

Miami Dolphins player Chad Ochocinco catches a pass during NFL football practice in Davie, Fla. on Tuesday. (J Pat Carter/AP)

On Monday, the newest member of the Dolphins receiving corps spoke with the media in a brief post-practice session and from the sounds of it, he’s getting along just fine with his new teammates.

The six-time Pro Bowl wideout said he’s “developing Brokeback Mountain-type chemistry with the players,” which must mean things are just peachy.

Ochocinco, who was a near non-factor in his one-year stint with the New England Patriots, said he is eager to get back to being Chad Johnson. On Tuesdsay, he showed flashes of his former playmaking self when he caught a deep post over the middle and made several nice catches with the second-team offense.

“It feels good to have a fresh start, and I’m looking to do whatever I can to improve, not only on my game but to help this organization get back to where they want to be,” he said.

The 34-year-old Miami native caught a career-low 15 passes for 276 yards and a single touchdown for the Patriots after catching at least 53 balls in the previous nine seasons.

The Dolphins drafted Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill with the 8th overall selection in last month’s draft as they look to address revolving door under center. Incumbent Matt Moore and veteran David Garrard will also compete for snaps in camp.



Veteran QB David Garrard said Ochocinco is “still very quick out of his breaks.” (J Pat Carter/AP)

“The things I’ve seen of him, moving around the field, he’s still very quick out of his breaks,” Garrard, also 34, told the Palm Beach Post. “That’s usually the No. 1 decline for an older receiver, and I don’t see that.

“I also don’t see it with the hands, because he’s making some catches, going up over DBs and making the catch. Those are the things you want to see him do, and he’s still doing it.”

A childhood fan of Dan Marino’s Dolphins, Ochocinco said he’s focused on regaining his past form, and he’s looking forward to the opportunity to do so wearing Miami colors.

“To be able to wear the teal and orange is a pretty good feeling,” he said.

(H/T @RapSheet)

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