T.O.

T.O. signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this week and it seems people have two different views on the signing. On one hand you have people who don't like T.O. the person and as a result, they say they can't figure this signing out at all.

Then you have people like myself that think it's actually a pretty good move if you think the Bengals are trying to make a serious run at a Super Bowl this year. Taking a good look at this offense, there's no way that one can truly say adding T.O. to the mix makes them worse. Imagine the Bengals breaking the huddle with Carson Palmer under center, Cedric Benson in the backfield, Ochocinco and T.O. split out wide, Jordan Shipley (or one of their other receivers) in the slot and Jermaine Gresham at T.E. Who do you cover?

It's become apparent that Antonio Bryant isn't healthy (if he was they wouldn't have a need for T.O. and I'm sure if the Bengals' brass could go back and un-do that signing they would in a heart beat. For whatever reason they haven't given Quan Cosby a true shot at receiver and I kind of see his career somewhat mimicking Wes Welker to a degree in that it may take him getting cut and going to a team that knows how to properly use him prior to him having a true impact in the league from the receiver position.

A lot of people have painted T.O. as a continued distraction but I think they are still having glimpses of T.O. from several years ago. Typically in his first year with a new team he's always a model citizen and realistically, I really have a hard time believing he is such a cancer to a team. Sure we've all seen the blow ups but by and large all he wants to do is win and strongly feels that he can be a big part of a team's success. I'd have to say that in most circumstances, I have to agree with him. T.O. managed to put up decent numbers last year despite the worst QB situation he's been in. Hell, it was the worst team situation he's been in. You didn't hear him causing any ruckus. He just did the best with what he had. From everything I can see he's calmed down a bit and realizes that his career is on the downswing and now he wants a ring.

I think this move obviously helps Carson Palmer and T.O. probably wouldn't be in Cincinnati now had Palmer not vouched for him since their recent work outs together in Los Angeles. T.O. on the other side of the field makes it damn near impossible to double team Ochocinco or shade coverage his direction so his numbers and production should improve as well. Having a tight end that can stretch the seam like Jermaine Gresham will keep any safety honest and all of them combined make it that much more difficult to stuff the box which could bode very well for the running game.

If everything goes according to plan, Cincinnati could make a lot of noise this year. People are quick to forget that Cincinnati swept their division last year. The addition of T.O. can't make them any worse offensively.

Look out NFL fans. The newest reality TV show will be on your screen every Sunday this fall and T.O. is the newest co-star.

-M.G.M.