Cinco de Why-o
Philadelphia Inquirer Sports Columnist Bob Ford writes about the Eagles, the Phillies, the Sixers and the Flyers.
Cinco de Why-o
Bob Ford, Inquirer Sports Columnist
Is it a rule, is it written somewhere, that if you are an elite wide receiver in the NFL -- or at least one rumored to be possibly, potentially, maybe joining the Eagles -- you also have to be nuts?
Or does it just seem that way.
We have no sooner gotten past the Plaxico-to-Eagles rumors (as opposed to the Plaxico-to-Attica rumors), have barely finished scraping the Terrell Owens residue from the clubhouse walls, and now we're supposed to hop up and down because Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson might be interested in joining the Eagles?
I don't think so.
The Eagles have a bunch of things they will have to deal with before the 2009 season begins, from a front office point of view. They're going to have to finesse the whole Donovan contract thing, which may exhaust their Distractions-R-Us patience.
Adding the Cinco man -- who has skipped the Cincinnati voluntary workouts for the second straight year -- sounds like about as much fun as spending time in a Waco motel.
Chad is 31 years old and is coming off his least productive season as a professional. Not having Carson Palmer to throw him the ball most of the season didn't help, of course, but Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn't that bad.
The idea behind trading for Johnson/Cinco -- upgrading the Eagles receivers -- is fine. But is the team really going to add a potentially disruptive force for short-term gain? The Eagles have tried that before and didn't much like it. They know that sometimes good intentions can go awry.
As for giving up anything like one of the first-round picks to get Chad, that's out of the question. Maybe the Eagles are hearing that McNabb would like to have him on the team. Maybe they are hearing it directly from McNabb. Maybe they are hearing it in a typical passive-aggressive manner from the quarterback's media moles. Maybe they have to play along with the rumors to keep things from bubbling over so early in the going.
Whatever the case, this should be a story headed nowhere, at least until the next prima donna, underappreciated, over-egoed wide receiver comes along.
Comments (58)
if he's available the FO wouldnt be doing their job not to inquire what it would take to get him..he's better than any wr on the roster...a 1st round pick is too high but any other pick would be reasonable he's still got a lot left in the tank and he is not a disruptive force like T.O....chad just wants to play w/ a winner...after playing in cincy can u blame him 4 wanting to get out?...chad showed up and played all last year and u didnt hear anything negative about him...b4 last year the guy was putting up close to 100 catches and over 1000 yds a year....— the tru 1- bob - why not? he's an upgrade, will be had for cheaper than expected, will draw serious attention from defenses, is buddy buddy with Mcnabb. at this point with mcnabbs career winding down, its worth taking another chance. the key is getting him for cheap so they can spend their ammo on solidifying the o line and complimenting westy in the backfield. i say at most he'd command a 2nd rounder but prob will go for less.— ag
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your quote, " ... Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn't that bad" is true. He was worse! Only ranked #31 QB (QB Rating) in 2008. Bad is too kind a word. Spend ten minutes to do some research! Jeeeez!!- Comment removed.
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- Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 59 percent of his passes. He didn't throw that many interceptions. His rating (which is a flawed measure) wasn't high because he didn't have a lot of touchdowns. He wasn't that bad. I'm not complimenting him. I'm just saying he wasn't THAT bad. It's not like I compared him to Johnny Unitas. And, yes, I do want a receiver upgrade. The question is why do they always have to be crazy?— Bob Ford
- Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahaah! thanks for the laugh today!— losteagle
- Hey Bob stop sipping on the Kool Aid— stackhouse
- people forget football is played on the field and not in the media. the media is about soap opera and preferences of people who dont play. preferences have people who dont play say we dont want this guy just because of perception. on the field talent rules and mr johnson represents talent that the eagles dont have.— mongoS
- Is Bob somehow related to Howard Eskin?— uCanTseeMe19
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- BOB, I think your being way too superficial here. You've never heard of Chad getting into any trouble off the field. You've never seen him pubicly throw teammates under the bus for his own gain. If I'm not mistaken, I don't remember hearing a major gripe out of Ocho these past few loosing seasons in Cinci. He even goes out and plays thru injuries. My god, how is he a distraction??? Because he likes to celebrate after a TD and has gold teeth??? Please...you just lost all credibility for saying that Ryan Fitzpatrick "wasn't that bad". Quit getting caught up in the stereotypes of wide receiver's and try to examine the people they really are. He would be a tremensous asset to our club.— pointblank
- C'mon Bob, let's be honest here. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 1900 yards in 12 starts; that's awful...and it's no reflection of Chad Johnson's ability or productivity. From 2005-2007, Johnson AVERAGED 1412 yards per season. For context, Mike Quick's franchise record is 1409 yards. I understand if you don't want another diva wide receiver; that's a valid concern. Let's not make arguments that are completely undermined by the facts, though.— Burrito_77
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- We don't want or need him, If I recall, he had a torn labrum last year, some quick research has shown that he never had surgery on that injury. This is 30 yr old damaged goods. One attempt to reach for a slug burner will quickly rip that apart and he will be lost for good. Whether you think Fitzpatrick is good or not, he at least got his team into position to win the game in overtime.— Onlineps2beast
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- mongoS said it best. he plays through injuries, is buddies with donovan and is better than all our receivers. go get'em.— ag
- I may be wrong, but the majority of the "great" receivers in the NFL the last 20 years have been a lil crazy. The position is filled with eccentric individuals: Michael Irvin, Andre Rison (while on the falcons), Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, Plaxico Burress to name a few. Besides being crazy, the other thing they all have in common is being able to take over a game and make the big catch at the end of the game!! I don't have any problem with the birds going after Ocho with a 2nd-3rd rounder or lower if they can swing it. Johnson knows he can't get away with the things he did in Cinci because, well look at the Birds track record and Andy runs a tighter ship. Take the chance: Crazy or not— reggiedunlop
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- This "story" is not coming from the Eagles or McNabb...just the fantasies and delusions of reporters. I tend to think that 80% of these "rumors" are just reporters making up things when they have nothing else to write. It's always conveniently from an anonymous or unnamed source. Chad Johnson is a head case. He is a selfish player. He puts himself above the team. He is more worried about stats and TD dances than he is about winning games. Anyone who goes to the lengths he does to choreograph routines and sidelines antics and then this ridiculous name change...well, somebody like that is spending much more mental thought on himself than he is on trying to win football games. Been there, done that. Johnson is 31 and his skills are going to start diminishing soon...if he's not already there. Even if the Eagles trade for him, they won't sign him to a 5-6 year megadeal and that's what he wants. So it will be TO all over again. Johnson has shown for the last 2 seasons what he's like when he doesn't get his way. Trading for Johnson would be a desperation move and a team that was one drive away from going to the Superbowl last season doesn't need to be making desperation moves.— JimG
- my 5th grade daughter wirtes better than this author.... She knows more about football too...— eagles4lives
- Comparing Chad Ocho Cinco's brand of crazy to TO's is like comparing apples to oranges. TO destroys teams with his negative energy, while Ocho Cinco rubs (some) people the wrong way with his attention seeking antics. If he can be had for a good price, then let's make it happen.— djsaitta
He's worth a shot. Only other time we tried this it took us to the Super Bowl. But sometimes I think this eagles organization is content with just being adequate, as long as the money keeps rolling in they could care less.- If Johnson was to get traded and someone else had really solid had 85, could he be called Ocho Cinco and wear a different #? Wouldn't want 85 either. So many of these top WR's rarely play for great teams. Makes you wonder?— hawk18
Ocho Cinco? Absolutely! Fat Boy has always said he wants "good citizen" type players. So do I. But, I manage a sales office and I have to work with the eccentrics, who may be a pain in my arse, but they deliver! I just figured out "Big Red's" problem. He wants the "good boys" because they're easy to manage. If somebody's a bit out of the box, he can't handle it. Ocho is eccentric, but he ain't no TO. Open the wallet, Joey Nickles, sign him. If "Fat Boy" can handle him, get a Coach who can! I'm available. One crummy million guaranteed. If I can't do it, I'll split after a year and retire. You'll save a lot of money!— Nihilist
Bob, to your point that Chad Johnson has missed voluntary workouts for the 2nd straight year: Voluntary is NOT Mandatory - why is it that this aspect of an NFL club's annual process is so scrutinized? This article is essentially worthless - like I said in another dim-witted article much like this one: Johnson just wants to win, he's tired of losing in Cincy. Plus, wouldn't you want to be in a city where the delicacy is cheesesteaks and not spaghetti with chili on top?- After 32 comments, the results are 23 to 4 in favor of signing Ocho. Nuff said! Didn't count Bob Ford's comments or those who just spouted off. We need fun! We need entertainment! Joey Nickles! Write a check! If we're wrong, it's not like you've won a bunch of Lombardi's and can say "I told you so"! Besides, I'm still caught up in the REAL "Gold Standard" team across the street!— Nihilist
- Ocho is 'oucho" and not even 'Groucho' . . . he's a turkey, not an Eagle. Patience is a virtue that most eagles fans lack . . . Let's se what the draft brings . . . if Moreno falls into our hands people will forget that 'dodo cinco' and be dancing in the streets. Thumbs down to that squirt ;-)— petergou
- The dudes got talent and he'd fit right in and contribute . But who wants to put up with his shennanigans ?? Give him a 3 year deal contingent upon zero post TD comic routines.Ie act like a pro and not a clown..— MJPD345
- Johnson would make way more sense than TJ would have. He's a bigger receiver that would definitely command a defense's attention, and create more one-on-one matchups for D-Jax on the outside. Why not go get him? How awful could he possibly be other than the ridiculous name change?— jonnyb0916
- Is it just me or is the WR always the position of problem players?— bvl390
- Adding Moreno does nothing to upgrade the receiving corps. He's a running back and a rookie at that— jonnyb0916
- quiero ocho cinco— Will.i.Am
- bob ford is a moron,lets see, the lat time we had a talented wr we went to the superbowl— bdawkisgod
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- "But Chad's never had any off the field issues! He's never thrown any teammates under the bus! All #1 receivers are crazy, anyways!" Is that really what I'm hearing from you guys? First, it's true Chad has never had any off-the-field issues, but neither has Terrell "Bridge Burner" Owens. Second, Chad has, in fact, tossed teammates under the bus, including his quarterback, Carson Palmer, last season during his whole "I want to be traded" rampage. Third, it's true there are plenty of top receivers with attitudes, but let's look back to fairly recent history...Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Isaac Bruce, Derrick Mason, among others. Know what they have in common? All receivers who, during their primes (some still in their prime), were elite receivers who haven't had ANY attitude problems or off the field issues (I don't count Harrison because his incident happened well after his prime years) I don't know if I'd want Ocho Cinco or not, but don't immediately dismiss arguments against him coming.— moderndaymesh
- Here we go again with the receivers. When are the Eagle fans going to realize the Eagles do not need top notch receivers. Andy has been very successful with having numerous mediocre or just below average receivers and spreading the ball around. After all look at all the division championship and super bowls the Eagles have won. Oh yeah, only one divisional championship and no super bowl rings. Never mind!— mindstorms
- Bob, let me copy/paste your bio: "Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out." Oh how correct you are! He's 31, never disruptive, just wants to have chance to win....Lets help him out!— bonnerlou
- if you dont want him,, then please dont show him doing to a defender what no WR on this team can do!!!! get it right.— osi is hurt boohoo
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- oh no thank you mr ocho stinko you are not taking the spotlight off of donovan.no i don't think so.— bigmama5
- Please no.....please no.— gulls3012
- He still has an torn labrum in his shoulder that he has yet to have surgery on. He's 31 had a bad year and a torn labrum in his shoulder just all-around damaged goods. I would pass on this one— Nothing but the truth
- I am more amused by the people who say that Donovan is getting old. FYI- Donovan is 32, Peyton is 33, Brady is 31, Brees is 30. I dont hear anyone saying any of those guys are getting old....— pattymac24
- I can't believe one bad experience with T.O. has made this team too scared to get talented wide receivers. Yes, T.O. was a disaster, but that doesn't mean every star wideout has to be a "distraction". Didn't people say the same thing about Randy Moss before New England? I'm not saying we give up a 1st or 2nd round pick, but if he could be gotten for a third and Brown, I'd take it.— Rombo
- Bob, I agree 100%. If Fitzpatrick was so bad why were Housh's numbers awesome as usual and El Stinkos terrible. If they were going to pick up a Cincy receiver the could have signed the younger, still talented Housh without giving up anything. My god,if you going to dream about trading for a receiver, dream Boldin, a true difference maker.— mikeyboy
- hey Wes.... Thanks for the morning chuckle! "Wes Mantooth 06:23 PM, 04/09/2009 49 was the winning number. I am sorry folks for that misunderstanding. We are looking for the individual who had 49 minutes for the philly10 caps lock post. How ironic is it that his name isn't in caps lock????"— Warhound
- Chad Johnson would be a perfect fit here in Philly but who are we kidding ....we will let new York get him so he can toast our azzes twice a year— baldingeagle
Wes Mantooth - LMFAO with the philly10 posts!!— wokmaster- Wake up folks. Johnson is NOT an upgrade in the sense that T.O. was an upgrade but he is as much of a locker room cancer as T.O. Colorful he ain't, crazy he is. He's a good WR but not a great WR. I can wait for someone else. The Eagles didn't miss going to the SB because of offense. It was the D that let it get away. That's what I worry about.— mannoman
- Bob Ford blog? No thanks. Just kiddin', don't agree with you but like your blog.— johnnysanz3
- 4-12, 2-14, 8-8, 8-8, 11-5, 8-8, 7-9, 4-11-1. Can you blame Ochenta y Cinco for losing patience with the Bengals?— MaddenFL
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About this blog
Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
Reach Bob at bford@phillynews.com.
Bob Ford
Inquirer Sports Columnist
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