Cincinnati welcomes Ocho Cinco to its roster

By Neal Coolong  |   Friday, September 05, 2008  |  Comments( 7 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals have formally announced their newly named wide receiver - Chad Ocho Cinco. Both the team and the NFL have recognized the player formerly known as Chad Johnson has a new name; as a result, his entry on the Bengals' official roster and the nameplate on the back of his jersey will say Ocho Cinco.

Commentary: Sure, it's a marketing ploy, and possibly evidence to suggest Ocho Cinco's descent into insanity; in the end, though, his production on the field will be all that matters. It's hard to find more than three receivers who have produced more than Johnson has over the past six seasons; during that span, he's averaged 89 catches, 1,340 yards and eight touchdowns per year.

The question is: How much does he alienate his coaches, teammates and fans? Certainly, the team has had ample opportunity to get used to Ocho Cinco mucking for the camera, so it's doubtful the Bengals were surprised by this. Bottom line: There won't be much complaining in Cincinnati if Ocho Cinco continues putting up big numbers.

Fan Pulse: Over on the Bengals Zone Fan Forum, posters are weighing in on the validity of Ocho Cinco's latest gimmick. Feelings on the subject range from blase to comical to future career suggestions for Ocho Cinco in the used car sales business.

Fantasy Football Impact: Maybe a happy Ocho Cinco is a productive Ocho Cinco. It's scary to think if he's capable of a more productive career. His 93 catches, 1,440 yards and eight touchdowns last season sent him to his fifth straight Pro Bowl, and he hasn't missed a game in five years.

Injury Watch: Ocho Cinco supposedly has a shoulder injury, but he's not on the Bengals' injury report for their Week 1 opener at Baltimore.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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