It’s about time we stop thinking of Bill Belichick as boring. We have to get out of our heads that the Patriots head coach is as bland as the gray hooded sweatshirt he’s famous for. Just because he’s monotonous and personality-free during press conferences doesn’t mean Belichick doesn’t have an edgy side.
Maybe Belichick likes his small coffee with FIVE sugars. I heard he jaywalks WITH the police around.
Thursday morning started with reports that Belichick pulled the trigger on a deal for troublesome Washington DT Albert Haynesworth. As the day wound down Belichick struck again, swinging a deal for diva WR Chad Ochocinco of Cincinnati.
All off-season a pass rusher and a downfield threat were regarded New England’s glaring weaknesses. With all the names as suggested solutions, Belichick again went in a different direction.
The bigger gamble is Haynesworth. His behavior with the Redskins as he feuded with Washington head coach Mike Shanahan led to Albert being suspended for the last four games of 2010. Before even playing a down for a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, Haynesworth set the tone for an acrimonious relationship by saying he didn’t want to play in a 3-4 defense.
Haynesworth made his announcement after receiving a $21 million bonus, leading to suggestions that Albert was an only for the money player. In two years with the Redskins Haynesworth confirmed that sentiment as his performance didn’t match the $100-million dollar contract he received from the ‘Skins.
No one would think Belichick would have any interest in a player with a long list of off the field issues and isn’t a fully dedicated professional. All eyes will be on Fat Albert’s arrival after failing Shanahan’s physical for the first 10 days of training camp last year.
Despite the questionable character, it’s no secret that Haynesworth can play football when motivated. In his last two years in Tennessee Haynesworth was a force of nature. Few defensive tackles can do what Haynesworth can.
With impending free agency and financial windfalls at stake, Haynesworth turned in two All-Pro seasons totaling 73 tackles and 14.5 sacks. This is the player Belichick hopes to get out of Haynesworth. If Belichick can get that Haynesworth, it would be another steal for the price of a 2013 fifth round pick. If it doesn’t work out, it was only a fifth round pick.
A small risk for a high reward player. But it will only work if Haynesworth falls in line with the Patriot Way. There are enough veteran leaders in the locker room that won’t tolerate a player that dogs it in practice. If Haynesworth is becoming a distraction like he did in Washington, Belichick hesitate to dispose of Fat Albert. But it’s a gamble worth trying for Belichick as he looks to improve New England’s pass rush and third down percentage.
Someone told me Belichick ATE two grapes while shopping but didn’t buy a bag. Rumor has it while playing blackjack Belichick went all-in playing roulette, putting his money on 13...BLACK…while stroking a black cat.
Maybe coaching is boring to Belichick. Maybe having a player of questionable character in the locker room makes things interesting for Belichick. He needs the challenge of turning a malcontent around. Sure Belichick took on RB Corey Dillon and WR Randy Moss before, but neither were cancerous like Haynesworth was.
Ochocinco is more like what Belichick dealt with – a past productive player unhappy with their current situation. By rescuing them from professional purgatory, Belichick breathed new life into Dillon and Moss and got productive years out of them.
Ochocinco needed to get out of Cincinnati. The Bengals franchise sucks the life and desire out of players. Dillon wanted out of a Bengals jersey so badly that he threw his jersey into the stands after his final game with Cincy. QB Carson Palmer gave the Bengals a trade-me-or-I-retire ultimatum. Palmer is in California right now and he isn’t going anywhere.
Haynesworth has character issues, while Ochocinco is a character. He’s Belichick’s polar opposite as far as public personality goes. But on the field Ochocinco is everything Belichick wants from his players: loves football, passionate, hard working.
These two personalities won’t clash because Ochocinco is loquacious and gregarious while Belichick is reticent. Ochocinco can say whatever he wants as long as it isn’t detrimental to the team. That’s not Chad’s M.O. Belichick will get a fully focused Ochocinco on the field and in the classroom. Being a microphone magnet and quote generator won’t matter as long as Ochocinco is giving his best.
There’s no reason to believe Ochocinco won’t give his best after getting a second chance in his career. Chad never was a true deep threat for his career, but he’s always been an excellent playmaker all over the field. Ochocino is a precise route-runner with great hands and impeccable body control. He will get open off of cuts across the middle and along the sidelines, moving the chains in the process. Ochocinco is a perfect fit in the Patriots offense.
And unlike Moss, Ochocinco doesn’t need ego stroking. Nor will he take plays off. He will go hard even when the play isn’t going to him.
The best part for Ochocino is he doesn’t have to produce like a star with the Patriots. With so many offensive weapons, he will get his share of receptions without the pressure of being the focal point and carrying the team.
Ochocinco gets a new three year deal as he arrives in New England, but money doesn’t motivate him. The opportunity to play on a playoff-caliber team is motivation enough. Playing for a coach he truly respects and in return respects who Ochocinco is is icing on the cake.
The compensation for the Bengals in exchange for Ochocinco is unknown, but it could be a theft like the Dillon deal in 2004. Belichick must be smiling from ear to ear privately, thinking he hosed the Bengals a second time.
Is Belichick taking a chance on a player seemingly in decline? It sure looks that way. But this is the man behind taking an intentional safety to gain field position and throwing on 4th-and-2 in enemy territory. You win some and you lose some. The bottom line is Belichick isn’t afraid to take that chance.
I heard Belichick broke the glass in his rearview mirror. And he STILL drives the car.
Two trades in one day for a pair of veteran players with a few question marks. Just like Bold Belichick.
Question? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
