Ochocinco On No TD Dance: 'I Play For Belichick Now'
BOSTON (CBS) – Chad Ochocinco's first catch as a member of the New England Patriots this preseason went for a touchdown, but the receiver feels he has a long ways to go.
"I felt good to finally get out there," said Ochocinco after the Patriots 31-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I'm behind the eight-ball tremendously though. It's different from practice… I have to get to game tempo."
Ocho, along with most of the starting offense, saw his first preseason game action on Thursday night. He caught two passes for 14 yards, including the eight yard touchdown on New England's second drive of the game.
In Ocho's 24 snaps on the field, Tom Brady threw his new receiver's way four times, missing on the first two opportunities before connecting in the end zone. It will likely take some time for Ochocinco to get used to a new quarterback, especially without the luxury of OTA's or a full training camp.
"The way Tom operates; it's like a machine out there, and I'm that one part that isn't up to speed with everyone else," he said.
"It's like being married. As time goes on you gel with that person," said Ochocinco. "With the offense, I'm just not comfortable yet. I want to hurry up and get that feeling where I can somewhat be me."
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
"I got to get there; now. I should have been there yesterday," he said, adding that there is no need to get frustrated because it was a waste of time.
Ochocino and Patriots coach Bill Belichick were seen talking on the sideline during the first quarter. While it appeared the receiver may have been upset, it had nothing to do with lack of passes thrown his way.
"I need Bill to stay in my ear," he said. "And Tom Brady; all of them. I need them to stay in my ear constantly, especially in the preseason. The more information I can absorb, and become a sponge, and learn from those guys who have been here and understand the system, the more comfortable I get."
And as for the lack of a celebratory dance after his first touchdown with his new team?
"I play for Belichick now," he replied.
There are some things that he is catching on to quicker than expected.
