Chad Ochocinco Should Join the Atlanta Falcons: Fan

[HMFFL]

I'd have to pass on Ochocinco.

On June 7, ESPN was reporting on NFL Live that the New England Patriots have released veteran wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Ochocinco is coming off the worst season of his professional career, making just 15 catches for 276 yards in 15 games. He was unable to figure out the offensive system in New England and with the Patriots bringing back players like Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth, who were both favorites of Tom Brady in the past, Ochocinco's days with the Patriots, were numbered. Now a free agent, should Ochocinco join the Atlanta Falcons?

In the 2011 NFL Draft, the Falcons moved up to select Julio Jones, which many felt could have been the last piece to their Super Bowl puzzle. While Jones had a major impact, their offense struggled in the playoffs and their defense didn't come through enough to lead the Falcons to the big game. This offseason, the Falcons added defensive depth, but the addition of Ochocinco would be a major boost to the Atlanta offense and their run towards the second title in the history of the city.

Despite his terrible performance a year ago, Ochocinco can still perform at a high level. Just a season before, he made 67 catches for 831 yards and in 2009, he had 72 catches for 1,047 yards. I don't see a way that he would have lost his ability to be an impactful player during the course of the offseason.

With Atlanta, he would have the time to break out without being relied upon as the main option. With Roddy White, Jones and even Harry Douglas ahead of him on the depth chart, Ochocinco would have a realistic chance at finding the rhythm he had during his time in Cincinnati. The Falcons offense is a basic one, which is an immediate change from what he was likely dealing with in New England.

Wherever Ochocinco decides to go, he will provide an impact within the community and will have an even larger impact on Twitter. The most active Twitter user in Atlanta is White, but the signing of Ochocinco would pose an immediate challenge to the throne.

For a look at season recaps for the Atlanta Falcons, go here for easier access. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/chad-ochoc ... --nfl.html

[Jamaaliver]

Ochocinco's days in this league are, sadly, over.

But...if Wes Welker is let go by New England this offseason as expected (Welker is working on a one year franchise tender this season after failing to come to terms with New England on a long term deal last summer), what do you guys think of Welker becoming our starting slot receiver to replace Tony Gonzales?

Welker obviously isn't a TE, but he runs routes as a slot receiver as effectively as anyone on the league. The offense could transition from a '2 WR, 2 TE, 1 RB' formation to a '3 WR, 2 RB' formation which could help re-emphasize the run while keeping opposing defenses honest against the pass.

Welker isn't nearly the blocker Gonzales is, but in mid range route running, he's 2nd to none. Our Rookie FB will be healthy by next season, allowing us to start Quizz at RB behind a FB to clear the way in the run game. The TE would then just be de-emphasized in the offense.

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