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Super Bowl 2012: What If ... Chad Ochocinco Is The Key For Patriots?

Would you really put it past Bill Belichick? We've all learned by now that Belichick does the unexpected. So would it really be that much of a stretch to see Chad Ochocinco, the wide receiver who has done nothing all season long, be the key to the New England Patriots' victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday?

Ochocinco had 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown in the entire regular season. Ocho's number of tweets per minute is likely higher than his total catches. It was that bad. So much for the former Pro Bowler making an impact, huh?

Well, now, wait a minute. Talent doesn't just abandon someone. After all, this is a man who has 11,059 career receiving yards and 67 touchdowns on 766 career receptions. Ochocinco was always a Belichick fan, and he wanted to be here.

It just doesn't add up that Ochocinco had that kind of regular season given all those factors. There's the fact that Ocho was too busy enjoy the non football fame that comes with playing in the NFL. He certainly has done plenty of that.

Or, maybe, Ochocinco was here for this very reason. Belichick knew that he had enough receiving talent to get the job done in the regular season with the likes of Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch.

Chances are, some Giants players have already counted out Ochocinco. With the release of Tiquan Underwood, it appears as if Ochocinco might be dressing for the Super Bowl. The cards are starting to fall into place.

Granted, this is mere speculation. Maybe Ochocinco doesn't even dress. But if he does, and knowing Belichick, you shouldn't be surprised to see No. 85 have the biggest game of his career. In Bill we trust.

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