That idea isn't based on the potential for on-field success, which is there for Ochocinco given the Dolphins' lack of receiving depth. Instead, it's the result of just how entertaining the polarizing veteran's Miami tenure could be.
Upon learning that the Dolphins would be featured on this year's version of the HBO hit series Hard Knocks, you might have had a few different reactions. One, you simply didn't care. Two, you were disappointed, because, frankly, the Fins don't elicit as much interest as some other NFL teams. Or three, you were hopeful that some storyline involving Miami would by chance evolve before the series kicks off later on this offseason.
Now that Ochocinco has signed with the Dolphins, perhaps you still don't care or you're still disappointed at the network's decision to feature a team that's finished .500 or better just once since 2005, but the organization at least now has some entertainment value — something it severely lacked when HBO's decision was made.
The entertainment value of the Ochocinco signing extends beyond the confines of the HBO series, though. We now face the potential for Ochocinco to play against New England — the team he crashed and burned with — on at least two separate occasions this season. That'll give us a major glimpse into whether it was Bill Belichick's playbook, and Ochocinco's inability to grasp it over the course of a complete season, that truly led to the receiver's exit.
Also, the thought of what the always unpredictable Ochocinco could do down in Miami is far more intriguing than what he had the potential to get himself into in Foxboro. The veteran toned things down a bit in his lone season in New England, but 5 a.m. IHOP trips, offers to shack up with fans and meet and greets with NBA stars were still on his agenda. In Miami, where the potential for extracurriculars is far greater, we could see an even more entertaining Ocho.
Plus, Ochocinco — or Chad Johnson at the time — starred at Miami Beach High, grew up in Liberty City and was a fan of both the University of Miami and the Dolphins. Signing with the Dolphins marks a homecoming, meaning he should be as comfortable as ever in his new (or old) environment.
It's hard to predict exactly what Ochocinco will bring to the table in the way of on-field production this season, but everything else points to an interesting road ahead. He caught just 15 balls for 276 yards with the Patriots last year, so there's reason to believe the 34-year-old wideout has lost a step or two on the gridiron. Off the gridiron, he's still the same unpredictable, good-natured, optimistic superstar he's always been, which should bode well in a city that also features the likes of the Miami Heat, Ozzie Guillen and The U.
It's unclear how much talent Ochocinco brings to South Beach. But he certainly brings plenty more.
