When the biggest play of a NFL football game is an extra point, there's a good chance it was a dull contest. Such was the case in rainy Foxboro, Massachusetts as the Cincinnati Bengals edged the New England Patriots by a 7-6 score. The big play of the game? A point after touchdown by the Bengals backup kicker, none other than wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.
After the game, the always entertaining Chad Ochocinco talked about his love for European soccer:
"'Esteban' Ochocinco is back, the most interesting footballer in the world. Everyone has to remember, I've always said that soccer is my No. 1 sport. I think Ronaldinho would be proud of me right now."
To punctuate his fondness for the sport known as football in the rest of the world, Ochocinco whipped out his iPhone to display a picture of him with former England captain David Beckham. He then continued his comedy routine:
"Soccer's my first love, Kicking's easy ... like riding a bike. I can kick them from 50, 60 yards, left or right hash mark. ... I kicked all through high school."
Ochocinco was pressed into service as a placekicker when Shane Graham complained of a sore groin in pregame warm-ups. Rather than take any chances, head coach Marvin Lewis let Ochocinco take his place. Ochocinco also played a few series at his usual position, catching three passes for 69 yards.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, another emergency placekicker, wasnt buying Ochocincos talk about kicking being easy:
"It's not easy. To kick that is something, and he got real good height on it."
The Patriots could only manage two FGs, while Cincinnati scored their only touchdown on JT OSullivans 24 yard pass to Chris Henry. OSullivan was also amused by Ochocinco's PAT, but emphasized that his receivers athletic versatility is no joke:
"Nothing surprises me. All joking aside, he still kicked the ball through the uprights and it ended up winning the game. Some people might think its funny, but it's important."
Cincinnati will kick off their NFL regular season schedule on Sunday, September 13th as they host the Denver Broncos. The Patriots will get their campaign underway on Monday, September 14th as they play the Buffalo Bills at home.
After the game, the always entertaining Chad Ochocinco talked about his love for European soccer:
"'Esteban' Ochocinco is back, the most interesting footballer in the world. Everyone has to remember, I've always said that soccer is my No. 1 sport. I think Ronaldinho would be proud of me right now."
To punctuate his fondness for the sport known as football in the rest of the world, Ochocinco whipped out his iPhone to display a picture of him with former England captain David Beckham. He then continued his comedy routine:
"Soccer's my first love, Kicking's easy ... like riding a bike. I can kick them from 50, 60 yards, left or right hash mark. ... I kicked all through high school."
Ochocinco was pressed into service as a placekicker when Shane Graham complained of a sore groin in pregame warm-ups. Rather than take any chances, head coach Marvin Lewis let Ochocinco take his place. Ochocinco also played a few series at his usual position, catching three passes for 69 yards.
Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, another emergency placekicker, wasnt buying Ochocincos talk about kicking being easy:
"It's not easy. To kick that is something, and he got real good height on it."
The Patriots could only manage two FGs, while Cincinnati scored their only touchdown on JT OSullivans 24 yard pass to Chris Henry. OSullivan was also amused by Ochocinco's PAT, but emphasized that his receivers athletic versatility is no joke:
"Nothing surprises me. All joking aside, he still kicked the ball through the uprights and it ended up winning the game. Some people might think its funny, but it's important."
Cincinnati will kick off their NFL regular season schedule on Sunday, September 13th as they host the Denver Broncos. The Patriots will get their campaign underway on Monday, September 14th as they play the Buffalo Bills at home.
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a experienced freelance writer who covers travel, casino gambling and NFL football handicapping. He is a consulting handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and deep sea diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.
