Patriots vs. Jets: Chad Ochocinco Makes an Impact in Limited Playing Time

Two receptions for 65 yards isn't all that impressive, but when you're talking about Chad Ochocinco's debut season as a New England Patriot, well, it's one hell of stat-line for the former All-Pro wide receiver. 

Ochocinco came into Sunday night's game against the New York Jets in a season-long slump; he had only recorded nine catches for 136 yards with no touchdowns this season.

However, Ochocinco made his presence well-known in the first quarter of play Sunday night. 

Both of No. 85's receptions came in the first quarter, as it appears that both times the Jets' defense was not lined up properly, and Ochocinco took advantage of their broken coverage—something no one figured he could have done entering Week 10. 

Ochocinco's first reception came on a beautifully-ran route, and he caught the ball 12 yards downfield—but he somehow managed to step out of bounds immediately after the reception. It was almost like he was lost out there since he had a good chunk of yards still to gain. His second reception came out of New England's diamond formation, where they line up with four wide receivers split to one side in the shape of the diamond. New York was clearly not ready for the formation; Ochocinco recognized the broken coverage, reeled in the pass several yards downfield and turned it into a 53-yard gain. 

After Ochocinco's two first-quarter receptions, his day was practically over, as his playing time took a major dip. 

Ochocinco was thrown into the mix during the team's first half of play, taking a total of 14 offensive snaps. However, once the second half rolled around, No. 85 played only two more snaps during the final 30 minutes of the game.

Why did Ochocinco disappear in the second half?

For starters, New England started to utilize their no-huddle offense, an offense where they tend to line up with two wide receivers (Wes Welker and Deion Branch), two tight ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) and a running back. It's clear Ochocinco does not have a strong grasp of New England's offense at this point in the season since the team has yet to really use him in any no-huddle situations. 

Despite playing only one half of football though, Ochocinco showed life and could very well have gotten back on the right track entering Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

New England will have a long layoff since their battle with the Chiefs will be next Monday night, meaning more rest and more practice for players like Ochocinco—someone who very much needs it. 

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