Why Ochocinco Will Be the Next Patriot Released After Albert Haynesworth

The "odd couple" of the NFL—Chad Ochocinco and Bill Belichick—is a relationship of mutual respect and admiration.

Ochocinco described his preseason move to Foxborough as "landing in heaven," but just over three months on, the honeymoon period is well and truly over.

Nine catches and 21 targets over eight games is a miserable return on a $5.75 million salary, and after a number of high-profile cuts this season, I wouldn't be surprised if Belichick files for divorce soon.

The former Bengal has worked hard to fit in with the "Patriot way." Gone are the bull-riding stunts, TV shows and smack talk of yore. Chad 2.0 wrestles playbooks, not alligators.

This is not the same situation as Albert Haynesworth. Poor scheme fit and performance issues were the official reasons behind his release, but a bad attitude and approach to his conditioning were just as important.

Ochocinco's exemplary conduct has kept him in the good graces of the coaching staff, but the NFL is a results business. Production is its major currency.

It all starts with his chemistry—or rather, lack thereof—with Tom Brady. You can see it in their sideline conversations. Something is off, and it's not for a lack of trying on Ochocinco's part.

The New England offense is loaded with option routes and precise patterns. This is no place for freelancers, on either side of the ball. Just ask Brandon Meriweather.

There were some positive signs for Ochocinco on Sunday. Not only was he targeted five times, he gained separation from his cover for what felt like the first time all year.

To the outsider though, he still looks like he ends up at the wrong point of his route when the ball is released. Some of that could be on Brady—who hasn't been infallible himself in recent weeks—but that's unlikely, given his success in the system with Welker, Branch, Gronkowski and Hernandez.

At some point, the Patriots have to consider the bigger picture. Is Ochocinco likely to return next season? Almost definitely not. When then, do you see what you have in Taylor Price?

Every pass in the direction of No. 85 takes away a target from Price, who has struggled with the complexities of the system himself. But Belichick needs to know whether Price can make plays, because plans need to be drawn up for the long-term future at wide receiver.

The finances committed to Ochocinco have been cited as a reason to keep him around, but as Leigh Bodden found out, a big contract doesn't grant you immunity in New England.

Performance is everything. Whether you agree with Belichick's personnel moves this season, he didn't like what he saw in James Sanders, Darius Butler or Brandon Tate and moved them along too.

On that basis, Ochocinco has to deliver soon, or he will take the same "go" route that sent all those mentioned above out of New England.

After all, why not use that roster spot on a player that can contribute? Marcus Cannon has until next Tuesday (Nov. 15) to be activated off PUP. He could provide rotational depth to a line that has struggled to protect Brady in recent weeks.

Alternatively, a defensive back off the street has about as much chance at making a play as Sergio Brown does right now. With Josh Barrett moving to injury reserve, the safety position is wafer-thin and any help back there would be greatly received.

With the Jets up next in East Rutherford, a big performance from their ex-outspoken receiver might prevent him becoming an ex-Patriot. I just can't see it happening any time soon.  

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