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Boomer Esiason on D&C: Chad Ochocinco has made ‘mockery of his career’ 09.19.11 at 11:07 am ET
By

Boomer Esiason

CBS Sports NFL analyst Boomer Esiason made his weekly appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show Monday morning to discuss the Patriots’ fast start.

Esiason said Sunday’s 35-21 victory over the Chargers made him think of the successful Patriots teams of the previous decade.

Said Esiason: “It reminded me of their Super Bowl teams, where the opposing offenses would go up and down the field … and then all of a sudden, somebody like Ty Law would come up with a big play, or Rodney Harrison would come up with a big play, Mike Vrabel would knock a ball down. It would be a key fumble recovery by Vince Wilfork. And lo and behold, what did we see yesterday? It was the same thing. It was great offense, tremendous special teams, a couple of gaffes here and there on defense, but at the end of the day four turnovers. The most key stat of all in the NFL is turnovers. And when you have a plus-four, the score is going to look like it did yesterday.

“And when your quarterback is comfortable, he’s playing maybe better than he ever has — and I can’t believe I’m saying that, after taking a look at what he did in 2007 then again in 2010 — can he play any better? I think defenses have got to start adjusting. I think they have to start blitzing, they have to start hitting him. … Defenses have got to get after him. They can’t just let him sit back there.”

Following are more highlights from the conversation. To hear the interview, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page.

On the key to the Patriots’ offensive success: “No pressure. No pressure whatsoever. I know Tom [Brady] took a shot there at the beginning of the third quarter, but or the most part, when you watch their games, the last two games, the offensive line has been unbelievable. And I think teams have decided, OK, we’re going to play zone, we’re going to put eight men in the secondary, and we’re not going to pressure Tom. When a quarterback is in the zone or a quarterback is doing what Tom is doing right now, you have to get after him. You have to put him on the ground. I don’t care if it leads to a big play down the field.

“If there’s one thing that maybe the Patriots are missing, it’s the big-play, Randy Moss-type wide receiver down the field. I don’t know if [Chad] Ochocinco will become that. I don’t know if there’s anybody that can cover [Rob] Gronkowski or [Aaron] Hernandez down the field. But you can’t let him just sit back there. … If there’s no pass rush, he’s going to rip you apart.”

On criticism of Ochocinco: “This is a player who has, I think, I don’t want to say ruined his career, but made a mockery of his carer with all the hijinks over the last three or four years, and Tedy Bruschi took umbrage with it. I think if you had been in that locker room and you had played in those Super Bowls and you had been a part of something so great that doesn’t happen very often, I think you have every right to take issue with what Ochocinco tweeted.

“I don’t think it was in any way, shape or form insulting, but again, remember, it’s a crack in the locker room. And that locker room’s been the tightest locker room since Brady and [Bill] Belichick have taken over in 2001.”

On the Patriots’ failed fourth-and-4 attempt Sunday: “The big problem I had with Bill yesterday, if there was one issue that I could take, was they elected go for it on fourth-and-4 from around midfield. OK, I know your punter’s hurt, but this is a guy, Bill Belichick, who reads about punting back in the 1920s, for crying out loud. So, I’m sure that he had somebody on the team that could punt the ball, whether it be [Stephen] Gostkowski, or put Brady back there and have him quick-kick it. I was surprised that they did that.

“But that kind of goes to your thought process there. He’s not scared. He’s not afraid to take chances. And when you have an offense that’s playing the way they are right now, why not take chances? I’d rather see them on the field as opposed to sitting on the sidelines, that’s for sure.”

On the Patriots’ next opponent, the 2-0 Bills: “Are they for real? I don’t think they’re a playoff team. They’re going to go up in class next week, certainly. … [Quarterback] Ryan Fitzpatrick is a great story. He’s a serviceable guy. He’s certainly not Tom, he’s not in that class. But in this league, as Bill Belichick I’m sure will point out this week, you never take anything from granted. Because you’re only an injury away from having your season collapse, if that injury happens to your quarterback.”

Read More: Bill Belichick, boomer esiason, Chad Ochocinco, Ryan Fitzpatrick Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Timbuk3

    A mockery? Really? As opposed to who, say, Micheal Irving, Terrell Owens, or perhaps Marvin Harrison? Since when is doing what you love and having some fun making a mockery of your life?

    Truth is, fans love OchoCinco who works hard, has fun, respects his teammates and does not complain. The production will come, although he may not end up teh number two receiver, he is a durable #3 who seems to be getting better every week. The media harshness will surely get to him, although he will likely emerge from the situation with as many or more fans than the likes of Boomer Esiason.

  • mikepatriot

    It is way too early at two games to be quite so harsh with this dude, slow football learner or not. At 2-0, the guy hasn’t hurt us to the extent of LOSING a game for us, although, granted, his big bonehead penalty in Miami robbed Brady of an even more astounding passing yards record that day.What i saw Sunday was very encouraging, even if it yielded only two receptions. What good is it to be in your prime and be the fastest guy on a team (Tate) if you can’t hold on to the damn ball? Ocho had the great hands Sunday on his receptions. If after 6, 9, 12, games the guy has failed in key situations, cost us a game or two, especially with the teams like jets,i’ll be ready to get the hook like the naysayers. Until then, i think the guy could end up being valuable because some defenses may underestimate him and not pay him much attention.

  • http://weeimobile Andy

    I would expect ocho to have an immediate impact he’s been in the league long enough to pick up this offense,this isn’t brain surgery.I would suspect when Taylor Price is ready he’ll be the #3wr and fifth option.That leaves ocho at the end of the bench.

  • Doug

    I gotta say, the media is being really hard on Ochocinco. I’m sure the media would love it if the fans in Boston were up in arms over Ocho, but we’re just not. It’s like the media (yourself included now, Boomer) is a bunch of strung out junkies in need of a drama fix. I know Ocho has been a great source of drama for you guys for a long time, I know this season must be hard without Farve watch. You guys must be shaking from drama withdrawals, as only one Bengal was in prison at the beginning of the season this year, an all time low.

    The Ochocinco you knew is dead. He was drawn into the Patriots organization like a black hole and now resides at its unseen but theoretical center, in an unimaginably condensed state, and we all know that nothing can escape a black hole. Not even the drama you’re craving. You’re looking for a Bengals story.

  • KidJesus

    Andy, what are talking about? What knowledge do YOU have of the Patriots offensive playbook, which, by the way, is oft regarded as one of the largest and most complicated playbooks in the league?

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