

Ochocinco isn't Galloway, though. Every situation is different. In fact, it's fair to say that the outlook on Ochocinco is at least partially attributed to unrealistic expectations beset by the quick chemistry between Brady and Moss.

NESN.com's Jeff Howe sheds some light on Ochocinco's situation, pointing out his struggles in transition from the Cincinnati Bengals' system to the Patriots' system.

"I've heard from Patriots sources that Chad Ochocinco's struggles have been with the offensive playbook, which is much more complex than the Bengals' system. The terminology is different, and there have been specific schemes that have troubled Ochocinco...They're confident Ochocinco will get it down because he's been putting in the time, but they've seen him struggle with some of the concepts that can be difficult for a new wide receiver to learn right away."

This is just his fourth week in the offense, and Ochocinco was fair to point that out to reporters (although he mistakenly called it his third week) as he talked about how far along he is in learning the offense.

"Probably a seven [on a scale of one to 10]. Because right now, what I’m doing, I’m able to go out right now and react, as soon as I hear Tommy call something, I’m good, I’m set. I’m not set in that comfort zone to where I can just be me and somewhat exhale and it’s just, ‘Oh, it’s on. Let’s play.’ I think it’s my third week. Let’s be realistic. It’s the highest levels of football. It’s not easy."

It may not be easy and it may take some time, but it's not easy for anyone. With a lack of OTAs and mini-camps, time is not a luxury Ochocinco or the Patriots can afford.

Time wasn't a luxury the Patriots had to worry about with Moss. That was once-in-a-lifetime chemistry right off the bat. To hold Ochocinco to that same standard is unfair.

In a piece recently posted on ESPN Boston, Tedy Bruschi pointed out that the chemistry and timing may be what's interfering with Ochocinco's immersion into the offense, and pointed to the aforementioned offensive pass interference as an indication of that.

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"Ochocinco got there too early, he was in the way, and he attempted to throw a block as Rob Gronkowski caught the ball. That's what the officials saw. Watching at home, it might have looked like Ochocinco was blown up, but overall it was a case where the timing to run the play hasn't been perfected yet." 

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In short, we were spoiled by the instant gratification and quick reaping of the rewards with Randy Moss, and Ochocinco suffers the penalty for it. In this world where media types scratch and claw for any story they can write, it's no wonder everyone's all over Ochocinco like a pack of dogs. He's being judged by everyone with a pen and pad. 

We can judge his performance on his path to "heaven," but in the end, no one's judgment matters but Bill Belichick's; It will be the criticism of New England's patron saints Belichick that carries the most weight.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.