Is Tom Brady Favoring Other WRs over Chad Ochocinco?

There has been much speculation over whether Chad Ochocinco is a good fit for the New England Patriots.

Ochocinco has had a very entertaining career, and as most fans know, his trademark was touchdown celebrations. He was extremely loud and knew how to make himself known in the media.

This is about the exact opposite of what the Bill Belichick system stands for. Belichick stresses privacy, professionalism and speaking with actions over words.

When the Patriots first acquired Ochocinco, these were some of the concerns. However, none of this would matter if he were putting up big-time numbers. But he is not. 

Production is down and questions are being asked about whether bringing him in was a good idea. Is Tom Brady trying to avoid Ochocinco?

Wes Welker

Welker has been targeted 92 times by Tom Brady this 2011 NFL season. Out of those 92 throws, he was able to catch 66 of them. That is a 72 percent catching efficiency.

He has a total of 960 yards thus far and has a season long 99-yard touchdown catch. 

It is safe to say that Welker has been Brady’s favorite target for most of his tenure with New England. 

Whether Ochocinco is being targeted enough or too little, one thing is clear: Welker is Brady’s favorite target.  

Tight Ends

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are playing some great football. 

The New England offense uses these tight ends in different formations to maximize their effectiveness.  Both Hernandez and Gronkowski have great hands and have proven that they can make the big catch in clutch situations.

Brady has targeted these two players mostly because they run great routes and get open. Even if they do not get open, they allow Brady to throw into an area where they can make a play.

Combined they have been targeted a total of 112 times and completed the reception 77 times. That is a catch efficiency of 69 percent. They both have total yards of 596 for Gronkowski and 333 for Hernandez, while catching six and five touchdowns respectively. 

As long as they keep playing at this type of level and continue to connect with Brady, they will be a vital part of this Patriots offense.  

Deion Branch

Deion Branch is third on the team in total catches and yards. He has been targeted 51 times while making the completion 32 times. 

He has also totaled 426 yards for the Patriots and received three touchdowns. 

If there were another receiver other than Welker who Brady enjoys throwing to, it would be long-time teammate Deion Branch.  

Ochocinco Total Catches

Ochocinco has been targeted a total of 21 times this season. 

This is the fifth most on the team from quarterback Tom Brady. The only other receivers above him are Welker, Gronkowski, Branch and Hernandez.  

With a system and quarterback that targets the tight ends and Welker for close to 80 percent of the offense, getting touches is going to be tough.

It looks like Ochocinco is still starting to get the hang of the offense and getting in sync with Brady.

Ochocinco Efficiency

As mentioned earlier, Chad Ochocinco has been targeted 21 times but only caught the ball a total of nine times.

It is difficult to say the real reason whether it is Ochocinco’s drops or Brady’s missed throws. 

The Patriots run an offense that allows the receivers to have a good amount of freedom in their routes.  This is important because one of the biggest reasons for this inefficiency is the lack of sync between Brady and Chad.  

Ochocinco Total Touchdowns

Ochocinco has zero touchdowns this entire season.

Much of that has to do with his lack of playing time rather than Brady avoiding to throw to him. 

Unless Ochocinco starts to get more open in the end zone, this stat will remain the same for the rest of the season.  

Results

Ultimately, the question is not whether Brady is favoring other receivers over Ochocinco. 

Ochocinco has changed from his former years. Although he is still athletic and has the ability to be a decent wide out, he cannot physically beat players off the ball anymore.

He, as a player, has changed.

The Patriots are a team that does not necessarily need a star wide receiver for them to succeed. They have a great quarterback in Tom Brady who can find open receivers regardless of their name. 

Brady has proven that he does not necessarily look for one receiver all the time. As long as Ochocinco can accept his new role on this new team, he will be an asset for the offense.