There’s No Fool Like An Old Fool So How’d You Describe Ocho Cinco ?

Say it with me now ….”there’s no fool like an old fool ! ” How else can one really describe the antics of the Cincinnati Bengals and that of their wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco ? This guy now gets more press time , airtime and tv time for his antics off the field than anything he’s done recently on it . But the again we are talking about the lovable , bumbling and underperforming Cincinnati Bengals.

Chad Ocho leaves the field after another disappointing loss during the regular season. The Cincinnati Bengals finished the season with an uninspiring 4-11-1 record for the season in the AFC North. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Mayhew .....................

Now comes the hard part for a Marvin Lewis coached team that for all sense and purpose is on its last legs, when it comes to being viewed as competitive team within the NFL. After an uninspired season last year where it finished with a woefully inept record of 4-11-1 within the AFC North . And bearing mind that for much if last season they were without starting quarterback Carson Palmer . One might excuse the efforts of the team as a whole. Palmer was replaced by his backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick played the majority of the season , compiling 13 of the 16 regualr season games played.

Bengals' wideout Chad Ocho Cinco looks to remain in the endzone despite the defensive effort of the Jaguars' Rashean Mathis (27) during the play. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Brian Charles ....................

And with the franchise’s continuous off the field problems. In terms of the numerous incidents involving law enforcement. It’d be appropriate to say that the most ardent of Bengals’ fans witnessed more action off the field than they ever saw on it during the regular season. And what one can glean from this all , is that this team and the organization underperformed to such an extent. That one can only surmise that things can’t get any worse for the franchise. The Cincinnati Bengals as a franchise has made itself the laughing stock of the entire NFL. One might’ve said of their instate counterpart the Cleveland Browns. But as we all know what represents a winning season for the Browns is actually to have their stadium filled to capacity during their home games. Ineptitude has definitely become the norm in the state of Ohio when it comes to the state’s NFL franchises of recent times.

Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer (left) takes question from the convened press after the team's first voluntary workouts in March held at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati,Oh., Also in picture is the team's coach Marvin Lewis. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Dave Kohl .............

With the preseason just around the corner Ocho Cinco’s latest gimmick is to let the world know how much he likes to “Twitter” . And that during the preseason and regular season games. He’ll be using the device to be keep in contact with his subscribers wherever they are and to let them know how he’s doing. Now if you’re an ardent Bengals’ fan you’ll either be peturbed by his latest antics. Or you’re liable to just brush it off as just another ruse and stunt to keep his face in the in-front of the public to vie for their attention.

The narcissist in Ocho Cinco makes sure that we need to know who is , where he is and what he’s said to be doing at all times. Remind you of anyone in particular ? He’s now said to be playing for North America’s team. Ocho like his erstwhile counterpart Terrell Owens loves the glare of the spotlight, just as much any other primadonna athlete. Though it must be said that Owens has been far more productive a player despite the controversy of his stay in Dallas with the Cowboys. Ocho for his part has whined about his wish either to be traded or at times just to be shown more respect by the organization. Well he ought to remember that respect is a two way street. It has to be earned before it can be given. Thus far he has done little to earn the respect of the fans, much less the Bengals’ organization.

Considering that it wasn’t that long ago that the Bengals were being talked about as a legitimate contender for a playoff berth. And also perhaps as a perennial contender within the AFC North Division as a divisonal champion. What has led to their fall from grace, may well have been complacency on the part of the players as well as Lewis’ coaching and that of the recurring injuries to several key players on the team’s roster. Disciplinary wise also , Lewis has been less than forthright in demanding accountability for his players’ actions both on and off the field. And obviously when left to their own devices . The players are about as trustworthy as Josef Mengele was at the Nazi death camps during the Second World War.

This upcoming season not only will Chad Ocho Cinco be seeking redemption . But also too will be the entire Bengals organization in large part. They’ve continued to unserachieve. Meanwhile Ocho continues to crave the limelight at the expense of his teammates and team camarderie . Leadership on this Bengals’ team is about as easy to spot as it would be surmise when and where there’ll be peace in the Middle East. Absolutely no one on the team is prepared to assume that leadership role. Carson Palmer for all all of his unassuming demeanor is no more than his successor at USC , Matt Leinart, just another pretty boy on the field. And whose assumed leadership skills both on and off the field have been about as welcoming as the bubonic plague.

Bengals' running back edric Benson look to evade the defense in an NFL game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Scott Thompson ......

As to the fate of the Bengals this upcoming season. Where they’ll have to contend with the reigning Superbowl champions the Pittsburgh Steelers within the AFC North. As well as with their other divsional rivals in the guise of the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. It can be said that they should they fail to acquit themselves adequately this upcoming season. We may well see the parting of the ways of the coach as well as perhaps the team’s most vocal player. And even with the desired belief that the team did relatively well in the NFL Draft. Where their most impressive acquistion was that of Trojans’ linebacker Rey Maualuga . It has to be said that there’ll have to be immediate returns not only this particular draftee. But also several of their other acquistions if this team is to really fare well.