TEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

My reaction to the Bengals’ signing of Terrell Owens is somewhat delayed, but it’s with good reason. It’s taken me this long to decide whether I consider this to be good news or bad news. In case the title of this post wasn’t enough of an indication, I’ve decided that I like the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals signed Terrell Owens to a one year contract. Since reports first surfaced that the Bengals were interested, I’ve been conflicted about whether or not I wanted to see this deal happen. That process has continued since the deal became official. The cons are obvious so let's start there.

Bringing in someone with a reputation like TO’s certainly does nothing to dispel the notion that The Queen City is the NFL’s home for wayward miscreants. Signing Pacman Jones and Terrell Owens in the same offseason is in blatant disregard to the idea that character matters when putting together a football team. Throw in the fact that there are now two notorious-diva-wide-receivers-with-reality-shows (hyphenated just in case it becomes a trend that warrants the creation of a new position; kinda like flanker) on the roster and the 2010 Bengals have the makings of a pretty combustible locker room. Anytime people send you condolences or ask things like, “Are they going to sign Ray-J next” (Well played, Sean), there is concern over the quality of the acquisition. Oh yeah, there’s also the fact that the dude is 36 years old, has declining statistics and may no longer be a legitimate NFL receiver. These are all valid points and unfortunately I wouldn’t be too terribly surprised if any were self-fulfilling prophecies.

All of that said I respectfully disagree. I have no choice, really. The preseason is a time for optimism so I have to convince myself that signing TO makes my team a real contender. In this case, though, I really do believe it. Seriously. I think.

The Bengals have been quietly compiling a track record of reclamation projects that are actually working out (see Benson, Cedric and Johnson, Tank). In fact, a cogent argument can actually be made that signings of that nature are a legitimate strategy. Players with checkered pasts come at a bargain price and are often in last chance mode. The benefits to teams who sign them are twofold. The first benefit (bargain price) is obvious. The less you have to pay for someone the better, especially if that someone rewards you with production. The second benefit (last chance mode) is more likely to be underestimated, but is equally important. As it pertains to T.O., his season in Buffalo went off without incident because he simply has no room for error. He seems to have figured out that the antics that made him expendable in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas will now mean the end of his NFL career if repeated. This works hand in hand with the inexpensive contract. Teams will have no qualms about cutting ties with a guy on a one year, $2 million dollar deal. If T.O. does something to get himself run out of Cincy, it seems pretty clear that nobody else will give him another chance. Hopefully having to wait until the day before training camp to get signed sent a message to T.O. that NFL teams aren’t exactly clamoring for his services.

As to the argument that he is past his prime, I will counter with two words: Buffalo Bills. The chances of anyone putting up big numbers in the Bills offense last year were remote. The chances of anyone putting up numbers with Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing to him are zilch. Let me throw some stats at you. In 2007, with Carson Palmer playing QB, Chad Ochocinco caught 93 passes for 1,440 yards. In 2008, with Ryan Fitzpatrick starting a bulk of the games, Senor Ochocinco caught 53 balls for 540 yards. In 2009, with Carson back at the helm, Chad bounced back to catch to catch 72 passes for 1047 yards. Long story short: Ryan Fitzpatrick is terrible. To judge T.O.'s ability based on last year's numbers will not paint an accurate picture.

So there you have it, folks. In a mere 700+ words, I convinced myself to be happy that my favorite team signed a new wide receiver. I'm glad that's settled. I can now go back to thinking about other important things, like which English Premier League team will be my new favorite. I was told in English class that what I just did is called foreshadowing. Until next time...

My popcorn is ready Mr. O. Who Dey.